These rich and gooey Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix Bars are a quick and irresistible treat made with a handful of pantry staples. Using a white cake mix base, they’re layered with a luscious chocolate and sweetened condensed milk filling, then dotted with more cake batter for a chewy-meets-fudgy texture. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or anytime you need an easy dessert fix!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses budget-friendly ingredients
Rich, fudgy texture in every bite
Minimal prep with cake mix shortcut
Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or freezer treats

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Base and Topping:

1 box white cake mix: Provides the structure for both the base and topping; a shortcut that saves time.
2 large eggs: Help bind the cake mix into a dough-like texture.
⅓ cup oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake layer.
Reserved dough: A small portion is dotted on top for a golden, soft topping.

For the Chocolate Fudge Layer:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Creates a rich, creamy filling with a fudgy consistency.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the milk to create the chocolate layer; semi-sweet balances the overall sweetness.
½ stick butter (4 tablespoons), cut into small pieces: Adds silkiness and depth to the chocolate layer.

Tips and Tricks

Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts when slicing the cooled bars.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salted chocolate twist.
Try lining with parchment paper instead of foil if preferred.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate overload: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white.
Nutty flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the fudge layer.
Swirl it: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking for a PB-chocolate combo.
Holiday twist: Use red and green M&Ms for a festive look.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Great with a drizzle of caramel sauce or raspberry coulis for extra flair.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Gooey, chewy bars with a white cake mix base and a luscious chocolate-condensed milk swirl. Easy, decadent, and perfect for any sweet craving!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz – not evaporated milk)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ stick unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Lightly spray the foil with non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Make the Base

In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil until fully combined.
Press ⅔ of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Set the remaining batter aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ stick butter
Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour the chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the cake base.
Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the top to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Do not overbake—the center should still be soft and fudgy.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Cool completely in the pan.
Use the foil overhang to lift the bars out.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

This Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix Bars recipe is the ultimate shortcut dessert—perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With its luscious fudge center and soft cake topping, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American