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Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares are the ultimate cold-weather treat—rich, creamy, and packed with nostalgic hot cocoa flavor. This recipe delivers a smooth chocolate base, a soft marshmallow-studded center, and a decadent drizzle on top. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or satisfying a chocolate craving. Thanks to simple pantry staples, quick preparation, and guaranteed crowd appeal, this fudge also works exceptionally well for food bloggers and website owners who want to attract high-intent traffic and maximize Google AdSense revenue through high CPC keywords like “easy holiday desserts,” “no-bake chocolate fudge,” and “homemade Christmas treats.”
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate and classic hot cocoa flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make, require only a few minutes of hands-on work, and don’t involve any stovetop cooking. This recipe is also ideal for:
- Holiday dessert platters
- Edible gifts
- Potlucks and parties
- Make-ahead treats
- High-traffic recipe content for food blogs
With their smooth texture and irresistible marshmallow topping, these fudge squares have wide audience appeal and perform extremely well on dessert-focused websites.
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Ingredients Breakdown
Chocolate Chips
A blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips creates depth of flavor—sweet, but not overly sugary. Semi-sweet provides a richer base, while milk chocolate adds creaminess.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This ingredient binds everything together and guarantees a silky-smooth texture. It eliminates the need for traditional stovetop fudge techniques.
Hot Chocolate Mix
This is the star of the recipe. It intensifies the cocoa flavor and gives the fudge its signature “hot chocolate” taste.
Butter
Salted butter adds richness and enhances the sweetness without overpowering it.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Mini Marshmallows
Folded into the fudge and scattered on top, they mimic classic hot cocoa with marshmallows.
Chocolate Drizzle
A simple mixture of melted chocolate chips and oil creates a glossy, easy-to-pour topping.
Tips and Tricks
- For ultra-smooth fudge, stir slowly and avoid incorporating too much air.
- If using a glass bowl in the microwave, heat in shorter intervals to prevent overheating.
- Press the marshmallows lightly into the surface so they stay in place when slicing.
- A hot, clean knife ensures perfect edges for gift boxes or holiday dessert trays.
- Allow the fudge to chill completely before cutting to achieve sharp, clean squares.
Variations and Customizations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge: Add crushed peppermint candies or a few drops of peppermint extract.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Replace the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce before adding the chocolate drizzle.
- Rocky Road Style: Fold chopped nuts into the mixture for added crunch.
- Spicy Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate twist.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a warm-weather dessert.
- Include on dessert boards with cookies, truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
- Wrap individually for holiday gift baskets, teacher gifts, or office treats.Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Room Temperature: Safe for up to 2 days if kept in a cool, dry space.Popular Questions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a 9 x 13 inch pan and increase all ingredients proportionally.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely. You can swap in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination to suit your preference.
Do I have to use hot chocolate mix?
Yes, it provides the signature flavor. Cocoa powder is not a direct substitute because it lacks sweetness and creaminess.
How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?
Avoid overheating the chocolate, and always stir thoroughly between microwaving intervals.
Hot Chocolate Fudge Squares
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Add semi-sweet chips, milk chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, hot chocolate mix, and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 45-second intervals until melted (2½–3 minutes total).
- Stir in vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Gently fold 2 cups miniature marshmallows into the chocolate mixture.
- Microwave for 20–30 seconds to help the marshmallows soften and distribute.
- Spread mixture into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle remaining 2 cups marshmallows over the top and press lightly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.
- Lift fudge out with parchment and transfer to a cutting board.
- Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the marshmallows and let set.
- Slice into 25 squares and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
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