Description
Indulgent chocolate fudge bars promise rich, velvety layers of pure dessert bliss. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent bite, experiencing a perfect balance of intense flavor and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (250 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts or almonds
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth, whipped texture.
- Introduce vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and evenly distributed.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, gently whisking to create a uniform dry ingredient blend.
- Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal motion to prevent overworking the batter.
- Gently incorporate chocolate chips and chopped nuts throughout the dough, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the lined baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer and pressing the mixture into the corners.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Once fully cooled, lift the parchment to remove the entire batch and slice into precise rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Achieving the perfect texture requires creaming butter and sugar until they’re extremely light and airy, which helps create a tender chocolate bar.
- For gluten-free variations, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor while accommodating dietary needs.
- Using high-quality dark chocolate chips intensifies the chocolate taste and provides delightful melty pockets throughout the bars.
- Toasting nuts before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and provides a delicious crunch, elevating the overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg