Go Back

Chocolate Fudge Bars

These chocolate fudge bars are rich, velvety treats made by melting high-quality chocolate and butter, then mixing in sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder. The mixture is spread into a pan and baked briefly to set, resulting in a glossy, fudgy texture with slightly cracked edges and a satisfying bite. Perfect for nostalgic moments and simple indulgence, they come together with minimal fuss and lots of love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g butter salted or unsalted, as preferred
  • 200 g dark chocolate high-quality bar for best flavor
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 25 g unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed preferred
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch salt enhances flavor
  • optional nuts or dried fruit for mixing in or topping

Equipment

  • Baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This keeps the fudge from sticking and makes slicing a breeze.
  2. In a saucepan over very low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate together, stirring gently. Keep the heat low to prevent seizing; you'll see a glossy, smooth mixture develop after about 5 minutes.
  3. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until everything is fully combined and the mixture is velvety and fragrant.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, smoothing out the top and tapping the pan gently on the counter to settle the mixture and eliminate air bubbles.
  5. Bake the fudge in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. The edges should look set but the center remains slightly soft, ensuring a fudgy texture.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. For even better results, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  7. Once cooled and set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
  8. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped nuts on top of the fudge squares while they’re still slightly warm or right after removing from the fridge to add a burst of flavor and texture.
  9. Serve the fudge at room temperature for a rich, gooey experience, or keep it chilled for a firmer bite. Enjoy these nostalgic, homemade chocolate treats!