There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The warm scents of chocolate and coffee wafting through the kitchen, the laughter and chatter of family gathering around—it’s all part of the joy! My absolute favorite treat to whip up during this festive season are these Mocha Fudge Squares. They’re not just any dessert; they’re rich, gooey little bites of happiness that transport you straight into a winter wonderland. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about how the deep chocolate flavor paired perfectly with that hint of coffee. Trust me, once you share these squares, you’ll be the star of the holiday party! They truly bring warmth and festivity to any gathering, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Ingredients for Mocha Fudge Squares
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Mocha Fudge Squares. Gather the following ingredients for a rich, chocolatey treat that’s sure to impress:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch!)
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. The combination of cocoa and coffee creates a flavor explosion that you won’t want to miss!
How to Prepare Mocha Fudge Squares
Getting ready to make your Mocha Fudge Squares is super simple and so much fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures that your Mocha Fudge Squares bake evenly and turn out perfectly fudgy! While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well—this will help your squares come out nice and clean once baked.
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, melt the butter and then stir in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until it’s all blended together beautifully. Next, crack in those four large eggs and sprinkle in the instant coffee granules and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s smooth and luscious—trust me, this is where the magic happens! Once that’s nice and combined, gently fold in the flour and salt until just mixed. If you’re using walnuts, now’s the time to add them in for that delightful crunch!
Baking the Mocha Fudge Squares
Pour your rich batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Once baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares. This cooling time is key to achieving that perfect fudge texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Rich, chocolatey flavor with a delightful coffee kick that will impress your taste buds.
- Festive appeal that makes them a showstopper at any holiday gathering.
- Perfect for gifting—wrap them up in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful present!
- They satisfy those chocolate cravings without being overly complicated.
- Great for sharing with friends and family—everyone will want a second piece!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Mocha Fudge Squares turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh eggs for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! When mixing, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour; you want to keep that fudgy texture intact. Also, let your squares cool completely in the pan before cutting them into pieces; this will help them hold their shape. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer enjoyment. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per square:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Enjoy these delightful treats while being mindful of their rich goodness!
FAQ About Mocha Fudge Squares
Got questions about your Mocha Fudge Squares? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some common queries:
Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts like pecans or almonds. They’ll add a unique twist to the flavor and texture!
How can I store leftovers? Keep your squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them last longer, pop them in the freezer—they freeze beautifully!
Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them as mentioned above. They’ll still taste amazing when it’s time to enjoy!
So, get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful Christmas treats!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Mocha Fudge Squares, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing these rich squares with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee—the robust flavor complements the chocolate perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something a little indulgent, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side; the creamy ice cream melts into the fudgy goodness, creating a dreamy dessert experience. You can also make a festive platter by adding them alongside holiday treats like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies. Trust me, your dessert table will be the talk of the party!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or explore these chocolate chip cheesecake cookies for another delightful treat!
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Mocha Fudge Squares – 7 Irresistible Christmas Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mocha Fudge Squares are rich, chocolatey treats perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, melt butter and mix in sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add eggs, coffee granules, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- These squares freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Mocha Fudge Squares, Christmas Treat, Holiday Dessert