Vegan Chocolate Fudge Bites

Healthy fudge without condensed milk or coconut oil that is vegan, deliciously creamy and easy to make.

These Vegan Chocolate Fudge Bites are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients: chocolate, nut butter, vanilla extract and salt. They are gluten free, dairy free, and made without condensed milk or coconut oil for a healthy treat. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Set the fudge mixture in any container you prefer. Mini muffin cases create pretty fluted edges, while silicone ice cube trays or chocolate molds works perfectly for individual shapes. Alternatively, a simple dish lined with parchment paper can be used to make fudge squares.

Healthy fudge recipe with chocolate and nut butter

This healthy fudge recipe takes a different approach by replacing traditional ingredients like butter and condensed milk with a simple combination of chocolate and nut butter. The key to achieving a rich, creamy texture lies in the ratio of these two ingredients, creating that fudge-like consistency.

To make the fudge, simply melt the chocolate and nut butter together, then pour the mixture into individual molds or spread it in a pan. After letting it set in the fridge, the result is a smooth and fudgy treat. The nut butter prevents the chocolate from hardening completely to ensure that each bite is soft and indulgent.

Ingredients for vegan chocolate fudge bites set out in bowls
Dark chocolate, almond butter, vanilla extract and salt with a range of topping options

Ingredients for vegan chocolate fudge bites

  • Chocolate: To keep the sugar content low and get a rich chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Milk or white chocolate can be used as alternatives, as long as the chocolate can melt and re-set. For strictly vegan fudge bites, ensure your chocolate does not contain dairy ingredients, such as milk solids.
  • Nut butter: Choose a natural, smooth nut butter. The ingredient list should only include the nut (such as almonds, cashews or peanuts) and possibly some salt. Almond and cashew butters work well for a neutral flavor, while peanut butter creates a chocolate peanut butter cup vibe.
  • Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the fudge’s flavor.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the chocolate’s flavor. If your nut butter is already salted, taste the melted mixture first to decide if extra salt is needed.
Chocolate fudge mixture melted in a hot water bath
Melting the chocolate fudge mixture in a hot water bath

Fudge flavors and toppings

  • Chocolate mint fudge: Add a few drops of peppermint oil or peppermint extract to the fudge mixture.
  • Chocolate orange fudge: Add a couple of drops of orange oil, orange extract or some finely grated orange zest.
  • Peanut butter fudge: Swirl in some peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
  • Topping ideas: Before setting the fudge, top with dried fruits, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, crumbled cookies or crushed pretzels.
A plate of chocolate fudge bites
Add your favorite toppings to the vegan chocolate fudge bites

Creative ways to set vegan fudge

  • Mini muffin cases: Spoon the mixture into mini muffin cases for crinkled-edge fudge bites. It’s easiest to place the cases in a mini muffin tray for stability.
  • Silicone ice cube tray or chocolate mold: Spoon the mixture into silicone molds, such as stars, hearts, squares or seasonal shapes, and pop out once set.
  • Square or rectangular dish: Spread the mixture into a dish lined with parchment paper, then slice into squares once set.
A stack of fudge cups
Natural nut butter gives these dairy-free fudge bites a rich and creamy texture

How to store vegan chocolate fudge bites

Store these vegan chocolate fudge bites in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can enjoy them straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature to soften slightly before serving. Just be aware that if the room is warm, the fudge will eventually begin to melt.

For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Once the fudge is set, transfer the pieces to a ziplock bag or wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, either thaw them in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature to soften.

More healthy chocolate recipes

You can find more ideas on the Chocolate Recipes page.

Vegan Chocolate Fudge Bites Recipe

Serves
12

Prep time
15 mins

Cook time
1 hour chilling

Ingredients

For the fudge:

  • 4.8 oz / 135 g chocolate, chopped (see Note 1)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp / 135 g natural nut butter (see Note 2)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp fine salt

Topping ideas:

  • Dried fruit
  • Coconut
  • Chopped nuts
  • Crystallized ginger
  • Chocolate chips
  • Crumbled cookies or pretzels

Method

  1. Melt the chopped chocolate, nut butter, vanilla and salt together using a microwave, double boiler or hot water bath (see Notes 3, 4, and 5), stirring frequently until everything is melted and well combined.
  2. Line a mini muffin tray with 12 mini muffin cases. Spoon the mixture into the cases and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
  3. Transfer to the fridge to chill for 1 hour, or until the fudge is firm.

Notes

  1. Chocolate – I use 70% cocoa dark chocolate to keep the sugar content low. For sweeter fudge bites, you can use 40% cocoa dark chocolate or even milk chocolate. For strictly vegan fudge, check that your chocolate doesn’t contain dairy ingredients like milk solids.
  2. Nut butter – Natural nut butters with a neutral flavor, like almond butter or cashew butter, work well with most toppings. For peanut-flavored fudge bites, you can use natural peanut butter.
  3. Microwave method – Place the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in bursts of 20 to 30 seconds, stirring between each burst to prevent the chocolate from burning.
  4. Double boiler method – Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Add the ingredients to the bowl, then bring the water to a gentle simmer. Stir the ingredients as they melt from the steam rising from the simmering water.
  5. Hot water bath method – Place the ingredients in a heatproof bowl. In a separate saucepan, pour about an inch of boiling water from a kettle. Set the bowl with the ingredients into the saucepan, making sure the water touches the outside of the bowl but doesn’t get inside. Stir frequently until everything has melted.
  6. Storage – Store the fudge bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, either in a ziplock bag or tightly wrapped in cling film to prevent freezer burn.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving size: 1 fudge bite (made with 70% cocoa dark chocolate, excluding toppings)
  • Energy: 128 Calories / 534 Kilojoules
  • Total Fat: 9.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Sugars: 4 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g
  • Sodium: 33 mg
  • Potassium: 138 mg
Did you like this recipe?

You are welcome to leave a comment and rate the recipe below. Your email won't be published.

Lilian Dikmans
Lilian Dikmans
Lilian Dikmans is a former lawyer, model and founder of Real Food Healthy Body. She has become the first Australian model simultaneously partaking in Muay Thai bouts.
Get new recipes directly in your inbox

Latest recipes

Leave your comment
Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here
Your rating