This rich, decadent vegan fudge is made without any gluten or dairy, and with just 3 simple ingredients. You can even make it low-sugar, too, if you use unsweetened chocolate and only 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the whole batch. Wait until you see how easy this vegan fudge really is.
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I originally posted this recipe for really nice dairy free fudge in 2011. I remember distinctly having very little to say about it, except that it was just a really, really nice dairy free fudge—and you wouldn't miss the dairy. Fast forward nearly 5 years, and I've updated the photos (thank goodness my food photography has come quite a long way) plus the method—but it's still just a really nice, rich and chocolatey gluten free dairy free fudge.
Let's talk for a minute about the type of gluten free chocolate you use for baking. I struggle with this a bit, as I know my chocolate baked goods will be top-notch when I use a top-notch chocolate. But I'm just not willing to shell out the cash for the good stuff—especially when I'm recipe-testing. Most of the time, I'll use Hershey's or Baker's brand baking chocolate for recipe-testing, and then some of the good stuff (usually Scharffen Berger) when it really matters. For a recipe like this fudge, which calls for a lot of unsweetened chocolate (15 ounces is a lot of chocolate!), I suggest using all Hershey's. All unsweetened chocolate is a mix of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, and there are differences in the ratio of butter to solids, and differences in the quality of cocoa beans used and method, but honestly? I can't tell the difference unless it's semi-sweet or dark.
For fudge success with this exceedingly simple recipe, more than anything, you must be sure to reduce the full-fat canned coconut milk fully, until it is reduced by at least half and has gone from a liquid to almost gelatin-like. As you whisk, you'll see the texture of the sugar and coconut milk mixture change pretty dramatically. That's when you know that it's ready. If you're at all unsure, reduce the heat to low and keep cooking it down. If you don't have unsweetened chocolate and you're just dying to give this recipe a try right away, try using the chocolate you have. Just be sure to use only the 1/2 cup granulated sugar!
Vegan Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 full cans (27 ounces total) full fat coconut milk
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar or up to 1 cup (200 g) for sweeter fudge
- 1 whole vanilla bean (optional)
- 15 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with crisscrossed sheets of parchment paper that overhang the sides. Set the pan aside.
- In a medium, heavy-bottom saucepan, place the coconut milk and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently to prevent it from boiling over.
- Add the optional vanilla bean and continue to boil, whisking frequently, until the mixture is reduced by at least half, and the milk is very thick (about 20 minutes).
- Remove from the heat, remove the vanilla bean add the chocolate and mix until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Slice the vanilla bean in half through the center and squeeze out the vanilla seeds from each half into the fudge, and stir to combine.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and shake back and forth into an even layer. Bang the pan flat on the counter a couple times to break any trapped air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight. The fudge will begin as shiny, and will be obviously solid and matte in finish when set.
- Remove the fudge from the pan using the overhanging sheets of parchment paper and slice it with a large, sharp knife into 16 equal pieces.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I’m Nicole. I create gluten free recipes that really work and taste as good as you remember. No more making separate meals when someone is GF, or buying packaged foods that aren’t good enough to justify the price. At Gluten Free on a Shoestring, “good, for gluten free” just isn’t good enough! Come visit my bio!
Sandra JM says
When I converted the fluid ounce amount into mls it comes out to 6000mls. Not sure if there is a decimal point in the wrong place?
Victoria Donaldson says
Yum!!!! I used coconut sugar and scattered some toasted hazelnuts on the top, cannot stop eating. Thanks
The Latifa says
Good Morning/Evening
Dear Nicole,
Thank you so much, I really love this recipe it’s so tasty
Do mind if I translate your recipes to Arabic? Will surely credits you
Thanks in advance
– Latifa
Jane S. O'Callaghan says
Could this be made with coconut sugar instead of granulated? I’m trying to cut down on all processed sugars. Also, could using cocoa butter & cocoa powder be a substitute for the chocolate? Thanks.
Victoria Donaldson says
I used coconut sugar no problem at all, next time I might even leave it out as I cannot get completely sugar free chocolate.
Sarahpchri says
Can i use Enjoy Life chocolate chips? Or another DF chocolate chip for this?
Nicole Hunn says
That would require other modifications to the recipe, Sarah, no I’m afraid not. Chips have wax in them, and are not unsweetened.
Lu says
Yo have to use the entire can of coco milk or only the creamy part and discart the water?
Nicole Hunn says
The whole thing, Lu!
Jennifer S. says
yum!
Heather Jay Collingridge on Facebook says
Thank you! I bought the cans and going to attempt to make it today! @ Susan – Thanks for the tip, I did not realize that and have been using my “drinking” coconut milk in recipes.
Gluten Free on a Shoestring on Facebook says
Nope, Dana. It doesn’t. My husband doesn’t like coconut but he loves this fudge. He also loves my dairy-free egg nog, which is made with coconut milk, too, in place of cream.
Mindy Teichman Waizer on Facebook says
My husband has made this for company a few times and it’s always a tremendous success. So rich you only need a small piece. Amazing.
Gluten Free on a Shoestring on Facebook says
Hi, Beth. It wouldn’t! Light coconut milk cannot mimic cream. So sorry!
Susan Linn Plocher on Facebook says
I remember this post…this is the one you posted about being able to use the cream part as a way to make DF sweetened condensed milk! Love it! Really it’s a “twofer” recipe! :-D
Beth Jenkins Jones on Facebook says
Would it work with the light coconut milk? That is all I have at the moment….Looks soooo goood!
abby says
Is canned coconut milk the same as the tetra-pak coconut milk??? Or is the canned stuff more condensed and thicker?
Thanks
Nicole says
Hi, Abby,
I am fairly certain you’re referring to coconut milk that is meant to drink. Canned coconut milk is completely different. When it’s full fat (NOT low fat), it is quite thick, yes. Low fat canned coconut milk (which you don’t want to use) is quite similar to the coconut milk meant for drinking.
I hope that’s helpful.
xoxo Nicole