My brother makes this every summer weekend and it disappears in seconds. Only 3 ingredients for the ultimate creamy caffeinated bite.

To dial back the caffeine, use decaf instant coffee or espresso powder; you’ll still get that pretty caramel-colored top layer and coffee-shop flavor without the buzz. For a stronger coffee kick, increase the instant espresso to 4 tablespoons, but know the top layer will be more intense and slightly firmer. If you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor, reduce the instant coffee to 2 tablespoons and add a pinch of salt to the coffee layer to balance the sweetness.

You can also play with shape and thickness: use a loaf pan for taller, chewier bites or a larger baking sheet for thinner, more delicate squares that chill faster for last-minute gatherings. For extra texture without adding new ingredients, lightly swirl a spoon through the coffee layer right after spreading it to create ridges that firm up into a nice chewy top.

Food safety tips: Always melt the chocolate on LOW in the slow cooker and stir regularly to avoid scorching, which can cause seizing and uneven melting. Use clean, dry utensils when stirring and transferring the fudge to prevent introducing moisture that can affect texture. Let the fudge cool slightly before refrigerating so you’re not putting very hot containers directly into a crowded fridge. Because this fudge contains dairy from the sweetened condensed milk, store it covered in the refrigerator and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially at warm summer cookouts. If serving outdoors, keep the container over a tray of ice or bring out smaller portions at a time to maintain the best texture and food safety.