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Home » Plant-Based Recipes » Desserts » Foolproof Classic Vegan Fudge

Foolproof Classic Vegan Fudge

By Bohemian Vegan Kitchen · Published: Dec 7, 2016 · Updated: Nov 22, 2021 16 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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This easy vegan fudge recipe with cocoa powder is the ultimate classic treat, smooth and super chocolaty, and melts in your mouth! Using just 7 ingredients, this is a no-nonsense, foolproof recipe that brings back all those warm feelings of holiday fudge, without the dairy.

And if you love all things chocolate during the holidays, be sure to try my easy vegan chocolate cashew clusters, this simple chocolate pie, and these almond joy vegan brownies. For a healthy, raw vegan fudge, try this delicious treacle fudge.

picture of vegan fudge with red ribbon

Classic memories get a vegan upgrade

I can still recall the first time I ever had fudge– I was probably around the age of 6. My Great-Grandmother had sent us a large package, and I opened that box with a sense of urgency and excitement. It had that special “North Pole” feel.  

Inside was an assortment of holiday gifts, but the thing that sticks out the most in my recollection was homemade fudge– wrapped in paper napkins and sealed in an old tin. Apparently she made it every year, but since I had only met her once, I had been excluded from this traditional indulgence.

I spent the next couple of days strung out on this new favorite of mine, and felt quite sulky when it was gone. My parents never made their own fudge so it was many years before I had “the real stuff” again.

Looking back, I’m not really even sure how it managed to get from the middle of America to our house without melting into a solid block of goo, but I suppose there was a little bit of Christmas magic involved (and perhaps lightening-speed shipping?).

closeup of vegan fudge square, ready to eat

I definitely think that I channeled some of that same magic, and my Great-Grandma’s lovely spirit, when I made this classic vegan chocolate fudge in my kitchen. It makes me sad that I never really got to know her, but I can pretend we have a crazy cosmic connection when I recreate her thoughtful gift from all those years ago.

Of course, while I still adore fudge, it feels (and tastes) much better to put a vegan twist on a classic treat. By swapping out a few simple ingredients, this is a winner that will remain on the nice list for years to come.

Ingredients needed + Substitutions

This easy vegan fudge is a foolproof recipe that will make all of your dairy free dreams come true.

The best part is that you only need 7 ingredients to get started. Check out this list with substitutions if needed. And be sure to check the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Granulated sugar. I like to use organic cane sugar for this recipe, because regular sugar is typically processed with bone char, and not vegan.
  • Cocoa powder. Any cocoa powder will do for classic fudge, but personally I like Hershey’s best. For extra dark fudge, try using Hershey’s specialty dark cocoa powder.
  • Dairy free butter. I like using Earth Balance butter the best. You can also use coconut oil if you don’t want to use vegan butter.
  • Plant based milk. I prefer almond milk, but any plant milk will do, such as coconut, cashew, oat, or soy.
  • Maple syrup. Traditional fudge will call for corn syrup, so I like to use maple syrup instead. You can also substitute with any liquid sweetener of choice.
  • Vanilla extract. Optional, but adds a lovely flavor.
  • Powdered sugar. Be sure to get organic powdered sugar, which is naturally vegan.
picture of vegan fudge cut into perfect squares

How to make the best vegan fudge

You don’t need a candy thermometer or any tricks to make this vegan fudge recipe work! Just follow the simple steps below and enjoy all that chocolate bliss.

  1. Grease a standard bread pan (9 x 5 x 3 inches) with some dairy-free butter or coconut oil and line with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. In a medium pot, add the sugar, cocoa, dairy-free butter, almond milk, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Once your mixture starts to boil, stir with a spoon continuously for one minute exactly. Remove from heat and let cool for 45 minutes. I just set mine on the back burner and turn on a timer.
  3. Once cooled, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until the mixture is stiff. This is going to be THICK, almost like a dough. Transfer to bread pan, spread/smooth out to the edges.
  4. Place in the refrigerator and chill at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Storage

  • Counter: You can keep this fudge on the counter for a couple days (or out for a few hours if bringing it to a party or stuffing a stocking). Personally, I like to keep my fudge in the fridge.
  • Refrigerator: Keep this vegan fudge in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: Wrap this vegan fudge tightly with double layers of plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight.
closeup of chocolatey vegan fudge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vegan fudge made from?

This dairy free fudge recipe is classic and simple, using ingredients like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and plant based milk and butter. The result is so close to regular fudge, no one would even know it’s vegan if you didn’t tell them!

Do you have to use vegan butter for this recipe?

Nope! If you don’t want to use dairy free butter, swap it out for coconut oil instead. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor a touch. It also may harden up more than if you were to use vegan butter, since coconut oil hardens once chilled.

Can you add anything to this vegan fudge?

Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of peppermint for peppermint fudge, or toss in some crushed up pretzels for a salty kick. You can also add mini vegan marshmallows and graham crackers for s’mores fudge.

Allergy Information

  • This recipe is 100% vegan, meaning it is dairy free and egg free. It is also naturally gluten-free and soy-free, when using Earth Balance soy-free vegan butter.
  • Make it nut-free by using another plant-based milk of your choice, like coconut or soy milk.
  • Don’t want to use vegan butter? Switch it out for coconut oil instead.
  • Make this peppermint chocolate fudge by using peppermint extract instead of vanilla.

More vegan holiday chocolate recipes:

  • Vegan Chocolate Cashew Clusters
  • Easiest Vegan Chocolate Pie
  • Almond Joy Vegan Brownies
  • Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Specialty Dark Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
picture of vegan fudge squares, which make the perfect holiday treat
Classic Dairy-Free Cocoa Fudge! 100% #vegan and #glutenfree! #easy #fudge #veganfudge #veganchristmas #christmasgifts #bohemianvegankitchen

Foolproof Classic Vegan Fudge

Randi Tisdall
This easy vegan fudge recipe with cocoa powder is the ultimate classic treat, smooth and super chocolaty, and melts in your mouth! Using just 7 ingredients, this is a no-nonsense, foolproof recipe that brings back all those warm feelings of holiday fudge, without the dairy.
4.59 from 12 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
cooling + chill time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Servings 64 small squares
Calories 38 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup dairy-free butter such as Earth Balance
  • ⅓ cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Grease a standard bread pan (9 x 5 x 3 inches) with some dairy-free butter or coconut oil and line with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
  • In a medium pot, add the sugar, cocoa, dairy-free butter, almond milk, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Once your mixture starts to boil, stir with a spoon continuously for one minute exactly. Remove from heat and let cool for 45 minutes. I just set mine on the back burner and turn on a timer.
  • Once cooled, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until the mixture is stiff. This is going to be THICK, almost like a dough. Transfer to bread pan, spread/smooth out to the edges.
  • Place in the refrigerator and chill at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Tell me about it + share!Comment and let me know how it was! Then follow BVK on Pinterest @bohemianvegankitchen
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Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

« Easy Vegan Chocolate Cashew Clusters
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About Bohemian Vegan Kitchen

I believe that wellness starts in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! That's why I'm dedicated to sharing the best vegan comfort food and healthy recipes. Because at the end of the day, you should feel good about what you eat and how you feel, regardless of health restrictions or crazy schedules. Bohemian Vegan Kitchen has been featured by VegNews, Delish, Beyond Meat, MSN, and HuffPost.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chelsea

    December 15, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    It tastes good but mine didn’t set, even after following your timing. Do you have tips on how to salvage it?3 stars

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Chelsea, can you tell me a little more about what you did? Did you let it sit overnight? Did you measure your ingredients exactly? Did you use any swaps?

      Reply
  2. Adrien

    November 01, 2017 at 1:20 am

    This fudge was great, perfect recipe! I sprinkled fine minced dried fruit/ raisin mix on the top and It gave it a beautiful Autmn look, fudge stayed glossy on top and set up perfect!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      November 01, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Oh wonderful!! The addition of dried fruit and raisins sounds delicious too! Thanks so much for sharing your experience Adrien, I really appreciate it:)

      Reply
  3. Mary Ellen @ VNutrition

    December 19, 2016 at 7:06 am

    Haha, strung out for a few days! That made me laugh. I was totally the same way after Halloween every year growing up.

    Love the story about your great grandma. That is such a nice memory!

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 19, 2016 at 10:06 am

      LOL, that sugar does a number on ya!! I’m just super sensitive and more aware of the affects of food on my system now lol. Thanks so much for stopping by Mary Ellen!

      Reply
  4. Kimmythevegan

    December 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    Oh I love hearing the story about your great grandma. That’s so cute =) And such a great inspiration for this fudge.
    My dad apparently made “the best!” fudge when we were growing up… but I have never been much of a fudge person. I haven’t really tried it since going vegan though and I tend to prefer the vegan versions of everything, so I will be giving this a try =)
    Thank you so much for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays! I’m pinning & sharing.

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 19, 2016 at 10:04 am

      LOL, I love how when we were kids, everything was “THE BEST”. I hope you get a chance to try these fudge squares because they are the bomb!

      Reply
  5. Amber Harrop

    December 12, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    I am trying thsi recipe this weekend now I have the ingredients 🙂

    Reply
  6. Leanna

    December 08, 2016 at 2:14 am

    I really enjoyed your story about your grand mother. Little ones anxiously waiting to open their gift in the mail. Your fudge passes on that tradition, Lovely story.

    Pinning.

    Reply
    • Randi Tisdall

      December 09, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Thank you Leanna:) I think it’s important that we share memories and recipes from our loved ones, even if that means updating them lol.

      Reply

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