If you’ve been craving something sweet yet simple to whip up, I absolutely love sharing this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe with you. It’s one of those no-fuss treats that come together in minutes, tastes insanely good, and keeps well in your freezer for whenever that peanut buttery craving strikes. When I first made this, I was blown away by how creamy and rich it turned out without a drop of dairy. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get it just right—plus some insider tips I learned the hard way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making it a quick go-to for last-minute sweet cravings.
- Dairy-Free and Naturally Sweetened: Perfect if you’re avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Decadently Peanut Butter Rich: This fudge really nails that creamy, nutty goodness that peanut butter lovers can’t resist.
- No Baking Required: Just melt, mix, freeze, and you’re set—easy enough even for beginners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that blend beautifully together. Shopping tip: choose unsalted peanut butter and pure maple syrup for the best flavor balance—you’ll really taste the difference!
- Coconut Oil: This acts as the base fat and keeps the fudge smooth once it sets; make sure to use refined coconut oil if you don’t want the coconut flavor to come through.
- Peanut Butter: I love using natural and unsalted varieties to control the saltiness and texture—Trader Joe’s unsalted peanut butter works wonderfully.
- Maple Syrup: This adds natural sweetness plus a subtle depth that’s better than plain sugar syrup.
- Cane Sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness and helps create that classic fudge texture; you can swap with coconut sugar if you prefer a caramel note.
- Salt: Just a pinch in the mix and a sprinkle on top really elevates the flavor—it balances all that sweetness perfectly.
Variations
I love to switch things up with this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe depending on what I have around or my mood. It’s versatile enough for you to customize too—don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Swap Sweeteners: I once tried honey instead of maple syrup, and while it made the fudge a bit denser, the honey flavor added a lovely floral touch.
- Add Mix-Ins: Toss in some chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture—you’ll love the crunch with every bite.
- Alternative Nut Butters: Give almond or cashew butter a try for a different taste profile—I found almond butter especially smooth and delicious.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add an interesting twist I like to pull out for holiday gatherings.
How to Make Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step makes all the difference when it’s time to remove your fudge cleanly, so don’t skip it! I like to let the parchment paper hang over the edges a bit to create handles for easy lifting later.
Step 2: Melt and Mix
Place your coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly to combine the ingredients smoothly—the mixture should be fully melted and silky without any lumps. This part can be tempting to walk away from, but steady attention pays off; otherwise, you risk burning the sugars or uneven texture.
Step 3: Chill Until Set
Pour the warm mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours—or until fully hardened. Pro tip: I sometimes make this the night before, and it’s perfectly set by morning.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Remove the fudge from the freezer and lift it out using the parchment paper edges. Trim any uneven sides, then cut into bite-sized squares. I always sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top before serving—it adds that perfect salty-sweet finish that everyone loves.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Consistent Whisking: Keeping the heat medium and whisking frequently prevents burning sugar and ensures a glossy, smooth fudge base.
- Use Refined Coconut Oil: If you’re not keen on that coconut flavor, refined coconut oil keeps your fudge neutral, letting peanut butter shine.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch in the mix and a sprinkle on top balances the sweetness and elevates the whole flavor profile.
- Cut While Cold: Cutting the fudge once it’s completely set and cold helps you get neat, clean squares that won’t crumble.
How to Serve Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of finishing these fudge pieces with a quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even some crushed roasted peanuts for a bit of crunch. Sometimes, a light drizzle of melted dairy-free dark chocolate adds an elegant touch when guests come over.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully as a small dessert alongside fresh fruit or a cup of rich, dairy-free coffee or tea. When I’m hosting, I like placing it next to some dairy-free whipped cream or coconut yogurt for a delightful snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try stacking your fudge squares on a pretty serving platter lined with wax paper and topping with edible flowers or chopped nuts. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment or decorative cupcake liners makes them great for gifting or easy grab-and-go treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cut fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. I keep mine chilled for up to two weeks, and it stays perfectly creamy without getting too hard or grainy. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Freezing is my favorite storage method for this fudge because it keeps it fresh for several months. I recommend using a freezer-safe container and thawing pieces in the fridge overnight before enjoying for the best texture.
Reheating
If you want to soften the fudge quickly, I gently warm single pieces in the microwave for 8-10 seconds on low power. This gets the buttery texture back without melting it completely—perfect if you want a little gooey indulgence.
FAQs
-
Can I use other nut butters in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can work well. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the nuttiness and oil content of the alternative butter.
-
Is this fudge suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe uses plant-based ingredients only. Just be sure to check your peanut butter and sugar for any additives if strict vegan compliance is important to you.
-
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
While the recipe relies on cane sugar for texture, you can experiment with using only maple syrup or honey, but the fudge may come out softer and less set. You’ll get more of a peanut butter fudge spread or sauce consistency rather than firm fudge.
-
How long does this fudge last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts about two weeks. Frozen, it’ll keep nicely for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
If you try only one peanut butter fudge recipe this year, let it be this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe—it’s genuinely one of my all-time favorites because of how simple it is and how wonderfully it hits that sweet, salty, and creamy trifecta. Whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or friends, I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Plus, knowing it’s dairy-free makes indulging all the sweeter. Give it a go and let me know how your fudge turned out—I’m always excited to hear about your kitchen wins!
Print
Easy Dairy-Free 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: Vegan
Description
This Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge is a creamy, sweet treat made with coconut oil, peanut butter, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for a quick homemade dessert that’s free from dairy, this fudge is smooth, rich, and easy to prepare. It’s a delightful snack for those avoiding dairy products or seeking a simple vegan-friendly dessert.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- Pinch of salt, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Heat Ingredients: Add the coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat.
- Mix Until Smooth: Whisk the mixture frequently to ensure the coconut oil fully melts and all ingredients combine smoothly without lumps.
- Pour Mixture Into Dish: Once smooth, pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours to allow the fudge to harden completely.
- Serve: Remove the fudge from the freezer, trim any uneven edges if needed, cut into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with additional sea salt for a flavor boost, and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories are per piece and are an estimation.
- I used Trader Joe’s unsalted peanut butter, which worked great for this recipe.
- You can substitute coconut sugar instead of cane sugar, and honey instead of maple syrup; however, these substitutions will alter the flavor slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg