3 Rows of hedgehog squares are lined up on a piece of baking paper. Part of a white plate with more squares can be seen in the background.

You are going to love this recipe for Fudgy Hedgehog Squares. It’s got all the flavour of hedgehog with less work! All you need is one bowl and 5 ingredients!

Hedgehog is a classic Australian recipe. It is usually made as a slice and consists of a chocolaty later that is packed with crushed biscuits, coconut, and walnuts. That delicious layer is then topped with a layer of melted chocolate.

Why call these Fudgy Hedgehog Squares?

I got the idea to make something like hedgehog when I was looking at my Easy Nutty Microwave Fudge recipe. It is very easy to make, so I thought that I could swap the peanuts in that recipe for classic hedgehog slice ingredients. As a result, I’m calling them Fudgy Hedgehog Squares!

Close up image of a hedgehog square with other squares in the background.

Essentially, I’ve used an easy fudge recipe base; that is the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Then I’ve added classic hedgehog ingredients with the crushed biscuits, coconut, and walnuts. The result is some super tasty squares that are even easier to make than classic hedgehog.

This recipe for Fudgy Hedgehog Squares is so easy you can put it together in a matter of minutes. There is also no baking needed so it makes a great summertime treat. Although, I think hedgehog is a treat that can be enjoyed any time of year! They are slightly healthier too because I’ve omitted any extra butter and the chocolate layer on top.

Rows of hedgehog squares are lined up on a piece of baking paper. A white plate with more squares can be seen in the background.

These squares are so addictive it is almost impossible to stop at one (or two or three). I had trouble making sure there would be enough left to photograph!

Where does the name Hedgehog come from?

There is not a lot of information about why it is called hedgehog. I think it is because of the colouring of an actual hedgehog. They have a dark back that is speckled with lighter spines.

Hedgehog squares lined up on baking paper. Part of a white plate with more squares can be seen in the background.

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Fudgy Hedgehog Squares

Print Recipe

You are going to love this recipe for Fudgy Hedgehog Squares. It’s got all the flavour of hedgehog with less work! All you need is one bowl and 5 ingredients!

Author: Kaylene, The Links Site
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Yield: 40 – 50 squares depending on how big you cut them

Ingredients

3 cups of dark chocolate melts (525g)

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (395g)

2 ½ cups of crushed sweet biscuits (200g) *

½ cup of coconut (45g) **

½ cup of chopped walnuts (50g)

Instructions

Line the bottom and sides of an 8 inch (20 cm) square baking tin with non-stick baking paper, leaving some overhang at the sides.

Place the dark chocolate buttons in a microwave safe container and add the sweetened condensed milk.

Microwave the chocolate mixture on high, giving it bursts of 30 seconds and stirring in between each burst.

Once the chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth add the crushed biscuits, coconut, and walnuts and combine.

Press into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

Place into the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours or until firm. Use the overhanging baking paper to lift out of the tin and cut into squares.

Leftover squares can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or placed in the freezer for a few weeks.

Notes

* I use Arnott’s Marie Biscuits, but they may be called Maria Biscuits or Maria Cookies in other parts of the world. Some people use Milk Arrowroot Biscuits in Hedgehog.

** I use organic flaked coconut that has been chopped into small pieces. You could use desiccated or shredded coconut if you prefer.