Rich, creamy, and indulgently sweet, fudge has long been a beloved treat for dessert lovers. While traditional fudge relies heavily on dairy products such as butter and condensed milk, making a vegan version is entirely possible without compromising on taste or texture.
By substituting a few simple ingredients, you can create a plant-based fudge that’s equally delicious and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
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What is fudge?
The origins of fudge are not entirely clear, but it is widely believed that fudge was an American creation, with its roots tracing back to the late 19th century. The first known batch of fudge was reportedly made in the US in the 1880s, and the sweet quickly gained popularity, particularly at women’s colleges, where recipes were often exchanged among students.
Lottie Griffiths | Unsplash
By the early 20th century, fudge recipes were published in numerous cookbooks, and it became a classic American confection.
Fudge is thought to have come about by accident—possibly the result of someone “fudging” a caramel recipe, hence the name. The traditional process involves heating sugar, butter, and milk until the mixture reaches a soft-ball stage, then beating it until it sets. From its accidental origins, fudge became a cherished treat, with numerous variations including the addition of nuts, chocolate, and other flavorings.
How to make vegan fudge
To create vegan fudge, the dairy components must be swapped with plant-based alternatives. Fortunately, a variety of products exist to facilitate a one-for-one swap. Here are the substitutions you need to make for a vegan fudge that’s just as rich as the classic treat.
Miyoko’s Creamery
1Butter
Instead of dairy butter, you can use plant-based butter or coconut oil. Coconut oil is a popular choice as it offers a creamy texture and helps give fudge that signature consistency.
Nic Vanderbeeken, an Executive Chef at Aperitif Restaurant—a fine-dining restaurant in Ubud, Bali—specializing in diverse, modern cuisine, explains that finding the right substitute is key.
“Replicating this in vegan fudge can be tricky, especially as plant-based fats often lack the same ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ quality that dairy offers,” Vanderbeeken tells VegNews. “However, using ingredients with high-quality fat content, like coconut cream, can get us closer to that lush texture.”
Cashew butter or tahini (sesame seed paste) are also good choices as is cocoa butter which Vanderbeeken says provides structure and a “creamy undertone, which helps the fudge set while maintaining that soft bite.”
Nature’s Charm
2Condensed milk
Traditional fudge often uses sweetened condensed milk. For a vegan version, you can use dairy-free condensed milk, which provides a similar thick and sweet texture. Alternatively, you can make your own vegan condensed milk by simmering full-fat coconut milk with sugar until it thickens.
“Coconut cream, in particular, provides a rich texture without overwhelming flavors, allowing the fudge to feel decadent and silky,” Vanderbeeken advises.
3Chocolate
Choose high-quality dark chocolate that doesn’t contain dairy. Many dark chocolates are naturally vegan, but it’s always best to check the ingredient list to make sure there are no milk solids or butterfat.
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4Sweetener
Sugar is an essential part of fudge, but some white sugar is refined using bone char. Organic or beet sugar are reliable options to ensure your fudge remains entirely plant-based.
“The sweetener you use matters a lot for vegan fudge,” Vanderbeeken says. “Coconut sugar or maple syrup adds a subtle caramel-like flavor, though they can sometimes make the fudge slightly grainier if not melted down properly.”
For a smoother consistency, Vanderbeeken suggests using agave or a bit of glucose syrup. “I suggest experimenting with small batches to balance sweetness with mouthfeel,” he says.
5Add-ins
You can customize your vegan fudge with a variety of mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. These add-ins not only enhance flavor but also provide some interesting texture to the smooth, rich fudge.
“A touch of espresso powder can also add complexity without taking away from that classic fudge experience,” Vanderbeeken says.
Basic dairy-free fudge recipe
To make basic vegan fudge, start by melting your plant-based butter and chocolate over low heat, then stir in the condensed coconut milk and sugar until everything is well combined. When heating your mixture, make sure to reach the right temperature (around 240 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re using a candy thermometer) before pouring into a mold; this ensures it will firm up nicely once cooled.
Sofia Varjonen | Pexels
Pour the mixture into a lined pan, allow it to cool, and then let it set in the refrigerator. Once firm, you can cut it into bite-sized squares and enjoy.
“To achieve that perfect set, I often recommend adding a bit of coconut oil or cocoa butter to the mix,” Vanderbeeken says. “These fats solidify well, giving the fudge a stable, sliceable consistency.”
Dairy-free fudge recipes
Here are six vegan fudge recipes that elevate the classic dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth.
1Easy Vegan Rocky Road Fudge
For those of us who can’t choose between fudge and ice cream, this rocky road-inspired fudge will sweetly eliminate both cravings. Just remember to use vegan marshmallows as traditional varieties contain gelatin.
Get the recipe
2Vegan Gingerbread Fudge Bars With Cranberry-Cream Cheese Frosting
If the mash-up of fudge, holiday cookies, and cupcake frosting sounds intriguing, this festive treat is a must. The fudge layer gets its caramelly notes from nutritious Medjool dates to boot.
Get the recipe
Shivangi Rao
3Indian Cashew Fudge Ice Cream Bars (Kaju Katli Kulfi)
These fudge bars include cardamom and rose water for a frozen treat that fuses two Indian desserts: kaju katli (cashew fudge) and kulfi (ice cream).
Get the recipe
4Vegan Sweet-and-Salty Vanilla Bean and Cashew Butter Fudge
A creamy cashew butter is the secret to this decadent fudge that hits on both sweet and salty flavors. The best part? This rich fudge requires only five ingredients to make.
Get the recipe
Amy Lyons
5Vegan Raw Almond Joy Fudge
Sometimes you feel like biting into a gooey, chocolatey nut bar, and this raw almond joy fudge satisfies those candy bar cravings. To make an extra creamy fudge, use macadamia nut butter.
Get the recipe
Ciarra Siller
6Chewy Vegan Cookie Dough-Topped Chocolate Bars
If you’ve already made fudge and are looking for a way to layer it into an even more decadent dessert, these cookie dough-topped chocolate bars are for you. Just make the recipe according to the instructions and hide a third fudge layer in the middle.
Get the recipe
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Anna Starostinetskaya is the Senior News Editor at VegNews and is always keeping an eye on all things vegan in her home city of San Francisco, CA and everywhere else.
