Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love chocolate, caramel, and a chewy, buttery bite, then you are in for a treat. These candy fudge bars have everything you want—rich chocolate, a gooey center, and a crunch that makes each bite worth it.
And guess what? You don’t need any fancy baking skills to make them. I will show you a simple way to get the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Knife (for slicing)
Important Info
- Servings: 12 bars
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe costs about $10, depending on the ingredients you have at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Additional Time: 30 minutes (cooling time)
- Calories Per Serving: 250
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: VegetarianDiet
How to Make Candy Fudge Bars
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Coconut oil or margarine |
| Brown sugar | Coconut sugar |
| Granulated sugar | Honey or maple syrup |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour |
| Chocolate chips | Chopped chocolate bars |
| Caramel sauce | Dulce de leche |
| Nuts | Seeds or shredded coconut |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix everything together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add the mix-ins. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Spread the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
- Drizzle with caramel. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the batter, using a knife to swirl it into the mixture.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool completely. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Cut and enjoy. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars, then dig in.
Helpful Tips
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing to get clean cuts.
- If you want a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for an hour before serving.
- Use parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan easily.
- If you like extra crunch, add more chopped nuts on top before baking.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
What to Serve with Candy Fudge Bars
These bars go perfectly with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. If you love a little crunch, pair them with some salted pretzels for a sweet-and-salty combo.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve these bars on a dessert platter, in small paper cups for easy grabbing, or wrapped in wax paper if you want to take them on the go. They also make a great homemade gift when wrapped in a cute box.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
Candy fudge bars are perfect for picnics, lunchbox treats, and holiday dessert tables. They are also great for bake sales and birthday parties because they stay fresh for hours without refrigeration.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Refrigeration
- If you want them to last longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 10 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
- Place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without caramel?
Yes, you can skip the caramel or replace it with peanut butter or extra chocolate drizzle for a different twist.
How do I make these bars chewier?
Use more brown sugar than white sugar, and do not overbake them. Slightly underbaking keeps them soft and chewy.
Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips work great if you prefer a sweeter taste. You can also mix both for a fun flavor.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! Kids can help mix the batter, drizzle the caramel, and sprinkle the chocolate chips. Just make sure an adult handles the oven.
Are these bars nut-free?
The recipe includes nuts, but you can leave them out or use seeds instead if you need a nut-free version.
Meta Description
Candy Fudge Bars Recipe – A chewy, chocolatey treat with caramel swirls. Easy to make and perfect for desserts, snacks, or gifting. Ready in 35 minutes!