No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts
Rich, velvety chocolate fudge squares studded with crunchy walnuts, made without baking and ready in under an hour. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers semi-sweet chocolate chips, (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy, and the butter is fully melted.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/8 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 4: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out and cut into 16 squares before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Squares with Walnuts?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
