The Easiest Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe: A No-Bake, Allergy-Friendly Christmas Treat

Get ready to whip up the easiest dairy-free fudge you’ve ever made! If you can measure and pour just 6 simple ingredients and then melt them on your stovetop, you’re well on your way to a perfect batch. Forget the stress of candy thermometers or precise temperatures – this recipe is foolproof. Our dairy-free marshmallow fudge boasts a rich, truffle-like texture and can easily be adapted into a delicious vegan fudge by selecting the right marshmallows. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and free of the top-8-allergens, ensuring that more people can enjoy this beloved Christmas staple.

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Bringing Back a Cherished Tradition: Our Journey to Allergy-Friendly Christmas Fudge

For many years, Christmas felt a little less complete in our home. My mom’s homemade fudge, a staple of our holiday celebrations, became a distant memory. Her recipe, typically found on the back of a Kraft marshmallow fluff package, was undeniably delicious, but it came with a significant challenge: it was packed with dairy and eggs. Both sweetened condensed milk and butter are dairy-laden, and traditional marshmallow fluff contains egg, making it off-limits for my son, who faces a severe anaphylactic allergy to all things dairy and eggs. It felt like we were DOOMED to a future without this classic Christmas treat.

Imagine, my son was in grade school and had never once experienced the joy of Christmas fudge. As a parent, that feeling of exclusion during the holidays was heartbreaking. I wrestled with how to recreate that signature creamy texture without those essential, yet problematic, ingredients. I tried countless substitutions and experiments, but nothing quite hit the mark. The dream of him savoring a piece of homemade fudge seemed out of reach. That is, until a lightbulb moment occurred when I was making my dairy-free caramel sauce. It was then that I realized the existence of sweetened condensed COCONUT milk. BINGO! I had found the missing piece to our Christmas puzzle.

The first batch was a revelation. My kids devoured it, begging for more, which happily necessitated a second batch just for our family to enjoy. That Christmas, for the first time, we had allergy-safe fudge. It was more than just a dessert; it was the start of a wonderful new holiday tradition, bringing back a piece of the magic we thought was lost. If you’re looking to create similar joy in your home, this fool-proof dairy-free fudge recipe is your answer.

To help you on your way, below are some FAQ’s that will ensure you also make fool-proof dairy-free fudge:

Understanding the Differences: Vegan Fudge vs. Traditional Christmas Fudge

For many, fudge is synonymous with rich, creamy indulgence during the holiday season. However, traditional fudge recipes often contain several animal products that make them unsuitable for a vegan diet. Vegans choose to exclude all animal products from their food, including meat and by-products like dairy and gelatin. Classic fudge typically relies heavily on butter, marshmallows (which contain gelatin, an animal by-product derived from collagen), and often chocolate that includes milk solids.

To transform this classic into a vegan delight, strategic ingredient swaps are necessary. By opting for high-quality vegan butter, marshmallows specifically made without gelatin, and certified vegan chocolate chips, you can achieve the same decadent quality and texture as traditional fudge, but entirely plant-based. This recipe guides you through those savvy substitutions to ensure your vegan fudge is just as delightful and satisfying.

Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips for Dairy-Free Fudge

The type of chocolate chips you use is crucial for truly dairy-free and vegan fudge. My personal favorite is Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. While they don’t explicitly market themselves as “dairy-free” or “vegan,” their ingredient list, when carefully reviewed, has always met my needs. For those who require certified dairy-free products or are concerned about cross-contamination from shared facilities, there are excellent dedicated options available:

• Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips: A widely trusted brand known for being free of the top 8 allergens.
• Nestle Toll House Allergen Free Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A popular choice, now with an allergen-friendly option.
• Simple Truth Organic Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips: A reliable organic option found in many grocery stores.
• Great Value Organic Semisweet Chocolate Chips: An affordable and accessible vegan choice.

Always remember to double-check ingredient labels, especially if managing severe allergies, as formulations can change.

Why Are Marshmallows Not Always Vegan?

If you’re like me, you adore marshmallow fudge for the unique texture and delightful sweetness it imparts. However, when aiming for not just a dairy-free fudge but a truly vegan one, you must be discerning about your marshmallow choice. The key ingredient that makes traditional marshmallows non-vegan is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly found in the bones and connective tissues of animals. This makes regular marshmallows an animal product.

Fortunately, the market has expanded to offer excellent vegan marshmallow alternatives. These are typically made with plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin. You can often find these specialized marshmallows on Amazon or at health food stores like Whole Foods. The most popular and reliable vegan marshmallow brand I’m familiar with is Dandie’s, and their ingredients typically include:

• Tapioca Syrup
• Cane Sugar
• Filtered Water
• Tapioca Starch
• Carrageenan (a plant-based thickener)
• Soy Protein
• Natural Vanilla Flavor

For a comprehensive guide, you can click here to see an ingredient comparison chart of all the top brands of marshmallows, which can be incredibly helpful for navigating your choices.

Can Vegan Fudge Be Made with Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk? Absolutely!

Discovering sweetened condensed coconut milk was a game-changer for my allergy-friendly baking and specifically for this fudge recipe. It is, without a doubt, a resounding “yes” – vegan fudge can (and should!) use sweetened condensed coconut milk! This ingredient was the missing link that allowed me to finally recreate that rich, creamy Christmas fudge of years past, without relying on traditional dairy-based condensed milk.

Sweetened condensed coconut milk is a vital component in achieving that characteristic sweet, soft, and perfectly set fudge texture. And if you’re concerned about a coconut flavor overwhelming your fudge (as I’m not a huge fan of coconut taste myself), rest assured! The robust flavor of the chocolate in this recipe is so dominant that any subtle coconut notes are completely masked. You truly won’t taste the coconut, allowing the delicious chocolate to shine through.

The brand I consistently use and recommend is Nature’s Charm, which is readily available on Amazon and at stores like Whole Foods. I strongly advise against substituting condensed coconut milk with other liquids or milk alternatives in this recipe, as its unique thickness and sweetness are essential for the fudge to set correctly. If you have a coconut allergy, this particular recipe would unfortunately not be suitable, and I would encourage you to explore some of my other dairy-free Christmas desserts.

Why This Vegan Fudge Recipe Skips Coconut Oil

Many vegan fudge recipes you encounter might call for coconut oil as a primary fat, often relying on its solid state at cooler temperatures to help the fudge set. However, I deliberately choose not to include coconut oil in my recipe, and for a very good reason: coconut oil has a relatively low melting point and can easily soften or even melt at typical room temperature, especially in warmer climates. This is precisely why you’ll often see other vegan fudge recipes instructing you to store them in the freezer to maintain their solidity.

I prefer a fudge that holds its shape beautifully once set, without the constant worry of it turning soft on the counter. Instead, this recipe champions the use of vegan butter. Vegan butter not only provides the necessary fat content for a firm, luscious fudge but also imparts that rich, classic buttery flavor we all associate with traditional, indulgent fudge. This ensures your treat has both the perfect consistency and the authentic taste you crave.

The Best Dairy-Free Butter for Fudge

When it comes to dairy-free butter, my go-to choice has always been Earth Balance buttery sticks. They offer a consistently great flavor and texture, mimicking traditional butter wonderfully. Earth Balance also provides a soy-free version for those managing soy allergies, which is a fantastic option. While I haven’t personally recipe-tested this specific fudge with other brands, I would assume that most high-quality vegan butter sticks or blocks would yield similar successful results due to their comparable fat content and consistency.

Why Nut Butters Aren’t Used in This Allergy-Friendly Fudge

Some vegan fudge recipes do incorporate nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, often to help stabilize the fudge and contribute to its richness. However, given that our household has severe peanut and tree nut allergies, using nut butters was never an option for us. This recipe is intentionally crafted to be nut-free fudge, and we never add nuts to any batches. Beyond the allergy considerations, I also prefer a clean, pure chocolate flavor without any hint of nuttiness.

Moreover, nut butters can be quite expensive and add additional calories to the fudge. In this recipe, the combination of sweetened condensed coconut milk (it’s important to note that coconuts are not considered a tree nut by the AAAAI) and marshmallows expertly takes care of achieving the perfect texture and stability, eliminating the need for nut butters entirely. Of course, if your diet allows and you desire a crunchy element, feel free to add your preferred nuts to your portion of the fudge!

The Easiest Way to Make Dairy-Free Fudge: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe truly lives up to its “easiest ever” claim. With just 6 ingredients and a simple stovetop melting process, you’ll have perfect fudge in no time. Here’s how to create this delectable dairy-free treat:

1. **Gather Your Ingredients:** You’ll need vegan butter, mini marshmallows (ensure they are vegan if needed – see notes above), dairy-free chocolate chips (vegan if needed), sweetened condensed coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract.
2. **Prepare Your Pan:** Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make lifting the set fudge out incredibly easy for clean cuts.
3. **Melt on the Stovetop:** In a medium saucepan, combine the vegan butter, mini marshmallows, dairy-free chocolate chips, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
4. **Stir Constantly:** This is a crucial step to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Stir the mixture continuously until all the ingredients are completely melted and smoothly combined. The mixture should be glossy and uniform. If you’re concerned about burning the chocolate or are new to making fudge, you can always use a double boiler for extra gentle heat and peace of mind.
5. **Remove from Heat & Add Vanilla:** Once perfectly melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. **Pour and Smooth:** Immediately pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8 baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners and smooth the top.
7. **Cool and Set:** Allow the fudge to cool completely until it’s firm. For quicker setting and a firmer texture, cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
8. **Cut and Enjoy:** Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife (warming the knife slightly under hot water between cuts can help achieve cleaner lines) to cut it into squares. Enjoy your homemade, allergy-friendly fudge!

It truly couldn’t be simpler to achieve such a rich and satisfying homemade fudge!

Dairy-Free Fudge with Almond Milk or Soy Milk: Why It’s Not Recommended for This Recipe

When making fudge, the goal is a thick, set consistency, which means the liquid components need to be very specific. In this particular recipe, you actually don’t need any additional milk replacers like almond milk or soy milk. The rich combination of the vegan butter and the sweetened condensed coconut milk provides all the liquid and fat necessary for the fudge to set beautifully and achieve its desired creamy thickness.

Adding thinner milk substitutes would likely disrupt the delicate balance required for setting, resulting in a fudge that might not firm up properly. If you’re looking to make other dairy-free desserts that *do* utilize non-dairy milk substitutes, such as dairy-free Jello chocolate pudding, then those alternatives are perfect. However, for this specific fudge recipe, stick to the ingredients listed to ensure success.

Is This Easy Vegan Fudge Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, this easy vegan fudge recipe is indeed gluten-free! Many individuals choose a gluten-free diet due to intolerances, sensitivities, or Celiac disease. Fortunately, most traditional fudge recipes are naturally gluten-free because they don’t typically include wheat-based ingredients. My recipe follows suit, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

However, for anyone managing a wheat allergy or Celiac disease, it’s always critical to meticulously check the labels of all individual ingredients. While fudge itself is generally gluten-free, wheat can sometimes be a hidden ingredient in unexpected places, especially in processed components like chocolate chips or even flavorings. Since my son also has a wheat allergy, I’ve ensured that all ingredients used in this fudge recipe are safe, making it a truly reliable gluten-free fudge recipe for your peace of mind.

Can This Easy Fudge Be Both Vegan AND Soy-Free?

This is a common and important question for those managing multiple allergies, and unfortunately, at this time, achieving a truly soy-free AND vegan version of this fudge presents a challenge. The primary hurdle lies with vegan marshmallows. The only vegan marshmallows I have found and recommend, while being free of dairy and gelatin, typically contain soy protein to help stabilize their texture.

Therefore, this recipe offers a choice: it can be top-8-allergen-free (excluding soy if using regular vegan marshmallows) and dairy-free, OR it can be vegan. However, it cannot be both entirely soy-free AND vegan simultaneously, at least not until a company develops a reliable method to stabilize vegan marshmallows without the use of soy. Always check the labels of your vegan marshmallows if soy is an allergen you need to avoid.

Storing Your Delicious Vegan and Dairy-Free Fudge

Proper storage is key to maintaining the perfect texture and freshness of your homemade dairy-free fudge. How you store it can depend largely on your climate and personal preference for fudge consistency.

• **Room Temperature (Colder Climates/Low Humidity):** If you reside in a colder climate with low humidity, you can comfortably leave your fudge at room temperature. Simply ensure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This method usually keeps the fudge at its softest and creamiest.
• **Refrigeration (Warmer Climates/Firmness Preference):** For those in warmer, more humid environments, or if you simply prefer a firmer fudge, storing it in the refrigerator is a better option. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. Be aware that chilling the fudge will make it slightly tougher in texture, so you might want to let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Craving More Vegan and Allergy-Friendly Christmas Treats?

Since my son’s allergies include both eggs and dairy, all the recipes I share for holiday desserts are naturally vegan and dairy-free, ensuring they’re safe and delightful for everyone. The holidays are a time for indulgence, and allergies shouldn’t prevent anyone from enjoying festive treats. Here are some of our family’s other favorite allergy-friendly holiday recipes that are perfect for sharing:

• **Three Ingredient Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix:** This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for neighbor gifts or cozy nights by the fire!
• **Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Eggnog Cupcakes:** All the festive flavor of eggnog, without the allergens.
• **Vegan and Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies:** These cookies are incredibly soft and perfect for decorating with the family.
• **Christmas Rice Krispie Trees:** A fun, no-bake, and festive treat that’s always a hit with kids.
• **Peppermint Pie:** A refreshing and creamy dessert, ideal for a holiday spread.
• **Soft and Chewy Vegan Caramels:** Perfectly sweet and wonderfully chewy, a truly addictive treat.

A quick tip: if your dietary needs don’t require your baked goods to be gluten-free, you can easily swap in regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour blend at the same ratio and simply omit the xanthan gum. Voila!

And for those following a specific diet, if you’re looking for a Keto Fudge recipe, I recommend trying the one by my fellow blogger, Cassidy’s Craveable Creations.

A Legacy of Sweetness: Remembering Grandpa Egbert and Our Fudge Tradition

My deep affection for fudge, especially around the holidays, can be traced directly back to my Grandpa Egbert. He often claimed his love for candy, and indeed his appreciation for fine confections, was inherited from his own mother, who he proudly declared was the finest candy maker in the entire Driggs/Tetonia area. I truly wish I had the chance to meet her and learn some of her secrets. I believe she would wholeheartedly approve of me carrying on this tradition through a food blog, sharing these sweet creations with others.

Grandpa Egbert grew up in a household filled with the aromas of sugar and butter, learning the art of candy making not just by observation, but by “helping” – which, as he fondly recalled, mostly involved licking the spoon! Can you imagine the sheer effort of making all those confections by hand, without the modern convenience of a KitchenAid mixer? It’s mind-boggling to think of the dedication his mother must have had. I like to believe that all that childhood “spoon-licking” instilled in him an impeccable taste for candy, a refined palate that he, in turn, passed down to me.

From a very young age, Grandpa was my personal candy supplier. He’d sneak me jelly beans and Tootsie Rolls, always ensuring my sweet tooth was satisfied. His living room was a testament to his love for all things sugary, boasting not one, but two candy dishes, strategically placed so you barely had to move to reach for a treat. It’s truly a miracle he lived until this past November, reaching the remarkable age of 89, considering the sheer pounds of sugar he must have consumed over his lifetime!

So, to my sweet Grandpa, who passed away just a few weeks ago, know that your legacy of sweetness lives on. I promise to ensure your great-grandkids and generations to come will enjoy this fudge, and I will think of you, your warm smile, and your overflowing candy dishes every single time I make a batch. This fudge is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of our family history, lovingly passed down.

Watch the Magic Happen: A Video Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Fudge

I understand that sometimes seeing a recipe come to life visually can make all the difference, especially for new bakers or those trying an allergy-friendly recipe for the first time. That’s why I’ve created a detailed video demonstrating the entire process of making this creamy dairy-free homemade fudge recipe, from start to finish. It’s incredibly helpful to see each step, ensuring you feel confident and achieve perfect results.

The video should populate directly below (and may play a brief ad beforehand). If for any reason it doesn’t appear, you can always find it conveniently located at the bottom of the recipe card, or simply head over to my YouTube Channel to watch it there. Happy fudge making!

No Thermometer Dairy-free Fudge (Vegan Option Too!)

Yield:
24 pieces

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Additional Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Easiest dairy-free fudge, ever! If you can measure and pour 6 ingredients and then melt them on your stove top…you are good to go! No thermometer is needed, or worrying about getting it up to a certain temperature. This dairy-free marshmallow fudge is truffle-like. It can easily be made into a vegan fudge if you use the appropriate marshmallows. Gluten-free and free of the top-8-allergens, this helps more people enjoy this classic Christmas staple.

Ingredients

• 3 cups vegan semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (use vegan if needed)
• 11.25 ounce can sweetened condensed coconut milk
• 3 Tablespoons vegan butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot, place the chocolate chips, marshmallows, condensed coconut milk, vegan butter and pinch of salt (everything but the vanilla).
3. Over low heat (so as not to scorch it) melt the ingredients, stirring constantly.
4. Take off the heat, and add in the vanilla. Stir to combine.
5. Pour into the prepared 8×8 pan and smooth evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or until set.
7. Cut and serve. Keep covered, either in the fridge or room temperature (depending on how set you like your fudge) when not pigging out.

Notes

Adapted from: the genius Mel

*Some readers find more comfort in melting everything in a double boiler, to ensure the chocolate does not scorch. Feel free to use either method.

**I’ve had a vegan reader say that vegan marshmallows take longer to melt than regular, so she recommends melting the marshmallows first before adding in the other ingredients.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24
Serving Size: 2

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 53Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 21mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 11/11/2019

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Looking for other Christmas treats? Here are some of our other favorites:

Dairy-Free Coconut Caramels

Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Christmas Krispie Roll