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Glossy chocolate-glazed ledene kocke squares stacked on a wooden board with cocoa dusted over the top.

Ledene Kocke: Croatian Apricot Chocolate Squares

A chilled Croatian bar cookie with a buttery shortcrust base, apricot jam, and a firm cooked chocolate glaze on top.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 171

Ingredients
  

Shortcrust Base
  • 300 g all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 150 g unsalted butter cold, cubed
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks large
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Jam Layer and Chocolate Glaze
  • 200 g apricot jam smooth, strained if chunky
  • 150 g granulated sugar for the glaze
  • 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 100 ml whole milk
  • 60 g unsalted butter for the glaze

Method
 

Bake the Shortcrust Base
  1. Heat the oven to 180 C / 356 F. Line a 33 x 23 cm / 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides to lift the slab out later.
  2. Rub the cold cubed butter into the flour, 100 g sugar, baking powder, and salt with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix with a fork, then knead briefly in the bowl until the dough just comes together and isn't sticky.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the lined pan and prick it all over with a fork.
  5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center feels set when lightly pressed.
  6. Cool the crust completely in the pan, about 30 minutes. Spreading jam on a warm crust melts it into a thin, uneven layer, so wait until it's fully cool.
Add the Jam and Chocolate Glaze
  1. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the cooled crust in a thin, even layer.
  2. Combine the glaze sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and 60 g butter in a 2-quart / 2L saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking often, until it's glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Pour the hot glaze over the jam layer and tilt the pan gently so it reaches every edge.
  5. Chill uncovered for 30 minutes until the glaze surface sets, then cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully firm.
  6. Lift the slab out using the parchment overhang. Cut into small squares, about 4 cm / 1.5 inches each, wiping the knife clean between cuts. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Cool the baked crust fully before adding jam or it melts into the dough.
  • Simmer the glaze 2 to 3 minutes until it coats a spoon before pouring.
  • Chill at least 4 hours, overnight is better, before cutting into squares.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.