Irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares in 2 Hours

Valentine’s Day just isn’t complete without something decadently chocolatey, but why settle for plain old fudge when you can have my Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares? Picture this: rich, velvety dark chocolate hugging sweet, juicy strawberries in every bite. I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always the first dessert to disappear at parties. My husband still jokes that I won him over with these back when we were dating! The best part? No oven required, just melt, mix, and chill. Trust me, these little squares are pure love in dessert form. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or (no judgment) eating straight from the pan.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares

Oh, where do I even start? These squares are my go-to when I need a showstopper dessert in a pinch. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

• No-bake magic: No oven? No problem! Just 10 minutes on the stovetop and a bit of patience while they chill.
• Rich meets fresh: The deep chocolate and bright strawberries create this perfect balance, sweet but not cloying.
• Gift-worthy: Wrap them in cute boxes, and suddenly you’re the most thoughtful friend ever. (Pro tip: They pair beautifully with a handwritten note.)
• Foolproof: Even if you’re usually a kitchen disaster (we’ve all been there), this recipe is forgiving.

Seriously, these squares are like edible happiness, simple to make but fancy enough to impress.

Irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares in 2 Hours

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Delightful Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares are perfect for Valentine’s Day. These sweet treats combine rich chocolate and fresh strawberries for a delicious homemade dessert.

• Author: EditorVictoria
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 mins
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 cups dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt chocolate and condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and butter.
4. Fold in diced strawberries.
5. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
7. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares

Gather these simple ingredients, quality matters here, especially with the chocolate! I learned that the hard way when I once tried bargain chocolate chips (never again). Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups dark chocolate, chopped (I splurge on good bars, the flavor difference is unreal)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (that sticky-sweet magic in a can)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (pat them dry or you’ll get soggy fudge, yikes!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, please)
• 1/4 tsp salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate sing)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for that extra glossy finish)

See? Nothing weird or hard to find. Now let’s make some magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these fudge squares! Just grab:

• An 8×8-inch baking pan (mine’s looking pretty beat up, but it works!)
• Parchment paper (for easy lifting, no stuck-on chocolate disasters)
• A medium saucepan (the one you use for mac and cheese is perfect)
• A wooden spoon (or silicone spatula if you’re fancy)

That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares

Okay, let’s dive in! These squares come together so easily, just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have fudge perfection in no time. The key? Low heat, gentle hands, and a little patience while they set up. Here’s how I do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First, grab that 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick is my lifesaver, it lets you lift the whole slab of fudge out later for clean, easy cutting. No stuck corners, no mess!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

Now, the fun part! In your saucepan over low heat (seriously, keep it low, burnt chocolate is tragic), melt together the chopped chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly with that wooden spoon until it’s silky smooth. This takes about 5 minutes, but don’t rush it! Once it’s glossy, pull it off the heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, and butter. The butter gives it that extra sheen, you’ll thank me later.

Step 3: Fold in Strawberries

Here’s where the magic happens! Gently fold in those juicy diced strawberries, I use a folding motion to keep them intact. Overmixing turns them to mush, and we want little bursts of berry in every bite. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and pop it in the fridge. Now comes the hardest part: waiting 2 hours while it sets! (Okay, fine, I’ve been known to sneak a taste after 90 minutes… no judgment.)

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares

After making these squares more times than I can count (and eating plenty of “test batches”), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Chocolate matters: Splurge on good dark chocolate, those cheap chips won’t melt as smoothly. I love using 70% cocoa bars for that rich depth.
• Dry those berries: Pat diced strawberries thoroughly with paper towels. Wet fruit makes soggy fudge (learned that the messy way!).
• Chill time is sacred: Don’t rush the fridge time! Two full hours ensures clean cuts. If you’re impatient like me, pop them in the freezer for 45 minutes instead.
• Sharp knife hack: Run your knife under hot water before slicing for picture-perfect squares every time.

Follow these, and you’ll have fudge that looks straight from a chocolatier’s shop!

Variations & Substitutions

These squares are wonderfully flexible! Here are my favorite twists:

• Nutty love: Swap half the strawberries for chopped walnuts or pecans, that crunch is heavenly.
• White chocolate dream: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter, creamy vibe (bonus: it looks gorgeous with pink strawberries!).
• Berry swap: No fresh strawberries? Frozen (thawed and patted dry) work in a pinch, or try raspberries for a tangier kick.

Play around, the base recipe is your delicious canvas! If you are looking for other great dessert ideas, check out Family Tastes for inspiration.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

These fudge squares keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, if they last that long! I like to let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the chocolate gets that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. For gifting, stack them between layers of parchment paper in a pretty tin, they travel surprisingly well! For more gifting ideas, check out my recipe for chocolate covered strawberry bark recipe.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per square (based on my favorite dark chocolate brand): about 180 calories with 9g fat and 15g sugar. But remember, nutrition varies by ingredients! Always check your chocolate’s label if you’re counting closely. If you are interested in other chocolate treats, perhaps you’d enjoy these Valentine’s Day chocolate bark recipes.

FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Fudge Squares

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first, then pat them very dry with paper towels. Frozen berries release more liquid, so extra drying is key to prevent soggy fudge. I’ve done this in a pinch during winter, works like a charm!

Why did my fudge turn out grainy?
Oh no, probably from overheating the chocolate! Always melt it on low heat and stir constantly. If it seizes up, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil while stirring to smooth it out. (This kitchen rescue trick saved my Valentine’s Day once!) If you need more quick dessert ideas, take a look at my Valentine’s Day Oreo Truffles recipe.

How long do these squares last?
They’ll stay perfect in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Pro tip: Layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together. For longer storage, freeze them up to a month, thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the condensed milk for coconut condensed milk (found at health food stores) and use dairy-free chocolate. The butter can be replaced with coconut oil. The texture might be slightly softer, but still delicious!

Try this recipe and share your results! Tag me, I’d love to see your chocolatey creations. You might also enjoy my recipe for strawberry milk cookies recipe.

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