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Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s rich, creamy, and totally indulgent but without any dairy, you’re going to flip for this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge strikes the perfect balance between peanut butter’s comforting flavor and the smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture—plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or just looking for a wholesome dessert, you’ll find that this fudge hits all the right notes. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic fudge happen in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Dairy-Free and Simple: Made without any dairy, perfect for sensitive diets or anyone avoiding milk products.
  • Quick to Make: Only a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes prep—ideal for last-minute cravings.
  • Customizable Sweetness: You can swap maple syrup or sugar types to suit your taste or pantry.
  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The coconut oil and peanut butter combo ensures a fudge that’s smooth and melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe are simple, accessible, and play well together. The key is to use natural peanut butter and good-quality coconut oil to get that perfect flavor and texture. I usually grab unsalted peanut butter because it lets me control the saltiness myself.

Flat lay of a smooth wooden spoonful of natural peanut butter, a small white bowl filled with golden maple syrup, a small white bowl of white cane sugar crystals, a few golden coconut oil chunks glistening softly, and a small white bowl containing coarse pink sea salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge, dairy-free fudge recipe, vegan peanut butter fudge, easy dairy-free dessert, healthy chocolate peanut butter fudge
  • Coconut Oil: Choose refined if you prefer neutral flavor; unrefined adds subtle coconut notes that pair surprisingly well with peanut butter.
  • Peanut Butter: I recommend natural or unsalted for best control over taste, but creamy or crunchy both work.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a beautiful sweetness and slight depth; you can swap for honey if you like, but it’ll change flavor slightly.
  • Cane Sugar: Adds body and texture; you could use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste.
  • Salt: Just a pinch inside the mix to bring out the flavors; sprinkle a little more on top before serving for contrast.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe, making it my own with tweaks here and there. You can customize it beyond just the sweeteners, too. Play with flavors to find your perfect fudge!

  • Add Chocolate: I sometimes fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a peanut butter chocolate combo — trust me, it’s addictive.
  • Nut Butter Alternatives: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you want a different nutty experience.
  • Texture Boost: Mix in chopped nuts or seeds for a crunch contrast that my family adores.
  • Sweetener Swaps: Try coconut sugar or agave instead of cane sugar and maple syrup to experiment with different flavors.

How to Make Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes pulling the fudge out a breeze and cuts down on sticky mess. Trust me, you want to do this before melting anything.

Step 2: Gently Melt and Combine

Pop all the ingredients—coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt—into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently. You’ll see the coconut oil start to melt and everything comes together into a smooth, glossy mixture. The key here is patience—stir often to prevent burning and stop as soon as it’s fully melted and silky.

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Pour the warm mixture into your lined baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it in the freezer for a solid 2 hours. I usually check a little early the first time, but it really needs that chill time to firm up perfectly.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

Once set, remove from the freezer and lift the fudge out using the parchment paper edges. Trim the edges if needed—they can be a bit messy. Cut into bite-size squares, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt on top for that extra pop of flavor, and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

  • Use Natural Peanut Butter: I found natural peanut butter (without added sugars or oils) gives the cleanest, most pronounced peanut flavor.
  • Constant Whisking: Keep stirring on medium heat to avoid burning and to get a perfectly smooth texture.
  • Freeze, Don’t Refrigerate: Refrigeration doesn’t set the fudge as firmly as freezing—freeze it for best results.
  • Salt Sprinkle Trick: Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving elevates the flavor like a pro chef.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a little flaky sea salt over the fudge pieces before serving—trust me, it brings out the peanut flavor like nothing else. Sometimes I add a few crushed roasted peanuts for a bit of crunch and visual appeal when guests are over.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea or a bold, black coffee. For a party platter, consider serving it alongside dairy-free frozen yogurt or fresh berries to balance its richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes stack small fudge squares on pretty dessert stands and add edible flowers or fresh mint leaves around them—makes it look like you spent hours when really it’s a super quick treat. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper makes a lovely homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, separated by parchment layers so pieces don’t stick together. It keeps well for about a week without losing its texture.

Freezing

Freezing is my go-to for longer storage—wrap individual pieces in parchment or wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 3 months and thaw quickly when taken out to room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer softer fudge, briefly warm pieces in your hands or pop them in a microwave for 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or it’ll melt completely—slow and gentle is the way to go here.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other nut butters for this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter if you want a different twist or need a peanut-free option. Just make sure your nut butter is creamy and not too oily, so the fudge sets properly.

  2. Is the fudge suitable for vegans?

    Yes! This recipe uses no dairy or animal products—just plant-based ingredients. Be sure to check your peanut butter and sweeteners are vegan, as some brands add honey or non-vegan ingredients.

  3. How long does this fudge keep at room temperature?

    This fudge tends to soften quickly at room temperature because of the coconut oil, so I recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer to maintain its firm texture and freshness.

  4. Can I make this fudge without cane sugar?

    Yes! You can use coconut sugar or even skip sugar altogether if you want a less sweet fudge, but keep in mind this will affect both sweetness level and texture slightly. Adjust to taste and experiment a bit.

Final Thoughts

No joke, this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels indulgent without the dairy overload. It’s super forgiving, quick, and so satisfying—my family goes crazy for it every time I make a batch. If you’ve been hesitant about making dairy-free fudge or worried it won’t taste rich enough, give this one a try. I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious and creamy it turns out. Happy fudge-making, friend!

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Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 25 pieces
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Freezing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Description

This Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge is a deliciously creamy and naturally sweet treat made without any dairy products. Combining rich peanut butter, coconut oil, and sweeteners like maple syrup and cane sugar, this fudge is easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a healthier twist. It’s a wonderful no-bake, freezer-set dessert suitable for those seeking a dairy-free indulgence with a touch of salty sweetness.


Ingredients

Fudge Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1 1/4 cup peanut butter (preferably unsalted)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar
  • Pinch of salt, plus more for topping


Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
  2. Heat and combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture frequently to help melt the coconut oil and sugar while combining all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Achieve smooth consistency: Continue whisking until the coconut oil has completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and uniform without any lumps.
  4. Freeze the fudge: Pour the smooth mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours to allow the fudge to harden and set properly.
  5. Serve: Once hardened, remove the fudge from the freezer. Trim any uneven edges if desired, cut the fudge into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with additional sea salt on top for flavor contrast, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Calories provided are approximate per piece and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
  • Trader Joe’s unsalted peanut butter was used for the best flavor and texture results.
  • You may substitute coconut sugar for cane sugar and honey for maple syrup; however, this will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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