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
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Uses budget-friendly ingredients
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Rich, fudgy texture in every bite
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Minimal prep with cake mix shortcut
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Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or freezer treats
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Base and Topping:
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1 box white cake mix: Provides the structure for both the base and topping; a shortcut that saves time.
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2 large eggs: Help bind the cake mix into a dough-like texture.
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⅓ cup oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake layer.
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Reserved dough: A small portion is dotted on top for a golden, soft topping.
For the Chocolate Fudge Layer:
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Creates a rich, creamy filling with a fudgy consistency.
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the milk to create the chocolate layer; semi-sweet balances the overall sweetness.
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½ stick butter (4 tablespoons), cut into small pieces: Adds silkiness and depth to the chocolate layer.
Tips and Tricks
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Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts when slicing the cooled bars.
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Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a salted chocolate twist.
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Try lining with parchment paper instead of foil if preferred.
Variations and Customizations
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Chocolate overload: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white.
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Nutty flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the fudge layer.
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Swirl it: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking for a PB-chocolate combo.
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Holiday twist: Use red and green M&Ms for a festive look.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with cold milk, hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Great with a drizzle of caramel sauce or raspberry coulis for extra flair.
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Wrap bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Popular Questions
Can I use yellow or chocolate cake mix instead?
Absolutely! Yellow or chocolate cake mix works perfectly for added depth of flavor.
Do I need to use foil in the pan?
Foil makes removing and slicing the bars easier, but you can also use parchment paper.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and thaw before serving.