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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.

A stack of chocolate vegan fudge on a white surface
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Table of Contents

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 fudgeโ€”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 methodโ€”but it's still just a really nice, rich and chocolatey gluten free dairy free fudge.

Overhead view of bowl of chocolate and overhead view of vegan 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 Iย 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 stuffโ€”especially when I'm recipe-testing. Most of the time, I'll use Hershey'sย or Baker's brand baking chocolate for recipe-testing, and then some of the good stuff (usually Scharffen Berger) when it really matters.

Regular fudge, like our marshmallow cream fudge, uses dark chocolate and calls for something that's better quality. 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.ย 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 differenceย unless it's semi-sweet or dark.

Overhead view of slices of vegan fudge on white paper

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

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Yield: 16 pieces
This rich, decadent vegan fudge is made without any gluten or dairy, and with just 3 simple ingredients. With a low sugar option, too.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 full cans (27 ounces total) full fat coconut milk
  • ยฝ 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.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

About Nicole Hunn

Hi, Iโ€™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 arenโ€™t good enough to justify the price. At Gluten Free on a Shoestring, โ€œgood, for gluten freeโ€ just isnโ€™t good enough!

43 Comments

  1. Gluten Free on a Shoestring on Facebook says:

    Hi, Beth. It wouldn’t! Light coconut milk cannot mimic cream. So sorry!

  2. 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

  3. 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!

  4. abby says:

    Is canned coconut milk the same as the tetra-pak coconut milk??? Or is the canned stuff more condensed and thicker?

    Thanks

    1. 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

  5. Gluten Free Kitchens on Facebook says:

    Looking forward to giving this a try

  6. LaNora Workman on Facebook says:

    Thank you for the recipe. My daughter is so limited on goodies. soy free, dairy free, gluten free. This will be a nice surprise for her.

  7. Tracy Kline-Heusinkveld on Facebook says:

    Will have to give this recipe a try. Glad to see that the peanut butter is optional…saves having to substitute it. Though I suppose SunButter would work….cannot wait to give this a try though!

  8. Nicole says:

    Yes. Yes, it would, Naomi. And it’s totally legal, and I am not here to judge :)
    xoxo Nicole

  9. Johanna B says:

    Can’t wait to make this. I love peanut butter in fudge.

    1. Nicole says:

      Me too, Johanna. It’s like a secret peanut butter cup. Without the cup. Or something. :)
      xoxo Nicole

  10. Judy Ameigh Grover on Facebook says:

    printed it off ty