Fudge Shortbread Squares Recipe
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where every treat is crafted with care and flavor! This delightful Fudge Shortbread Squares recipe combines buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a rich, velvety fudge topping. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet indulgence anytime, these squares are sure to be the highlight of your dessert table. Follow the detailed instructions below to create this scrumptious dessert with ease.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 150 small squares
- Category: Bar Cookie
- Cuisine: Canadian, Scottish, European
- Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Christmas, Sweet, Oven, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
Ingredients
Below is the complete list of ingredients for both the shortbread base and the fudge topping.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 3/4 cup |
| Icing sugar (powdered sugar) | 3/4 cup |
| Butter (for base) | 1 cup |
| White sugar (granulated) | 3 1/3 cups |
| Evaporated milk | 385 ml |
| Butter (for fudge topping) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Mini marshmallows | 4 1/4 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 3 1/4 tsp |
| Chocolate (semi-sweet) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Square)
These squares are small but pack a delightful punch of flavor.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65.8 kcal |
| Fat | 2.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.9 mg |
| Sodium | 23.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a 15-inch x 10-inch jelly roll pan evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and icing sugar to ensure even blending.
- Blend Butter: Add the room-temperature butter to the dry mixture. Blend it in using your hands, a pastry blender, or a stand mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Base: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan, ensuring no gaps or uneven spots.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Fudge Topping
- Set Up Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the white sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously to dissolve the sugar.
- Cook the Fudge: Once the mixture begins to boil, continue boiling for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add Marshmallows and Chocolate: Turn off the heat and immediately add the mini marshmallows and chocolate to the pot. Stir vigorously until both have completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Squares
- Pour Topping Over Base: Slowly pour the warm fudge mixture over the baked shortbread base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the assembled squares to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for several hours or overnight to set completely.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
- Cut into Squares: Once the fudge is fully set, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into 1-inch squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
- Store: Place the squares in an airtight container and store them in a cool place. These can be refrigerated for extended freshness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge Shortbread Squares
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature when blending for the shortbread base. This helps achieve a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Constant Stirring for Fudge: Stir the fudge mixture constantly during the boiling stage to prevent scorching and ensure a creamy texture.
- Chilling is Key: For clean cuts and firm squares, allow adequate chilling time—overnight is best.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Fudge Shortbread Squares are a timeless dessert that combines two beloved treats: buttery shortbread and creamy fudge. Their bite-sized portions make them ideal for sharing at parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a special indulgence. Each square is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.
Enjoy making and sharing these irresistible squares from Love With Recipes!
