:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/20250421-SEA-NoBakeFudgyChocolateSquares-MorganGlaze-Beauty1-2d3be09670754d099c965bc3888efcaf.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1440&ssl=1 "This No-Bake Chocolate Dessert Combines the Better of Brownies, Fudge, and Mousse")
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Why It Works
- Freezing the crust helps set it and obviates the necessity for baking.
- Sweetened condensed milk corporations up when it’s chilled, and offers the chocolate squares its satisfyingly fudgy texture.
- Prompt espresso powder enhances the chocolate’s bittersweet taste.
I prefer to make desserts irrespective of the season, however as quickly because the climate warms up, I begin fascinated with confections I could make with out turning the oven on. Although there are a lot of no-bake variations of my favourite desserts, together with layer muffins, cheesecake, and cookies, The newest addition to my no-bake repertoire is that this recipe for fudgy chocolate squares from our Birmingham, Alabama-based check kitchen colleague Craig Ruff. Fudgy and wealthy with bittersweet chocolate, they mix the perfect of brownies, fudge, and mousse—they usually have a cookie crust! Plus, they solely take 20 minutes of lively time to prep.
To make the crust for the bars, Craig pulses store-bought chocolate wafer cookies (equivalent to Oreos or Maria cookies) in a meals processor till they’re evenly floor, then drenches the crumbs in melted butter earlier than urgent them right into a baking pan. Freezing the crust helps set it, which means there’s no must activate the oven. For a deep, darkish chocolate filling, he whisks collectively a combination of melted bittersweet chocolate and butter with sweetened condensed milk, on the spot espresso, vanilla, and salt. As a result of sweetened condensed milk corporations up when chilly, the bars tackle a satisfyingly fudgy texture. Prompt espresso powder helps improve the chocolate’s fruity notes, and a contact of vanilla and salt assist deliver all of it collectively. Topped with a shiny layer of chocolate ganache, the bars are luxuriously wealthy and fudgy—and the proper excuse to not activate the oven.
Severe Eats / Morgan Hunt Glaze
The recipe was developed by Craig Ruff; the headnote was written by Genevieve Yam.
This No-Bake Chocolate Dessert Combines the Better of Brownies, Fudge, and Mousse
Cook dinner Mode
(Maintain display awake)
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Cooking spray
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1 (9–ounce; 255 g) package deal chocolate wafer cookies (about 72 cookies), equivalent to Dewey’s, Oreos, or Goya Chocolate Maria Cookies
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8 ounces unsalted butter (226 g; 2 sticks), minimize into 1 tablespoon items, divided
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1/2 ounce granulated sugar (13 g; 1 tablespoon)
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3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided; for desk salt, use half as a lot by quantity
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12 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate (340 g; 2 1/2 cups), 70% cacao, divided
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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2 teaspoons on the spot espresso powder
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Flaky sea salt, to garnish
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Evenly spray an 8- by 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line backside and sides with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides. Evenly spray parchment with cooking spray; put aside.
Severe Eats / Morgan Hunt Glaze
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In a meals processor, pulse cookies till finely floor, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as wanted, about 15 pulses. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave 8 tablespoons butter on excessive, stirring often, till melted, about 1 minute. Utilizing a versatile spatula, stir melted butter, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into floor cookies. Switch to ready baking pan. Utilizing a flat-bottomed consuming glass or measuring cup, firmly press crumbs to type a compact, even layer throughout the underside of the pan. Freeze, uncovered, till agency, about quarter-hour.
Severe Eats / Morgan Hunt Glaze
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In a big microwave-safe bowl, mix 2 cups chocolate and 4 tablespoons of the butter; microwave on excessive, stirring each 30 seconds, till melted and clean, about 2 minutes. Stir in sweetened condensed milk, on the spot espresso, vanilla, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour combination into chilled crust; utilizing an offset spatula, unfold into an excellent layer. Refrigerate, uncovered, till set, about 1 hour.
Severe Eats / Morgan Hunt Glaze
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In a medium microwave-safe bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup chocolate and remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Microwave on excessive, stirring often, till melted, about 1 minute. Stir till utterly mixed. Pour over chilled chocolate layer, and utilizing an offset spatula, unfold into an excellent layer. Refrigerate, uncovered, till set, about half-hour. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Elevate parchment to take away bars from pan, and switch to a slicing board. Utilizing a pointy knife, minimize into 36 squares. (For cleaner cuts, run knife underneath heat water, then dry knife with a clear kitchen towel earlier than every slice.)
Severe Eats / Morgan Hunt Glaze
Particular Gear
8- by 8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, meals processor, flat-bottomed consuming glass or measuring cup, microwave-safe bowl, offset spatula
Make-Forward and Storage
The chocolate squares could be refrigerated in an hermetic container for as much as 1 week.
The chocolate squares could be tightly wrapped and frozen for as much as 1 month. Let sit in fridge in a single day to thaw.
