Mini Fudge Bars are the ultimate treat for those who crave rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent desserts. Perfect for gifting, festive platters, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars combine a rocky road-style base with a silky fudge topping. The contrasting textures, from the chewy, nutty base to the smooth, rich fudge layer, create a dessert that will undoubtedly become a crowd favorite. Whether you are planning a holiday bake or just want to spoil yourself with something decadent, this Mini Fudge Bars recipe will deliver in spades.
What are Mini Fudge Bars?
Mini Fudge Bars are a decadent dessert made of two distinct layers: a rocky road-style base and a rich, silky fudge topping. The base is a combination of biscuits, mixed nuts, mini marshmallows, and chocolate, while the fudge topping is a creamy blend of golden caster sugar, double cream, butter, and a touch of vanilla extract. The result is a dessert that balances both chewy and smooth textures with a hint of salt to elevate the flavors. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just an indulgent treat to share with loved ones.
The Origin of Mini Fudge Bars
Fudge has been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots tracing back to the United States in the 19th century. The word “fudge” itself is thought to have originated from the verb “to fudge,” meaning “to spoil or fail,” which was likely used to describe the process of making the treat when the first version was accidentally created. Over time, fudge has evolved into countless variations, with Mini Fudge Bars being a modern take on the classic. This recipe combines the traditional concept of fudge with a fun and festive twist, incorporating elements like rocky road-style base, marshmallows, and nuts to create a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make these Mini Fudge Bars, gather the following ingredients:
For the Rocky Road Base:
- 50g slightly salted butter, diced
- 125g assorted biscuits, chopped (e.g., digestive biscuits or graham crackers)
- 75g mixed nuts, halved if large (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 75g milk chocolate, chopped
- 75g dark chocolate, chopped
- 75g golden syrup
- 40g mini marshmallows
For the Fudge Layer:
- 225g golden caster sugar
- 200ml double cream
- 25g butter
- 2 tsp liquid glucose
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (or bean paste)
- Pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Creating these Mini Fudge Bars is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow the steps below to make this indulgent dessert from scratch.
1. Prep the Tin:
- Butter and line a 20cm square tin with non-stick baking paper. This ensures that the bars can be easily removed once they’ve set.
2. Make the Rocky Road Base:
- Bash biscuits into chunks: Start by breaking the biscuits into rough chunks. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to bash them, or simply break them by hand.
- Mix with marshmallows and nuts: In a large bowl, combine the biscuit chunks with the mini marshmallows and halved mixed nuts. This will create the chewy, crunchy texture that forms the base of your bars.
- Melt chocolates, butter, and syrup: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the milk chocolate, dark chocolate, butter, and golden syrup until smooth. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour over dry mixture: Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit, marshmallow, and nut mix. Stir gently until everything is well-coated.
- Press into the tin: Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and press it down firmly with a spoon or the back of a glass to ensure the base is compact and evenly distributed.
- Chill: Place the tin in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until the base has set and hardened.
3. Make the Fudge Layer:
- Heat sugar, cream, butter, and glucose: In a saucepan, combine the golden caster sugar, double cream, butter, and liquid glucose. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Boil to 116°C: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Let it boil until it reaches 116°C (this is important for the fudge texture).
- Cool to 110°C: Once the fudge has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool to 110°C.
- Stir in vanilla and sea salt: Stir in the vanilla extract (or bean paste) and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Mix until well incorporated.
- Beat until thick: Beat the mixture with a whisk until it thickens and becomes matte, which should take about 10 minutes. The fudge will begin to set as it cools.
4. Pour over the Chilled Base:
- Once the fudge has thickened to the right consistency, pour it over the chilled rocky road base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the base in a smooth layer.
5. Set and Slice:
- Let the fudge bars cool at room temperature overnight to ensure the fudge layer sets properly.
- Once set, slice into mini bars or squares, depending on your preferred serving size.
Variations of Mini Fudge Bars
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, you can make a few adjustments to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some variations:
1. Nut-Free Version:
If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can easily make these bars nut-free by omitting the mixed nuts. Instead, add more biscuits or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added texture.
2. Vegan Mini Fudge Bars:
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate. You can also replace the double cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative.
3. Adding More Flavor:
For extra flavor, you can incorporate cinnamon, espresso powder, or orange zest into the fudge mixture. These small additions can give your fudge bars a unique twist and cater to a variety of flavor preferences.
4. Different Base Combinations:
Feel free to swap out the traditional biscuits with other crunchy elements like graham crackers, pretzels, or even crushed-up caramel popcorn for a more exciting base. Similarly, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for different fudge layer experiences.
FAQs About Mini Fudge Bars
1. How long do Mini Fudge Bars last?
Mini Fudge Bars will last for about 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container in a cool place. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.
2. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for milk chocolate and dark chocolate, you can experiment with white chocolate, ruby chocolate, or even chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a richer taste.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, Mini Fudge Bars are ideal for preparing in advance. They need time to chill and set, making them the perfect treat to prepare a day or two ahead of time.
4. Can I add fruits like dried cranberries?
Yes! Dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins can be added to the rocky road base for extra chewiness and flavor.
5. How can I make my bars firmer?
If you prefer a firmer fudge texture, reduce the amount of double cream slightly or increase the cooking temperature when boiling the sugar mixture. The longer you cook it, the firmer it will set.
Conclusion: Mini Fudge Bars
Mini Fudge Bars are a delightful, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. With a combination of chewy biscuit base, crunchy nuts, melty marshmallows, and a smooth, creamy fudge topping, these bars offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, gifting them in a festive box, or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves to bake (or simply eat) decadent desserts. Happy baking!
Print
Mini Fudge Bars – Detailed Recipe: A Deliciously Indulgent Treat
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Fudge Bars are a decadent dessert made of two distinct layers: a rocky road-style base and a rich, silky fudge topping. The base is a combination of biscuits, mixed nuts, mini marshmallows, and chocolate, while the fudge topping is a creamy blend of golden caster sugar, double cream, butter, and a touch of vanilla extract. The result is a dessert that balances both chewy and smooth textures with a hint of salt to elevate the flavors. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just an indulgent treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
🍪 For the Rocky Road Base:
- 50g slightly salted butter, diced
- 125g assorted biscuits, chopped
- 75g mixed nuts (halved if large)
- 75g milk chocolate, chopped
- 75g dark chocolate, chopped
- 75g golden syrup
- 40g mini marshmallows
🧁 For the Fudge Layer:
- 225g golden caster sugar
- 200ml double cream
- 25g butter
- 2 tsp liquid glucose
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or bean paste
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the tin: Butter and line a 20cm square tin with nonstick baking paper.
- Make the base:
- Bash biscuits into chunks.
- Mix with marshmallows and nuts.
- Melt chocolates, butter, and syrup over simmering water until smooth.
- Pour over dry mix, stir, and press into the tin. Chill for 3+ hours.
- Make the fudge:
- Heat sugar, cream, butter, and glucose until dissolved.
- Boil to 116°C, then cool to 110°C.
- Stir in vanilla and salt. Beat until thick and matte (around 60°C).
- Pour over chilled base and smooth.
- Set & slice: Let cool at room temp overnight. Slice into bars.
Notes
These Mini Fudge Bars are the perfect bite-sized indulgence—rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness. You can get creative by adding toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel or peanut butter to make them extra special. Store them in the freezer for a quick treat whenever your sweet tooth strikes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: ~16g
- Sodium: ~45mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~2g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Rocky Road Fudge Bars, Fudge Bars, Easy Fudge Bars, Chewy Fudge Bars, Decadent Fudge Bars
