If you’re craving a rich, creamy treat that doesn’t involve dairy but still feels indulgent, you’re in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of peanut butter and just a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re dairy-free by necessity or just because you like trying new things, this fudge is a total game changer. Stick around because I’ve got some tips and tricks that’ll make your fudge turn out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Totally Dairy-Free: Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy but still wanting a rich fudge flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Quick Prep: Takes just minutes to mix, then some freezer time for magic to happen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this as a snack or after-dinner treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create something more than the sum of its parts. When picking your peanut butter, go for one that’s creamy and unsalted to keep the flavor balanced. A good quality maple syrup and cane sugar help sweeten without being overpowering.
- Coconut Oil: This is the secret to that smooth, sliceable texture without any dairy.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy unsalted peanut butter works best, and Trader Joe’s is my go-to.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle depth of flavor.
- Cane Sugar: Provides extra sweetness and helps the fudge set nicely.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the peanut butter’s natural flavor and balances the sweetness.
Variations
I love swapping things up with this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe depending on what I have in the pantry or what my mood calls for. The recipe is extremely forgiving, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Swap Sugars: I sometimes use coconut sugar instead of cane sugar for a richer flavor and less refined sweetness.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to jazz it up — my family enjoys these twists.
- Nut Options: You can experiment with almond or cashew butter if you want a different nutty profile.
- Sweetener Swap: Honey works too, though it changes the flavor slightly and the texture a bit.
How to Make Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dish
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This is a simple step, but it makes a huge difference when it comes to removing the fudge later. You want to be able to lift it out easily without any sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients Gently
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add your coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking frequently—this is key. You want to melt everything smoothly and avoid any burning. Trust me, you’ll find the mixture looks glossy and beautifully combined once done, about 5 minutes of gentle whisking.
Step 3: Freeze to Set
Pour your smooth peanut butter mixture into the parchment-lined dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours — I like to leave it a bit longer if I can. The longer it sets, the easier it is to slice into perfect bite-sized fudge.
Step 4: Slice, Salt, and Enjoy!
When ready, take your fudge out and trim off any uneven edges. Cut into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt. This finishing touch really balances the sweetness and adds that irresistible contrast I love. Now, dig in and watch it disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe
- Use Good Quality Peanut Butter: I discovered that using smooth, unsalted peanut butter makes the fudge creamier and less salty, giving the perfect balance.
- Whisk Frequently: Stirring often prevents the sugar from settling and scorching on the pan—avoid bitterness this way.
- Freezer is Your Friend: Patience pays off here — don’t rush setting time to get a firm texture that slices beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Salt Topping: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving adds that perfect salty-sweet combo that’ll have you hooked.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe

Garnishes
I usually finish my fudge with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt because it enhances the peanut butter’s richness and adds just the right amount of contrast. Sometimes I toss on a few crushed peanuts for an extra crunch—totally optional but delicious!
Side Dishes
While this fudge is great on its own, I love pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries for a fresh, bright complement to the creamy sweetness. It also makes a fabulous little dessert alongside a hot cup of tea or dairy-free coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, I like arranging the fudge pieces on a pretty platter lined with banana leaves or decorated parchment paper to elevate the presentation. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper also makes perfect homemade gifts your friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My favorite way to store this fudge is in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to a week, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long around here! Chilling it helps maintain its firm texture but still lets it soften up a bit when you eat it.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover fudge wrapped tightly in parchment and stored in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it keeps its texture and taste amazingly well—perfect for making batches ahead of time.
Reheating
This fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want it a bit softer, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving directly as it can get too melty and lose that perfect fudge consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this fudge?
You can, but the texture will be slightly different and chunkier. If you like a bit of crunch, go for it—but smooth peanut butter gives the creamiest and most uniform fudge texture.
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Is this fudge safe for people with nut allergies?
This recipe relies heavily on peanut butter, so it’s not suitable for those with peanut or tree nut allergies. However, you could experiment with seed butters like sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
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Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup can be substituted, but they’ll alter the flavor slightly and may affect the texture. I find maple syrup gives the best balance of sweetness and depth.
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How do I know when the fudge is set enough to slice?
After freezing for at least 2 hours, the fudge should be firm to the touch and slice cleanly. If you find it’s still a bit soft, pop it back into the freezer for an extra 30 minutes before cutting.
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I made this Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe—it was such a pleasant surprise how easily it came together and how indulgent it tasted without any dairy. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for quick snacks or last-minute sweet fixes, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much. Give it a try and soon you’ll have a new favorite treat that’s silky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying!
Print
Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 25 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Peanut Butter Dairy-Free Fudge is a rich, creamy, and naturally sweet treat made without any dairy. Combining coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and cane sugar, this easy-to-make fudge sets in the freezer for a perfect bite-sized dessert that balances salty and sweet flavors. It’s ideal for those looking for a vegan, dairy-free indulgence that requires minimal preparation and no baking.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- Pinch of salt, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Heat ingredients: Add the coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat.
- Mix until smooth: Whisk frequently as the mixture warms, ensuring the coconut oil melts completely and all ingredients blend into a smooth, cohesive fudge batter.
- Freeze to set: Pour the smooth mixture into the prepared baking dish and transfer it to the freezer. Let it chill for at least 2 hours until the fudge hardens completely.
- Serve: Remove the fudge from the freezer. If needed, trim the edges for a clean look. Cut into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with extra sea salt on top, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Calories are per piece and are an estimation.
- Trader Joe’s unsalted peanut butter was used and worked great for this recipe.
- You can substitute coconut sugar instead of cane sugar and honey instead of maple syrup; however, flavor will be slightly altered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
