Recipe Review: Cake Batter Fudge (2014 vs 2025)
Why I am keeping it in rotation: it is budget friendly, fast, and flexible. You can customize flavor with the cake mix, you can make a single pan for a birthday or bake sale in under an hour, and cleanup is one bowl and one pan. That checks all my boxes.
Sweet Treats!
Then vs. Now
Then
Back in 2014 I was a grad student in a brand-new state, juggling a toddler and a handful of jobs. Little kitchen projects like this fudge were my self-care. I hate cooking, so anything that can be done in less than 30 minutes without using the oven looks good to me. I first found the recipe here: http://myfridgefood.com/recipes/dessert/cake-batter-fudge/ and it’s still live! It’s perfect when you want something sweet without turning on the oven, and it’s great for classrooms or cooking with kids.
Heads up: this is a very sweet treat. I can rarely finish a whole square even though my heart says “one more.” If you try it, tell me your fun mix-ins and modifications. And if you need to limit sugar, this one might not be for you.
Now
Fast-forward to 2025. That toddler is fourteen, I finished a doctoral program, I own a home, and I still have more than one job. I hadn’t made this in years until a new friend’s birthday (making friends as an adult is a sport, right?!). I refreshed the recipe: skipped the extra add-ins, swapped in sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk, and stirred in 1/4 cup water. It took the edge off the sweetness for me while staying super tasty. Still easy, still crowd-pleasing, still a little square of joy.
Milk note: In 2025 I tried sweetened condensed milk plus 1/4 cup water and skipped extra mix ins. That combo tasted less sweet to me overall. If you truly want a milder base, try evaporated milk or half and half at the same volume. Both give a creamy set without pushing the sugar higher.
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 1 box (2 Cups) White or Yellow Cake Mix, I used confetti mix but you can use any kind
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar (Confectioner's Sugar)
- 1/2 Cup (1 stick) Real Butter, Cut into four pieces
- 1/4 Cup Milk, I used sweetened condensed milk to lessen the sweetness
- 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips, I used white but you could use any kind (Reese's, caramel, chocolate, etc.)
- (Optional) Sprinkles, Or any other topping you like
- (Optional) Toffee, You can use any mix-ins. I didn't use any this time around.
- (Optional) Vanilla Extract, I added a bit to test it out. I don't think it made a difference.
Instructions
- In a microwaveable bowl, stir together cake mix and powder sugar.
- Add four slices of butter and milk. Do not stir.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, or until butter is mostly melted (standard 1100 watt microwave).
- Blend mixture together quickly. Add chocolate chips before the mixture cools and stir together. Blend together well.
- Fold in sprinkles (and any other mix-ins) for color. I usually use my hands to knead it all together here. It's messy but it works best.
- Immediately spread mixture in an 8x8 pan. (I used a standard 7x11 casserole dish for thinner squares, but more of them). Press sprinkles into top of mixture.
- Refrigerate until solid. (I refrigerated mine for less than an hour and it was too hard to cut. I left it out for about 30 minutes, cut easily into squares, and stored in a Tupperware in the fridge until ready to serve).
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The Process In Photos
Nutrition (per original recipe)
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 | |
| Calories | 450 |
| Calories from Fat | 162 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 18 g | 28% |
| Carbohydrates 70 g | 23% |
| Protein 3 g | 6% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting
Make it less sweet
- Skip chips and candy mix ins.
- Use evaporated milk or half and half.
- Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla to balance the sweetness.
- Cut smaller squares. Two bite pieces feel perfect.
Texture control
- For firmer fudge, chill the pan 45 to 60 minutes, then let it sit at room temp 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
- For softer fudge, add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra milk and reduce chill time slightly.
- If the mixture turns crumbly, microwave 10 to 15 seconds and stir again.
- If it looks greasy, chill 3 to 5 minutes, then knead with a spatula until glossy.
Flavor swaps
- Red velvet mix with dark chocolate chips.
- Lemon cake mix with white chips and lemon zest.
- Spice cake with toffee bits in fall.
- Gluten free cake mix works well. Check labels and heat the batter mixture thoroughly.
Classroom or party pans
I know most schools ban unpackaged foods. Some non-public or charter schools have more flexibility. If you are allowed and after checking for allergies, this could be a great in-class activity.
- Line the pan with a parchment sling so you can lift and slice cleanly.
- Press colorful sprinkles on top while warm so they stick.
- Use a knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for sharp edges.
Storage and gifting
- Store covered in the fridge up to 5 days. For gifting, layer pieces with parchment in a tin.
- Fudge freezes well. Wrap tightly, freeze up to one month, and thaw in the fridge.
Sweet Treats!
Isn't eating raw dough bad for me, though?
The short answer: NOT REALLY
Boxed cake mix contains raw flour. Do not taste the mixture before heating. The microwave step melts the butter and warms the mixture, which improves safety and texture. Heat until the butter is fully melted and the batter is hot, then mix thoroughly. Chill promptly, store covered in the fridge, and serve within a few days. If you have food safety concerns or need to avoid raw flour entirely, you can heat treat the dry cake mix first by microwaving it in 15 to 20 second bursts and stirring until it reaches a safe hot temperature throughout, then proceed with the recipe.
On cookie dough: http://www.foodbeast.com/2014/03/08/eating-raw-cookie-dough-wont-make-you-sick-probably/
On cake mix: You should be fine as long as there are no eggs or baking powder and you limit yourself.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2014 BKay
