Dairy-Free Fudge

📝 Ingredients & Notes for Healthy Fudge

• Add-Ins – Pecans and dried cherries are perfect, but you can use any nuts or dried fruit you like.
• Coconut Sugar – Used as the primary sweetener for this fudge. Naturally paleo-friendly and gives a subtle caramel flavor.
• Arrowroot – Pulsed with coconut sugar to create a smooth, paleo-style powdered sugar for texture.
• Cocoa Powder – Use a good-quality, natural (un-dutched) cocoa for rich chocolate flavor.
• Palm Shortening – Replaces butter for a dairy-free and vegan fudge.
• Coconut Milk – Use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the carton variety, for a creamy texture.
• Coconut Nectar – Also called coconut syrup, a natural sweetener with a rich caramel flavor.
• Unsweetened Chocolate – 100% cacao, either in chips or bar form, gives a deep chocolate flavor when combined with cocoa powder.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out all the flavors.

👩🍳 Instructions for Dairy-Free Fudge

1. Prep the Pan: Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving long edges to create a “sling” for easy removal.
2. Make the Powdered Sugar: In a high-speed blender, pulse together coconut sugar, arrowroot, and cocoa powder until fine and powdery.
3. Melt the Chocolate Base: In a heat-safe bowl, combine palm shortening, coconut milk, unsweetened chocolate, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over simmering water (double boiler) and stir gently until smooth.
4. Combine: Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Beat Until Glossy: Beat the fudge with a spatula or hand mixer, scraping the sides, until smooth and glossy.
6. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in pecans and dried cherries, or your favorite nuts and dried fruit.
7. Set: Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least a few hours or overnight.
8. Serve & Store: Lift fudge out using the parchment “sling” and cut into squares. Store in a covered container in the fridge.

💡 Tips for Perfect Healthy Fudge

• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Chill well — fudge firms better when refrigerated for several hours.
• Customize add-ins — swap cherries for cranberries or nuts of choice.
• Store the fudge in the fridge.

❓  FAQs / Variations for Dairy-Free Fudge

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use fully dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.

Can I change the mix-ins?
Absolutely! Nuts, seeds, coconut or dried fruit all work beautifully.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Bite-sized squares for a party platter
• Packaged in tins as gifts
• Pair with hot tea or coffee for a snack