Decadent Vegan Fudge Recipe: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Hello there, food lovers! I’m excited to share with you my recipe for the most delicious vegan fudge you’ll ever taste. As a vegan chef, my mission is to create plant-based alternatives that are just as indulgent and delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. And let me tell you, this fudge recipe is a revelation.
Not only is this fudge dairy and casein-free, but it’s also gluten-free, making it an allergy-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, this recipe is perfect for you.
Don’t be fooled by the word “vegan” – this fudge is rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion – whether you want to indulge in a sweet snack or impress guests with your culinary skills.
And the best part? This recipe requires only three ingredients and takes just minutes to make. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making the most delicious vegan fudge you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself indulging in a rich and decadent dessert, without any dairy products or gluten. Sounds too good to be true, right? But believe it or not, this vegan fudge recipe is everything you’d want in a sweet treat and more.
First things first, the recipe is incredibly easy to make with only three main ingredients: chocolate chips, coconut milk, and icing sugar. That’s it! No need to worry about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
This vegan fudge recipe is perfect for those who follow a plant-based diet, as it’s free of any animal-derived products. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks flavor or creaminess. In fact, the use of coconut milk gives this fudge its smooth texture and subtle tropical taste.
And for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, fear not! This recipe is completely gluten-free without sacrificing any deliciousness. You can indulge without suffering from any adverse reactions.
But what makes this vegan fudge truly stand out is its versatility. You can customize it according to your taste preferences by adding nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds or walnuts for extra crunchiness; marshmallows, raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture; and dried fruits such as apricots, figs or cherries for extra sweetness.
Plus, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer for up to two weeks. It makes a great after-dinner dessert or snack to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
So go ahead and give this vegan fudge recipe a try! I guarantee you’ll love it even if you’re not a vegan or have any dietary restrictions.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to whip up this delectable vegan fudge recipe. You will need:
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk: this will give the fudge a creamy texture.
- 2 cups of dairy-free chocolate chips: use vegan chocolate chips that are free from dairy and casein.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: for a burst of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract: gives a nutty twist to the recipe.
- 1 cup of icing sugar: for the sweetness factor.
- ½ cup of cocoa powder: cocoa adds richness to the fudge, and it’s perfect for chocolate lovers!
- A pinch of salt: this will bring out the flavor in the chocolate.
- Optional add-ins: feel free to get creative and add nuts, marshmallows, raisins, cranberries or any other dried fruit you like!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients and equipment needed, it’s time to get started with making the delicious vegan fudge! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect dairy-free and gluten-free treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by measuring out 2 cups of dairy-free chocolate chips and set them aside in a large heat-safe bowl. Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the same bowl with the chocolate chips.
Then, pour 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk into a small saucepan and place on medium heat.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate Chips
When the coconut milk begins to simmer, remove from heat and pour over the bowl of chocolate chips. Let it sit for about a minute before stirring until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. If there are still lumps, microwave in intervals of 10 seconds until chocolate is completely melted.
Step 3: Flavoring
Next, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract to the chocolate mixture. You may also use other flavors such as almond or mint extract depending on your preference.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional)
If you wish to add toppings to your fudge, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), 1/2 cup of vegan marshmallows or any dried fruit (raisins, cranberries) you like.
Step 5: Pour into Pan
Pour mixture into an airtight container or parchment-lined dish (8-inch square pan). Make sure to spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover with plastic wrap and let chill overnight in a refrigerator up to 3 days. Afterwards, remove from container and slice into bite-sized pieces.
There we have it- a decadent sweet treat that is undeniably irresistible as much as it is allergy-friendly!
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and this fudge recipe is no exception. There are a plethora of substitutions and variations that can be made to customize this delicious vegan fudge to suit your individual preferences or dietary restrictions.
For the chocolate chips, feel free to use dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan chocolate chips depending on your needs. You can also experiment with using different flavors such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
If you don’t have hazelnut extract on hand, simply substitute with almond or vanilla extract. These flavors will add depth and richness to your fudge without compromising its dairy-free status.
For the icing sugar (powdered sugar), organic powdered sugar or natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar or coconut sugar can also work well. However, keep in mind that using these substitutes may affect the texture and consistency of the fudge.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cocoa powder and check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
To add some crunch and texture to your vegan fudge, feel free to add nuts such as pecans or walnuts, marshmallows, raisins, cranberries or dried fruit. Just be sure to chop them finely so that they mix well with the fudge mixture.
Lastly, for a high-protein option you can try adding protein powder to your vegan fudge for an extra boost of nutrition. This is a great way to turn an indulgent treat into a healthy snack!
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create a customized version of this easy dairy-free dessert recipe that suits your tastes and preferences while ensuring you are still enjoying a nutritious treat.
Serving and Pairing
You’ve worked hard to make the perfect dairy and gluten-free fudge, so let’s talk about how to serve and pair it. This vegan dessert is luxurious, rich, indulgent and smooth without being too overpowering. The fudge has flavors of chocolate and hazelnut which makes it such a versatile dessert that can be served in multiple ways.
You can cut the fudge into small bite-size pieces to place on a platter, line them up on a dessert course or you can pop them into your mouth as single serve treats. Pairing this vegan fudge with hot chocolate is an excellent idea for those cold winter days or as an after-dinner treat.
Also, topping your vegan ice cream with little bits of fudge adds some crunchiness to its creaminess. For added crunchiness, feel free to add nuts like walnuts and almonds to the mix. If you prefer something sweet and fruity, then consider pairing the fudge with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
And if you’re feeling creative in the kitchen, incorporate the fudge into different recipes like brownies or even as a filling for a chocolate cake. The possibilities are endless!
Remember that this vegan and gluten-free fudge is a treat that everyone can enjoy – whether they have allergies or not. So get ready to indulge in this delicious vegan fudge in so many different ways!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this vegan fudge recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it, which makes it a great option for parties or as a gift. Once your fudge has set, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you want your fudge to last even longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
When you’re ready to serve your fudge, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave them on low power for 20-30 seconds to make them soft and gooey again.
For those who like freshly made fudge, simply reheat it by placing the pieces on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving them on low power for about 10 seconds. Be sure not to overheat them or they may become too gooey.
Whether you want your fudge chilled or warm, these storage and reheating tips will ensure that your vegan fudge tastes just as delicious as the day you made it.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor in vegan fudge can be tricky. To help you avoid any pitfalls, I’ve compiled some important tips for creating the best vegan fudge possible.
1. Use high-quality chocolate chips
To achieve rich, decadent fudge, start with high-quality chocolate chips. Look for dairy-free options made with cocoa butter to ensure a rich and creamy texture.
2. Avoid overcooking
One of the most common mistakes when making fudge is overcooking. Pay close attention to the recipe’s cooking time, and remove the mixture from heat as soon as it reaches the correct temperature.
3. Add flavors after cooking
While vanilla extract or hazelnut extract can add a different dimension to your fudge recipe, their flavors are volatile and may dissipate during cooking. Add them after you have removed your fudge mixture from heat.
4. Sift your icing sugar
Sifting your icing sugar into your mixture might seem like a small step but it can make a huge difference in terms of final product texture.
5. Experiment with toppings and mix-ins
Fudge is a versatile dessert that pairs well with many toppings and mix-ins such as nuts, raisins, cranberries or dried fruit. Feel free to get creative and try out different combinations!
6. Chill before serving
Once you’ve prepared the fudge, make sure to chill it in the fridge or freezer before serving to create the perfect texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create scrumptious, plant-based fudge that everyone will love!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan fudge recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly dessert option. With only three key ingredients – cocoa powder, coconut milk, and powdered sugar – this recipe is not only easy but also incredibly delicious.
If you’re worried about not being able to tell the difference between regular fudge and vegan fudge, don’t be. I promise that this recipe will satisfy all your sweet cravings without ever feeling like you’re missing out.
And the best part? This recipe is versatile enough that you can customize it to your liking by adding nuts, marshmallows, raisins, cranberries, or any other dried fruit. Plus, it’s so rich and decadent that you won’t need more than a single serving to feel completely satisfied.
So whether you’re a vegan or simply looking for a new dessert option that’s both healthy and delicious, give this vegan fudge recipe a try today. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Vegan Fudge (Dairy/Casein-Free, Gluten-Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups icing sugar
- 1/2 cup almond milk (I use unsweetened Almond Breeze, or other non-dairy choice)
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free margarine (I use Earth Balance)
- 1 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (choose whatever taste you'd like) or 1 teaspoon mint extract (choose whatever taste you'd like)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together icing sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in chocolate chips.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the almond milk and non-dairy margarine to a boil, over medium-high heat, careful not to burn. Using a whisk, stir constantly.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in icing sugar mixture, until combined well and chocolate is melted.
- Stir in extract.
- Spread into a 8x8 silicone pan and refridge until solid. If you don't have a silicone pan, you'll want to lightly grease your pan.
- Cut into small pieces (or large pieces if you prefer!). I cut it in about a 9x9 squares, so they are bite sized pieces.
- Notes: I froze this after it was solid and we snacked on some to save for Christmas trays and it was perfect, but once left out for a bit it got a little soft. It still tasted like 'real' fudge though!
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.