Fudgy Mint Squares
Fudgy Mint Squares are rich, chocolatey confections infused with peppermint flavor and a hint of green, perfect for chocolate lovers and festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 3 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract ⓘ
- 4 drops green food coloring ⓘ
- 1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 tablespoons of butter and unsweetened chocolate; cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and blend until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the flour until well combined.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until set.
- While the base cools, prepare the mint layer by beating softened cream cheese, cornstarch, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring until smooth.
- Pour the mint mixture over the cooled chocolate base.
- Sprinkle with semisweet chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you prefer a lighter mint flavor, reduce the peppermint extract to 1/2 teaspoon. Make sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in the mint layer. When spreading the chocolate batter, use a spatula to create an even layer for better baking results.
Serving Suggestions
These Fudgy Mint Squares make a delightful dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving them alongside a warm drink like hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fudgy Mint Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For prolonged freshness, you can freeze the squares for up to three months. To serve after freezing, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fudgy Mint Squares contains roughly 306 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute unsweetened chocolate with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the recipe since chocolate chips are usually sweetened. Melt about 3/4 cup of chocolate chips with 8 tablespoons of butter for a similar effect.
How do I know when the chocolate base is baked properly?
The chocolate base is done when it appears set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! Fudgy Mint Squares can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. They actually taste even better after chilling, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).