If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and totally indulgent—but want to keep it vegan and dairy-free—I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. It’s silky, creamy, and wonderfully easy to whip up. I absolutely love how this fudge melts in your mouth with just the right balance of peanut butter goodness and a hint of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make sure yours turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking involved.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy and rich without being too dense or greasy.
- All Vegan & Dairy-Free: You’ll find zero guilt here, just sweet peanut buttery bliss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this fudge at parties and holidays alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a smooth, decadent fudge that’s buttery without any actual butter involved. I always recommend using high-quality peanut butter—trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Coconut oil: This is your natural fat that helps the fudge set perfectly and adds a subtle tropical note.
- Peanut butter: Creamy is best here, and I usually reach for an unsalted, natural version so I can control the saltiness.
- Maple syrup: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Cane sugar: Gives a touch of caramel-like sweetness and helps with the fudge’s structure.
- Salt (plus extra for topping): Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and the sprinkle on top is like the cherry on the sundae.
Variations
I love to switch things up sometimes, depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. You’ll find that this recipe is really forgiving and easy to tweak to your liking.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Mixing in some dairy-free chocolate chips adds an extra layer of richness that my kids adore.
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve made this with sunflower seed butter for friends with peanut allergies—and it still turned out awesome.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the taste wonderfully.
- Sweetener Swap: Honey works in place of maple syrup if you aren’t strictly vegan, though it changes the flavor a bit.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper—this step is key to making sure your fudge comes out cleanly without sticking. I always press the parchment firmly into the corners so the fudge has nice even edges.
Step 2: Melt and Mix Your Ingredients
Pop your coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk—don’t walk away!—until the coconut oil fully melts and everything is smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If you overheat, the mixture can separate, so keep it gentle.
Step 3: Freeze Until Set
Pour the velvety mixture into your prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula, then pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is what makes the fudge firm yet creamy. When I’m in a hurry, I sometimes freeze it a bit longer to make cutting easier.
Step 4: Slice, Salt, and Serve
Once your fudge is rock solid, remove it from the freezer, lift it out using the parchment, trim any uneven edges, and cut it into bite-size squares. I love sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top—it adds that perfect salty-sweet contrast. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Use Quality Peanut Butter: I discovered that natural, unsalted peanut butter gives the richest flavor without unwanted additives.
- Gentle Heat is Key: Melting the ingredients slowly over medium heat keeps the fudge from grainy texture.
- Freeze, Don’t Refrigerate: Keeping your fudge in the freezer helps maintain that perfect firm, chewy texture I love.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch in the mix and a sprinkle on top really bring out the peanut butter’s natural flavors.
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I personally adore a light dusting of flaky sea salt or even a few crushed peanuts on top to add crunch and a touch of elegance—plus, the saltiness balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a cozy afternoon treat. It also complements fresh fruit or a crisp green salad if you want to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the fudge on a decorative platter with festive sprinkles or edible flowers. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper also makes a lovely homemade gift. One time, I layered the fudge with vegan chocolate ganache for a fancy touch—and it was a total hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover fudge in an airtight container in the freezer, nestled between layers of parchment paper to avoid sticking. It stays fresh for up to a month, which is perfect since this stuff tends to disappear quickly around my house!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, whether in squares or large blocks. Just thaw slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before serving—you don’t want it too soft or too cold.
Reheating
While I rarely reheat fudge, if you want a softer texture, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or gently warm a piece in your hand. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can melt unevenly and get greasy.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture with bits of peanuts throughout the fudge. Just be aware that this will change the smoothness slightly but many people love the added crunch.
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Is this Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your peanut butter brand doesn’t include any gluten-containing additives, which is rare but worth double-checking.
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Can I substitute another nut butter in this Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe?
Definitely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work well, though the flavor will shift accordingly. I’ve found sunflower seed butter especially good for those avoiding nuts.
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How long will this fudge keep without freezing?
It’s best kept in the freezer for freshness, but if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last about 5-7 days. Just know the texture will be a bit softer and less “fudge-like”.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe has become one of my go-to treats because it’s so easy, versatile, and downright delicious. I love how it satisfies my sweet tooth without any dairy or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re new to vegan desserts or a longtime fan, this fudge will feel like a big hug in every bite. So, grab your ingredients, give it a try, and watch how fast it disappears—just like it did in my kitchen!
Print
Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 25 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge is a creamy, rich treat made with coconut oil, peanut butter, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for those avoiding dairy, this easy no-bake fudge combines simple ingredients with minimal prep and chill time to create a satisfying snack or dessert with a delightful salty-sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted preferred)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- Pinch of salt, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ease fudge removal.
- Heat Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk frequently to ensure the coconut oil melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Pour Mixture: Once smooth and combined, pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Freeze to Set: Place the baking dish into the freezer and allow the fudge to harden for at least 2 hours, ensuring it achieves a firm texture.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the fudge from the freezer, lift it out using the parchment paper, trim any uneven edges if desired. Cut into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with additional sea salt for an enhanced flavor contrast, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Calories are per piece and are an estimation based on 25 pieces per batch.
- Unsalted peanut butter works best to control saltiness; Trader Joe’s brand was used in this recipe.
- Coconut sugar can replace cane sugar and honey can be used instead of maple syrup, but these substitutions will slightly change the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg