Did you know that **December 16th** marks a truly special occasion for dessert enthusiasts everywhere? It’s **National Chocolate Covered Anything Day!** What better way to honor this deliciously decadent holiday than by whipping up a batch of our incredibly tempting **Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars**? Get ready to indulge in a treat that perfectly blends the satisfying crunch of popcorn with the smooth, rich taste of homemade milk chocolate fudge.
This post is proudly sponsored by Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, a pantry staple that consistently delivers exceptional results in my baking, and a product I am genuinely excited to feature. All opinions, recipe development, and photography are entirely my own. #ad
Embrace the Sweetness: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
For certified chocoholics, like myself, National Chocolate Covered Anything Day is nothing short of a dream come true. It’s a day dedicated to the pure, unadulterated joy of chocolate, inviting us to dip, drizzle, and drench our favorite foods in that beloved cocoa creation. While the possibilities are truly endless, from fruits and nuts to pretzels and cookies, I found myself drawn to creating something uniquely satisfying and effortlessly delicious. My choice for this year’s celebration? Transforming humble popcorn bars into a luxurious, fudge-covered masterpiece using my trusted secret ingredient.
The Magic of Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk in Fudge
To truly elevate these popcorn bars, I turned to one of my all-time favorite ingredients: **Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk**. This versatile product is more than just milk and sugar; it’s the cornerstone of countless indulgent recipes, especially fudge. Its unique composition provides a natural sweetness and a luxuriously rich, velvety texture that forms the perfect base for creating creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. It’s a staple in my pantry, always ready to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary desserts.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk is Your Fudge-Making Ally
If you’ve ever embarked on the delightful journey of making homemade fudge, you’ll know that Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk is synonymous with ease and perfection. It streamlines the fudge-making process, eliminating the need for complex sugar thermometers and lengthy cooking times. Its inherent sweetness and thickness ensure a consistently smooth and luscious fudge that sets beautifully every time. This makes it an indispensable ingredient for holiday baking and everyday treats alike. Beyond these popcorn bars, it shines in recipes like No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars, delectable Coconut Macaroon Cookies, and incredibly Easy S’mores Fudge, proving its remarkable versatility in creating crave-worthy desserts with minimal effort.
Creating sensational desserts, particularly this irresistible popcorn recipe topped with rich fudge, truly becomes a cinch with Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk. It’s the secret weapon for anyone who loves homemade treats but prefers to keep the process simple and straightforward.
Irresistible Treat for Every Occasion
These Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience! They are incredibly fun to eat and prove to be a show-stopping dessert for a variety of gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, contributing to a potluck, looking for unique homemade gifts, or simply need a quick, delicious pick-me-up snack, these bars are the perfect solution. Their charming appearance and delightful combination of textures make them universally appealing.
Customize Your Popcorn Bars: Endless Possibilities
What makes these popcorn bars even more exciting is their incredible adaptability. While the classic milk chocolate fudge and marshmallow popcorn base is a winning combination on its own, you can effortlessly customize them to suit any taste or occasion. I’ve personally made these countless times, experimenting with a variety of delightful add-ins to create unique flavor and texture profiles. The sky truly is the limit when it comes to personalization!
- **For extra crunch:** Stir in crispy cereals like rice krispies or cheerios into the popcorn base.
- **For a sweet and salty twist:** Add salty peanuts, mini pretzels, or a mix of both. The contrast of sweet chocolate and savory crunch is utterly addictive.
- **For an extra chewy, gooey texture:** Incorporate additional marshmallows into the popcorn mixture. When melted, they create delightful pockets of sweetness; when left partially whole, they add soft, chewy bites.
- **For candy lovers:** Chop up your favorite candies – M&M’s, chopped candy bars, or even gummy bears (for the adventurous!) can add bursts of color and flavor.
- **For a sophisticated touch:** A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the still-wet fudge layer enhances the chocolate’s depth and adds a gourmet finish.
Each time you prepare these bars, you have the opportunity to create a completely new experience, making them a consistently exciting and versatile treat.
Celebrate National Chocolate Covered Anything Day in Style!
I sincerely hope you enjoy creating and reveling in the festivities of **#ChocolateCoveredAnythingDay** with the unparalleled quality of **#EagleBrand** products. These incredible Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars are not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures and rich flavors. The chocoholics in your life, whether family, friends, or even yourself, will undoubtedly thank you profusely for this delightful popcorn recipe with its luscious fudge topping.
For more inspiring recipes and detailed information about Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, be sure to visit their website today!
More Sweet Snacking Inspirations!
If you’ve enjoyed these fudge-covered popcorn bars, you might also love exploring some of these other fantastic sweet snacks:
- Snicker’s Munchie Mix
- Fresh Fruit Ice Cream
- Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge
- Soft Chocolate {Cut-Out} Cookies
- Reese’s Pieces Magic Bars
- Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars
Recipe by: Kim Lange
These delightful Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars are awesome treats for parties, holidays or for a quick delicious pick-me-up snack.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (5 votes)
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
20 mins
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Servings
18 bars
Ingredients
Popcorn Bar Mixture
- 5-7 cups popcorn, popped (depending on desired crunch and if adding add-ins, use 5 to 6 cups of popcorn. Microwave popcorn works great!)
- Optional Add-ins:
- 2-3 cups cereal (like rice krispies or cheerios)
- 1 cup salty nuts, pretzels, candies, or a mixture
- ½ cup marshmallows (if you love marshmallow chunks)
Marshmallow Mixture
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows
Milk Chocolate Fudge Topping
- 11.5 oz bag of milk chocolate chips (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- 1 14 oz can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Optional: sea salt
Instructions
- Line a 9×13” pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly butter or grease the foil.
Popcorn Bar Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, measure out the popped popcorn, any cereal, and other desired add-ins. Set aside.
Marshmallow Mixture
- Place butter in a large saucepan and melt over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the miniature marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and gooey.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the popcorn is well coated. The mixture will be very sticky.
- Transfer the sticky popcorn mixture into the prepared greased pan. Using lightly buttered fingertips or a greased spatula, spread it out evenly and press gently into the pan. Avoid compacting the bars too tightly, as this can make them hard. Let the base cool down completely before adding the fudge layer.
Milk Chocolate Fudge Layer
- In a microwavable bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and the Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well. Repeat microwaving for another 30 seconds and stir until smooth and the chocolate chips are fully melted. If any chips remain, microwave for additional 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until perfectly smooth. (This typically takes less than 2 minutes in total.)
- Working quickly, pour the warm chocolate fudge evenly over the cooled popcorn mixture in the pan. Gently spread it out to form a smooth layer over the popcorn bars. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a delightful flavor contrast.
- Place the pan with the popcorn bars in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to help the fudge set quickly. Then, transfer the pan to a countertop and allow the bars to continue setting at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes before cutting. To serve, use the foil overhangs to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into desired bar sizes and serve. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Notes
- This recipe yields 18 to 24 bars, depending on how large you choose to cut them.
- For the best crunchy/crispier texture that contrasts beautifully with the fudge topping, it’s recommended not to make the popcorn bars too gooey. Using more popcorn and a generous amount of goodies helps achieve this ideal consistency.
Keyword
bars, eagle brand, fudge, milk chocolate, popcorn bars, snack, sweetened condensed milk
Tried This Recipe?
Let us know how it was by commenting below!