Enjoy this delicious 5-minute vegan fudge recipe for a sweet treat any time of year. Top with peppermint infused cacao nibs for a special holiday inspired chocolate peppermint fudge!
Despite all the sweets we partake in round about now, the holidays never seem quite complete without making at least one batch of fudge.
5 minute fudge to be exact, because if there’s any way to improve on an old favorite this time of year, it’s to make it even easier to enjoy. This 5 minute vegan fudge is the kind you can throw together at the last minute when you need an easy treat for giving or sharing.
What is 5 Minute Fudge?
Unlike old fashioned fudge which requires a candy thermometer and can be a little finicky, 5 minute fudge is a quick and easy way to make fudge.
It doesn’t require any special equipment and only about 5 minutes of active prep time (which is always much appreciated), but is creamy and deeply chocolatey with just a little bit of chew as you bite into it. This 5 minute fudge also happens to be dairy-free. It’s just as delicious as the original but about 90% easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient Notes:
(Here are a few notes about the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. As always find the full list of ingredients and directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Dark Chocolate – Use either semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chocolate chips also work well.
- Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk – You’ll need a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk to make this fudge dairy-free and vegan.
- Cacao Nibs– Top your fudge with peppermint infused cacao nibs or leave them out completely for a smoother fudge experience.
- Extract - Use peppermint extract for peppermint fudge or skip the peppermint topping for plain chocolate fudge.
How to Make Vegan Fudge:
(Here are the basic steps and some helpful tips on how to make the recipe. Find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
The fudge is made in a matter of minutes on the stovetop.
- You’ll start by melting the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Meanwhile in a small bowl mix together the cacao nibs and peppermint extract to make the topping.
- Now using a wooden spoon, you’ll mix the chocolate vigorously to beat air into the mixture to get that alluring fudgy chewiness.
- Spread the mixture into a pan and top with the crunchy peppermint nibs. Refrigerate until firm and enjoy!
- If you have the time, an overnight rest in the fridge uncovered allows a slight crust to form and sets the texture so that it’s creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
So spread some chocolate cheer this year, just be sure to save yourself a piece while you’re at it!
More Fudge Recipes:
5 Minute Vegan Fudge
Enjoy this delicious 5-minute vegan fudge recipe for a sweet treat any time of year. Top with peppermint infused cacao nibs for a special holiday inspired chocolate peppermint fudge!
Ingredients
- 12-oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 can (11.25 oz) sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Pinch sea salt
- 3 Tablespoons /27g cacao nibs (optional)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
- LINE 8-inch square (or 9x5 for a thicker fudge) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Stir constantly until smooth and chocolate is fully melted. Remove from heat and set cool until just warm to the touch (about 2-3 minutes).
- Meanwhile in a small bowl mix together cacao nibs and peppermint extract.
- Using a wooden spoon, beat the cooled chocolate mixture vigorously until mixture lightens in color and loses its sheen.
- Spread chocolate mixture evenly into prepared pan and top with peppermint cacao nib. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; and cut into pieces.
- Store in covered container in refrigerator.
Notes
Variations:
Omit peppermint cacao nibs for a plain chocolate fudge.
Storage:
Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.
Dietary Info:
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Carly says
I just made this and it is absolutely delicious! I'd bought a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk awhile back so I was excited to find a recipe where I could use it. It definitely took me more than 5 minutes to beat the fudge to the right retire, but aside from that this recipe is perfect! My fiancé and I can't stop eating it.
Carly says
And by retire I meant texture lol!
Sylvie says
So glad to hear you both enjoyed it!
anna@GreenTalk says
Peppermint chocolate is amazing! I like that you used coconut milk in the recipe.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
I want some!!! I've never heard of sweetened condensed coconut milk before. Very cool!
linda spiker says
This fudge looks wonderful!