Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Easy Recipe
Craving a sweet treat that’s both delicious and simple to make? You’re in the right place! This Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge recipe brings rich flavors together with easy steps, perfect for anyone. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, I’ll show you how to blend creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and a touch of maple syrup into a delightful fudge. Let’s get started and satisfy that sweet tooth!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This fudge can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert or snack option.
- Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter creates a deliciously indulgent treat that satisfies cravings.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free: This recipe is completely plant-based, allowing everyone to enjoy it without dietary restrictions.
- Customizable Toppings: The option to add nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt allows you to personalize each square to your taste.
Ingredients
To make vegan chocolate peanut butter fudge, gather these simple and tasty ingredients:
– 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted until liquid
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds) or a sprinkle of sea salt for topping
These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy fudge. Natural peanut butter adds flavor and creaminess. Maple syrup gives sweetness, while coconut oil adds smoothness. Cocoa powder brings that deep chocolate taste. The vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma, and sea salt balances the flavors.
Feel free to customize your fudge with toppings. Chopped nuts add crunch, and sea salt enhances the sweet taste. This recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Mixing the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil
Start with a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Use a spatula or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps. This step creates a rich base for your fudge.
2. Sifting and combining the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt
Next, sift 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder over your peanut butter mix. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Mix well until everything combines into a dark chocolate batter. This adds depth to the flavor.
3. Folding in the dairy-free chocolate chips
Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free dark chocolate chips. Make sure they are spread evenly throughout the mixture. Each bite will have a nice burst of chocolate, enhancing your fudge experience.
These steps are simple yet crucial for making delicious vegan chocolate peanut butter fudge. Enjoy the process!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Fudge
To make the smoothest fudge, start by mixing the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil well. Use a whisk or spatula. Ensure there are no lumps. This step sets the base for a creamy texture.
For high-quality ingredients, I recommend natural peanut butter, like Justin’s or Smucker’s. Their flavor shines through, enhancing your fudge. For maple syrup, go for grade A or B for richer taste.
Adjusting sweetness is easy. If you want sweeter fudge, add more maple syrup. Start with a tablespoon at a time. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Feel free to experiment! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or even a splash of almond extract. These small changes can elevate your fudge and make it uniquely yours.
Pro Tips
- Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the best flavor and texture.
- Mind the Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve a rich chocolate flavor that enhances the fudge.
- Cutting Techniques: For clean cuts, warm your knife slightly before slicing the fudge, which will help prevent it from sticking.
- Storage Tips: Keep the fudge refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain its freshness, and consider freezing for longer storage.
Variations
Customized Fudge Options
You can easily make this vegan chocolate peanut butter fudge your own. Here are some fun ideas!
– Swapping chocolate types: You can use milk chocolate chips if you want a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate chips give a richer flavor. Choose what you like best.
– Adding flavor extracts: Want a twist? Try adding a splash of almond or mint extract. Just a tiny bit can change the whole flavor.
– Incorporating dried fruits or seeds: Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add a nice chew. You can mix in seeds like chia or hemp for extra crunch and nutrition.
Feel free to get creative! Each change can make your fudge fun and unique.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your vegan chocolate peanut butter fudge fresh, use an airtight container. This helps stop air from getting in and keeps the fudge tasty.
You can store the fudge in the fridge for up to one week. If you want it to last longer, freeze it! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This way, you won’t have a solid block of fudge.
To keep your fudge fresh for a long time, check these tips:
– Cut the fudge into squares before storing. This makes it easy to grab one when you want a treat.
– Avoid moisture. Make sure the container is dry before you add the fudge.
– Keep the fudge away from strong-smelling foods in your fridge. Fudge can absorb flavors, and we want it to taste like chocolate and peanut butter, not onions!
Following these storage tips will help you enjoy your fudge for days!
FAQs
Can I make this fudge nut-free?
Yes, you can make this fudge nut-free. Simply use sun butter or soy nut butter. These options work well and keep the fudge creamy.
Is the fudge gluten-free?
Yes, this fudge is gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check labels to be sure.
How to tell when the fudge is set?
You can tell the fudge is set by touch. It should feel firm and not sticky. If it feels soft, give it more time in the freezer.
Can I add protein powder to the fudge?
Yes, you can add protein powder. Start with one tablespoon and mix well. This will make your fudge a bit thicker, but still tasty!
This blog post covered how to make delicious fudge using simple ingredients. You learned about the key elements like natural peanut butter and cocoa powder. I shared tips to ensure a smooth finish and options for custom flavors. Proper storage methods help your fudge last longer, too.
Now, you have the tools to create your own special fudge at home. Enjoy making and sharing your tasty treat
Decadent Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- optional chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
- optional a sprinkle of sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add in the peanut butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Using a spatula or whisk, blend these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps remaining.
- Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder over the peanut butter mixture. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and fine sea salt. Mix again until everything is well combined, resulting in a consistent dark chocolate batter.
- Gently fold in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhanging edges, which will help you lift out the fudge later.
- Carefully pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, smoothing the top as needed.
- For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or a fine pinch of sea salt over the fudge surface to enhance its flavor and texture.
- Transfer the baking dish to the freezer and allow the fudge to set for approximately 1 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels firm to the touch.
- Once the fudge is set, grasp the overhanging parchment paper and lift the fudge out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference for serving sizes.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
