This is the kind of fudge that grandma used to make, or that you picked out at the candy shop as a kid. No one would ever guess it’s vegan and completely dairy free! I’ve made several vegan fudge recipes over the years, and this one takes the cake. It actually tastes exactly as fudge should! Sweet, super creamy, smooth and rich. Other vegan recipes tend to be super dense, hard and very dark chocolate tasting. Which is perfectly fine, but something else entirely. This is just the best fudge ever, and it’s so easy to make. I actually made it in the microwave! But don’t worry, you can make it on the stovetop if you want. You don’t need to find any rare ingredients, such as vegan sweetened condensed milk or even vegan chocolate chips! Another vegan candy idea you might enjoy making are these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls!
Ingredients for vegan fudge
Powdered sugar – Don’t freak out, but you are going to use an entire (32 oz) bag. Remember, we are making CANDY. And this fudge recipe makes about 40 servings, more or less depending on how you slice it. Plenty to share with friends and family! Buy organic to ensure it’s vegan. There is no alternative I know of here, so substitute at your own risk! Natural, unsweetened cocoa powder – I wouldn’t use alkalized cocoa powder here, but regular natural unsweetened. Cacoa powder might work, but I haven’t tested it. Vegan butter – I used Earth Balance brand, but any brand should work just fine. I haven’t tested it with coconut oil, but it might work. Unsweetened plant milk – I used soy milk, but any plant milk will work. Vanilla extract – This adds a wonderful flavor to the fudge. You could add a little peppermint extract for peppermint fudge, or almond extract for a different flavor (maybe add some chopped almonds as well).
How to make it
(This is simply an overview with photos, for the full printable recipe, scroll down to the recipe card.) Like I mentioned already, you can make this vegan fudge in the microwave OR on the stovetop. Your choice!
Work quickly as the fudge will start to harden pretty fast. Pour the melted fudge into a parchment paper lined pan with some overhang for easy removal later. Let it sit until hardened. I stuck mine in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Lift out the fudge using the parchment paper, and slice with a heavy knife. Enjoy! To make it on the stovetop, simply add the ingredients to a large pot and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Transfer to the dish and chill.
Tips for success
Don’t substitute or reduce ingredients. It will throw off the recipe, especially if you reduce the sugar. The fudge won’t set properly. If the mixture seems to have some chunks while you are stirring with a spoon, you can use a hand mixer instead. It’s not really necessary, but if you find it easier to use one, then go ahead. All microwaves act a bit different, so you may need to microwave a little longer or shorter. Just make sure the vegan butter is nearly melted, and you should be good to go. Sift your ingredients. Both powdered sugar and cocoa powder can be very chunky, so make sure to sift them before you begin. You don’t need a fancy sifter, just a fine mesh strainer.
How to store fudge and sending as a gift
Store fudge in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator. It will keep it nice and firm, though it is quite stable at room temperature. You can also freeze it. To send fudge through the mail as a gift, simply secure it in a container, cut up into squares and send. Unless you are sending it in the middle of summer, it should be just fine.
Fudge varieties and add ins
Peppermint fudge – Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and perhaps some crushed candy can pieces. Rocky road – Mix in some vegan marshmallows, chopped almonds and vegan chocolate chips. Walnut fudge – Stir in some chopped walnuts. Fruit – Dried cranberries or chopped medjool dates, maybe even dried blueberries or cherries. Peanut butter – Swirl in some peanut butter, before chilling. Caramel – Add a layer of vegan caramel on top of the fudge, or just drizzle each piece with a little caramel.
More vegan Christmas treats to enjoy
Vegan Peanut Butter Balls Vegan Snowball Cookies Vegan Pecan Bars The Best Vegan Sugar Cookies Vegan Peppermint Mocha Cake
