Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you’re anything like me and have been on the hunt for a truly scrumptious treat without dairy, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. It’s creamy, rich, and comes together in just a few minutes—you don’t even need a candy thermometer or fancy ingredients. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for guilt-free indulgence or last-minute gifts that wow everyone.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in making this fudge irresistible. The peanut butter brings richness and depth, while the coconut oil ensures it sets up perfectly without any dairy hassles. I’ve found that using maple syrup keeps it naturally sweet and adds a lovely subtle flavor.

• Coconut Oil: This helps the fudge set firmly and gives a silky texture; make sure to use refined if you don’t want coconut flavor.
• Peanut Butter: I recommend creamy and unsalted for the best balance, but feel free to get crunchy if you want a little extra bite.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
• Cane Sugar: Adds that classic fudge sweetness and a tiny bit of texture; you could swap coconut sugar here too.
• Pinch of Salt: Essential for elevating the flavors—you’ll see why when you try it with and without!

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. It’s so adaptable—feel free to make it your own!

• Nut Butter Swap: I once made this with almond butter for a subtler, nuttier flavor, and it was a hit with my family who prefer a milder taste.
• Sweetener Choices: You can switch maple syrup with honey if you’re not strictly vegan, or use coconut sugar instead of cane sugar for a richer taste.
• Extra Mix-ins: Adding a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips or some chopped nuts on top before freezing gives a fun texture twist.
• Salt Topping: I like sprinkling flaky sea salt on top just before freezing—don’t skip this step as it beautifully balances the sweetness.

How to Make Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes lifting the fudge out so much easier, and cleanup a breeze. Measure out your coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and salt so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Melt and Whisk Until Smooth

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients. I like to whisk constantly here because it helps everything melt evenly and prevents any sugar from sticking and burning. You’ll notice the coconut oil melts first and takes the peanut butter on a smooth ride toward fudge perfection. Once the mixture looks silky and combined, it’s time to remove it from the heat—don’t overcook it!

Step 3: Pour and Freeze

Pour your luscious peanut buttery mix into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then pop it into the freezer for at least 2 hours. This step is the easy patience test! Your fudge will set up firm but still creamy when cold.

Step 4: Cut, Salt, and Enjoy

Before serving, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Trim edges if needed (sometimes they’re uneven), cut into bite-size squares, and sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt on top. This finishing touch is the secret weapon that elevates the fudge to incredible levels of yum.

How to Serve Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I absolutely love topping these fudge squares with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Sometimes I toss on a few chopped roasted peanuts for a bit of crunch, and it never disappoints. For a festive touch, a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes these look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea—especially if you’re serving it for an afternoon treat. I’ve also served it alongside fresh fruit slices, like crisp apples or juicy pears, which balance out the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties or gift-giving, I like to cut the fudge into small squares, wrap them individually in parchment paper, and tie with twine for a charming rustic look. Layered in a pretty box with tissue paper, this easy fudge always gets compliments and second helpings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge stored in an airtight container in the fridge, lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It stays delicious for about a week, though around here it seldom lasts that long!

Freezing

This fudge freezes beautifully—I usually wrap individual pieces in parchment before placing them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, I let them thaw for 5-10 minutes at room temp, and the texture is just as creamy and dreamy.

Reheating

No need to reheat fudge much, but if it gets too firm in the fridge or freezer, just let it sit out for a few minutes or pop it in short bursts in the microwave (5-7 seconds) to soften slightly without melting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. It’s the kind of sweet I reach for when I want something indulgent but clean, and it never disappoints my family or friends. Give it a shot—you might find yourself making it again and again like I do!

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