The Easiest Dairy-Free Fudge Recipe: A No-Fail Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Treat for Everyone

Discover the ultimate simple dairy-free fudge recipe that’s effortlessly vegan, gluten-free, and free of the top-8 allergens. With just 6 ingredients and no candy thermometer required, this creamy, truffle-like marshmallow fudge will become your new favorite holiday tradition!

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Rediscovering a Beloved Christmas Tradition: Our Journey to Allergy-Friendly Fudge

For many years, Christmas fudge was a cherished tradition in my family. My mom’s famous recipe, often found on the back of a Kraft marshmallow fluff package, was a delightful staple. However, with my son’s severe anaphylactic dairy allergy and an additional egg allergy (found in traditional marshmallow fluff), this beloved treat became off-limits. The sweetened condensed milk and butter in classic fudge made it impossible for him to enjoy, leaving him, and our family, without this festive delight for what felt like an eternity.

It was heartbreaking to watch my son go through elementary school without ever experiencing the joy of homemade Christmas fudge. I struggled to recreate that irresistibly creamy texture without traditional dairy ingredients. The breakthrough came when I successfully developed my dairy-free caramel sauce, which introduced me to the magic of sweetened condensed coconut milk. This single ingredient was the missing piece of the puzzle, opening up a world of possibilities for allergy-friendly desserts.

The moment I perfected this dairy-free marshmallow fudge, it was an instant hit. My kids absolutely adored it, eagerly requesting a second batch almost immediately. That first Christmas with our allergy-safe fudge was truly special, marking the beginning of a wonderful new holiday tradition that includes everyone. This recipe ensures that no one has to miss out on the rich, chocolatey goodness of homemade fudge, making it a perfect addition to any festive gathering.

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions, helping you make this fool-proof dairy-free fudge with confidence:

Understanding the Difference: Vegan Fudge vs. Traditional Christmas Fudge

The primary distinction between vegan fudge and its traditional counterpart lies in the absence of animal products. Veganism, by definition, excludes all animal-derived ingredients, including meat, dairy, eggs, and by-products like gelatin. Traditional fudge typically relies heavily on ingredients such as butter (dairy), marshmallows (often containing gelatin, an animal by-product), and chocolate (which frequently contains milk solids). These components render classic fudge unsuitable for a vegan diet.

To transform a classic fudge into a delicious vegan treat, savvy ingredient swaps are essential. By utilizing high-quality vegan butter, gelatin-free vegan marshmallows, and dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips, you can achieve the same decadent texture and rich flavor without compromising ethical or dietary principles. This recipe focuses on making these substitutions seamlessly, ensuring a delightful experience for all.

Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips for Dairy-Free Fudge

Selecting the correct chocolate chips is paramount for ensuring your fudge is truly dairy-free and, if desired, vegan. While some brands explicitly label their products as “dairy-free” or “vegan,” others may be suitable based solely on their ingredient list. I personally often use Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, relying on their ingredient statement. However, for those with severe allergies or who prefer certified products made in dedicated facilities, several excellent options are available:

Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips: A well-known brand specializing in allergy-friendly products.
Nestle Toll House Allergen Free Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A widely available option from a trusted brand.
Simple Truth Organic Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips: A great organic choice often found in grocery stores.
Great Value Organic Semisweet Chocolate Chips: A budget-friendly organic option.

Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs, especially regarding cross-contamination warnings.

Why Traditional Marshmallows Aren’t Vegan (and Your Best Alternatives)

For those who, like me, adore the soft, chewy texture and added sweetness that marshmallows bring to fudge, it’s crucial to understand why most conventional marshmallows are not vegan. The culprit is gelatin, an animal by-product derived from animal collagen, which is used to give marshmallows their characteristic bouncy texture.

If you aim for not just a dairy-free fudge but a fully vegan one, you must carefully select your marshmallows. Fortunately, the market now offers excellent vegan marshmallow alternatives. Brands like Dandie’s are widely available, often found on Amazon or at health food stores like Whole Foods. Dandie’s, a popular vegan brand, uses plant-based ingredients to achieve that classic marshmallow consistency. Their typical ingredients include:

Tapioca Syrup
Cane Sugar
Filtered Water
Tapioca Starch
Carrageenan
Soy Protein
Natural Vanilla Flavor

For a comprehensive guide, you can refer to an ingredient comparison chart of top marshmallow brands to ensure you pick the best option for your dietary requirements.

The Power of Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk in Vegan Fudge

Absolutely, vegan fudge can, and in this recipe, *does* use sweetened condensed coconut milk! Discovering this ingredient was a monumental moment in my quest to recreate that rich, creamy Christmas fudge from my childhood. Sweetened condensed coconut milk is an indispensable component, providing the essential sweetness and thick, smooth consistency typically achieved with regular sweetened condensed milk, but without any dairy.

For those concerned about a coconut flavor overwhelming the fudge, worry not! I’m not a big coconut fan myself, but in this recipe, the rich chocolate flavor is so dominant that any subtle coconut taste from the condensed milk is completely masked. You get all the benefits of its texture and sweetness without a discernible coconut profile.

The brand I confidently recommend and use is Nature’s Charm, readily available on Amazon and at Whole Foods. It’s crucial to use sweetened condensed *coconut* milk specifically for this recipe’s success. If you happen to have a coconut allergy, this particular recipe would unfortunately not be suitable, and I would instead encourage you to explore other delightful dairy-free Christmas desserts from my collection.

Why This Vegan Fudge Recipe Avoids Coconut Oil

You might notice that many vegan fudge recipes call for coconut oil. However, this recipe deliberately opts against it, and here’s why: coconut oil has a relatively low melting point and can soften significantly at room temperature. This often leads to vegan fudges made with coconut oil requiring constant refrigeration or even freezing to maintain their solid form.

My goal was to create a stable, sliceable fudge that can sit out and be enjoyed without immediate melting concerns. By relying on vegan butter for its rich, buttery taste and solidifying properties, combined with the other ingredients, this fudge sets beautifully and holds its shape at room temperature. The vegan butter also imparts that classic, indulgent fudgy taste that coconut oil simply cannot replicate, ensuring a truly traditional experience in an allergy-friendly package.

Selecting the Best Dairy-Free Butter for Fudge

For this dairy-free fudge, the choice of vegan butter is important for achieving the right texture and flavor. I consistently use Earth Balance buttery sticks, which have proven to be reliable and effective. They also offer a soy-free version for those with soy allergies, making it an excellent versatile option. While I haven’t specifically tested other brands for this recipe, Earth Balance has consistently delivered a rich, buttery taste and the necessary structural integrity for firm, delicious fudge. Its creamy consistency blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, contributing significantly to the overall decadent mouthfeel.

Crafting Nut-Free Fudge: Why Nut Butters Aren’t Needed Here

Many vegan fudge recipes incorporate nut butters as a binder or to enhance stability. However, with peanut and tree nut allergies in our household, including nut butters was never an option. We are committed to making our fudge entirely nut-free, ensuring it’s safe for everyone. Furthermore, I prefer the pure, unadulterated chocolate flavor of fudge without any underlying nuttiness.

Beyond allergy considerations, nut butters can be quite expensive and significantly increase the calorie count of the fudge. In this recipe, the sweetened condensed coconut milk—it’s important to remember coconuts are not classified as tree nuts by the AAAAI—and marshmallows work harmoniously to provide the perfect creamy texture and structure, making nut butters entirely unnecessary. Of course, if your diet allows and you enjoy a bit of crunch, feel free to add nuts to your portion of the fudge once it’s made!

How to Make the Easiest Dairy-Free Fudge: A Simple 6-Ingredient Method

Preparing this dairy-free fudge is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal effort and no specialized equipment like a candy thermometer. You’ll need just six simple ingredients and a saucepan. Here’s how to do it:

Gather your ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Mini marshmallows (use vegan marshmallows if you need a fully vegan option; see notes above for brands)
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (ensure they are vegan if required)
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the vegan butter, mini marshmallows, dairy-free chocolate chips, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Reserve the vanilla extract for later.
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. The key here is consistent, gentle heat to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Stir the mixture frequently and continuously with a spatula or whisk until all ingredients are completely melted and smoothly combined. This active stirring is crucial for a homogenous, creamy fudge.
Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated. The vanilla adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Pour the rich fudge mixture into an 8×8 inch square baking dish that has been lined with parchment paper (this makes for easy removal and cutting). Spread the fudge evenly into the pan with your spatula.
Allow the fudge to cool and firm up. This typically takes 1-2 hours in the refrigerator, or a bit longer at room temperature depending on your climate.
Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. Enjoy your homemade, allergy-friendly treat!

For those who are particularly cautious about burning chocolate, an alternative method is to melt the ingredients over a double boiler. This provides a gentler, more controlled heat, ensuring extra safety and preventing any scorching.

Why Almond Milk or Soy Milk Aren’t Suitable for This Dairy-Free Fudge

When making fudge, the goal is a thick, firm, and creamy consistency that sets well. This recipe achieves that richness through the combination of vegan butter and sweetened condensed coconut milk. These ingredients provide all the necessary liquid and fat content, ensuring the fudge solidifies properly without needing any additional milk. Therefore, you won’t need to use thin liquid milk replacers like almond milk or soy milk in this recipe.

Adding liquid non-dairy milks would make the fudge too thin and prevent it from setting correctly. While these alternatives are excellent for other dairy-free desserts—for example, if you’re making Jello chocolate pudding dairy-free—they are not suitable for the specific chemistry required for a solid, sliceable fudge. Stick to the specified ingredients for the best results.

Is This Easy Vegan Fudge Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, this easy vegan fudge recipe is naturally gluten-free! Many people choose to follow a gluten-free diet due to Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or other health reasons. Fortunately, most traditional fudge recipes, including this one, do not contain gluten-bearing ingredients by nature. The core components—chocolate, marshmallows, condensed coconut milk, and butter—are typically free from wheat, barley, and rye.

However, for individuals with severe wheat allergies or Celiac disease, it is always paramount to meticulously check the labels of all individual ingredients. Wheat and gluten can sometimes be hidden in unexpected places, such as in certain brands of chocolate chips or flavorings due to cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities. Given my son’s wheat allergy, I’ve ensured that all ingredients specified in this recipe are carefully vetted to maintain its gluten-free status, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

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

Achieving a fudge that is both vegan and completely soy-free presents a current challenge due to ingredient limitations. While this recipe is easily dairy-free and can be adapted to be top-8 allergen-free (excluding soy), making it simultaneously vegan and soy-free is difficult with currently available products. The primary hurdle lies with vegan marshmallows.

Most commercially available vegan marshmallows, including popular brands like Dandie’s, rely on soy protein for their structure and stability. Until manufacturers develop a robust, soy-free alternative for vegan marshmallows, this recipe requires a choice: it can either be a top-8-free (including dairy, egg, peanut, tree nut, etc., but *not* soy) fudge, or it can be a truly vegan fudge (which will likely contain soy from the marshmallows). We hope that soon, innovative companies will offer a soy-free vegan marshmallow option, allowing this delicious fudge to meet even more stringent dietary needs.

Optimal Storage for Vegan and Dairy-Free Fudge

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

Room Temperature Storage: If you live in a colder, less humid climate, this fudge holds up beautifully at room temperature. Simply ensure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This keeps it moist and prevents it from drying out, maintaining its soft, truffle-like texture.
Refrigerator Storage: For those in warmer, more humid environments, or if you simply prefer a firmer fudge, storing it in the refrigerator is recommended. Chilling the fudge will make it slightly tougher, providing a chewier bite, but it will still be wonderfully delicious. Always keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge and to maintain freshness.

Craving More Vegan Christmas Treats?

Given my son’s allergies to eggs and dairy, all of my allergy-friendly Christmas desserts are thoughtfully crafted to be both vegan and dairy-free, ensuring everyone can partake in the holiday sweetness. Beyond this easy fudge, explore some of our other cherished holiday recipes:

Three Ingredient Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix: Makes a generous batch—perfect for heartwarming neighbor gifts!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Eggnog Cupcakes: A festive and surprisingly light treat.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Incredibly soft and perfect for decorating.
Christmas Rice Krispie Trees: A fun and easy classic holiday shape.
Peppermint Pie: A cool, minty, and refreshing dessert.
Soft and Chewy Vegan Caramels: Indulgent and delightful.

If your dietary needs don’t require gluten-free baked goods, you can easily substitute regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour blend at the same ratio and omit any xanthan gum. Voila!

And for those seeking a Keto Fudge option, I recommend checking out the recipe by fellow blogger Cassidy’s Craveable Creations.

A Sweet Legacy: The Story Behind Our Christmas Fudge Tradition

My profound love for fudge is deeply rooted in my family history, particularly through my Grandpa Egbert. He often claimed his passion for confectionery, and perhaps even his discerning palate for sweets, originated from his own mother, who was renowned as the finest candy maker in the picturesque Driggs/Tetonia area. I genuinely regret never having the opportunity to meet her; I believe she would have wholeheartedly approved of my culinary adventures and this food blog!

Grandpa Egbert’s childhood was filled with the irresistible aromas of his mother’s kitchen, where he would “help” her craft exquisite confections—which mostly involved eagerly licking the spoon. Can you imagine the sheer effort involved in making candies by hand, without the aid of modern kitchen appliances like a KitchenAid mixer? Her dedication must have been extraordinary! I like to think he inherited a refined taste in candy, a trait he graciously passed down to me.

From a very young age, my grandpa introduced me to the finer things in life, like jelly beans and Tootsie Rolls. His living room was a testament to his love for sweets, featuring not one, but two strategically placed candy dishes. This ingenious setup meant you never had to exert yourself to reach for a treat! It’s truly miraculous that he lived a full and vibrant life until this past November, reaching the age of 89, considering the impressive quantity of sugar he must have consumed over his lifetime.

So, to my dear Grandpa, who passed away just a few weeks ago, I promise to ensure your great-grandkids continue to enjoy fudge, keeping this sweet tradition alive. And I’ll think of you, with every delicious batch I make.

Watch How to Make This Creamy Vegan Fudge

I understand that sometimes seeing a recipe being made from start to finish can be incredibly helpful. That’s why I’ve created a detailed video demonstrating every step of this dairy-free homemade fudge recipe. It allows you to visualize the process and ensures you achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

The video should populate directly on this page (it might play a short ad first). If it doesn’t appear, you can also find it at the bottom of the recipe card below, or simply head over to my YouTube Channel where all my allergy-friendly recipe videos are available.

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

Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
In a large pot, place the chocolate chips, marshmallows, condensed coconut milk, vegan butter and pinch of salt (everything but the vanilla).
Over low heat (so as not to scorch it) melt the ingredients, stirring constantly.
Take off the heat, and add in the vanilla. Stir to combine.
Pour into the prepared 8×8 pan and smooth evenly.
Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or until set.
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

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! BE SURE TO ALSO FOLLOW MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS.

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