The holidays are a time for indulgence, and nothing says “festive” like the rich, minty taste of peppermint fudge. Now imagine that indulgence with a twist—it’s vegan! This creamy vegan peppermint fudge is everything you love about holiday desserts: smooth, chocolaty, and bursting with peppermint flavor. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe is perfect for you.
Making vegan peppermint fudge is not only simple, but it’s also a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with a dessert that feels luxurious yet fits a variety of dietary preferences. Plus, the crushed candy cane garnish adds the perfect festive touch. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this irresistible treat!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Vegan Peppermint Fudge
You’ll love this vegan peppermint fudge for its simplicity, versatility, and decadent flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a dessert that’s smooth, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint.
This fudge is also a fantastic gift idea! Wrap up squares of fudge in festive packaging, and you’ve got a homemade treat that feels special and thoughtful. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to vegan desserts, this recipe is foolproof and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Peppermint Fudge
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious vegan peppermint fudge. The ingredients are straightforward, and many of them are pantry staples!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegan chocolate chips | 1 twelve-ounce package (~1¾ cups) |
| Nut or seed butter | ¾ cup (e.g., peanut, almond, or sunflower butter) |
| Peppermint extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Crushed candy canes (optional garnish) | As desired |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the edges for easy removal of the fudge once it sets.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Nut Butter
- Combine the vegan chocolate chips and nut or seed butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a heatproof bowl over a double boiler.
- Gently melt the mixture, stirring frequently.
- If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
- If using the stovetop, melt over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Mix until the chocolate and nut butter are fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
3. Add Peppermint Flavor
- Remove the chocolate mixture from heat.
- Stir in the peppermint extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the fudge base.
4. Pour and Smooth the Fudge
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth top layer.
5. Optional Garnish
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the fudge for a festive, peppermint crunch.
- Lightly press the candy pieces into the fudge to ensure they adhere as it sets.
6. Refrigerate to Firm Up
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully set and firm to the touch.
7. Cut and Enjoy
- Once the fudge is set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan.
- Cut the fudge into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Peppermint Fudge
- Choose High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The flavor of your fudge depends on the quality of the chocolate. Look for vegan chocolate chips with a rich cocoa flavor.
- Pick Your Favorite Nut Butter: Peanut butter creates a slightly salty contrast, while almond or sunflower butter keeps the flavor more neutral. Choose what you love!
- Don’t Skip the Lining: Parchment paper makes removing and cutting the fudge much easier.
- Adjust Peppermint Flavor: If you love a strong peppermint taste, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Just don’t overdo it, as peppermint can quickly overpower the chocolate.
- Decorate Creatively: Crushed candy canes are festive, but you can also use chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or shredded coconut as toppings.
Nutritional Information (Per Square)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Why Vegan Peppermint Fudge Is the Perfect Holiday Treat
This creamy vegan peppermint fudge is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a burst of chocolaty goodness paired with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Its festive look, thanks to the optional candy cane garnish, makes it the ultimate holiday dessert.
This fudge is also a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrap individual squares in parchment paper, place them in a decorative tin, and you’ve got the perfect holiday surprise for friends, family, or coworkers.
FAQs About Creamy Vegan Peppermint Fudge
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of vegan chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s dairy-free to keep the fudge vegan.
2. What’s the best way to store this fudge?
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Use sunflower butter or tahini as a nut-free alternative. Both options work well and deliver a creamy texture.
4. Can I omit the peppermint extract?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can leave it out or replace it with vanilla extract for a classic chocolate fudge flavor.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate from burning when melting?
If using the microwave, heat in short intervals (20–30 seconds), stirring between each one. On the stovetop, use a double boiler for gentle, even heat.
6. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut can be folded into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This creamy vegan peppermint fudge is the ultimate holiday dessert. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, gifting it to loved ones, or treating yourself, this fudge is sure to bring joy to the season.
Ready to whip up this festive treat? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to impress everyone with your vegan baking skills. Don’t forget to share your creations—because nothing spreads holiday cheer like homemade fudge!
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Creamy Vegan Peppermint Fudge
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares
Description
Smooth, rich, and bursting with peppermint flavor, this creamy vegan peppermint fudge is the ultimate holiday treat! Made with just a handful of ingredients, this easy, no-bake recipe is perfect for parties, gifting, or indulging at home. With its festive look and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this fudge is guaranteed to impress everyone at your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 twelve-ounce package vegan chocolate chips (approximately 1¾ cups)
- ¾ cup nut or seed butter (e.g., peanut, almond, or sunflower butter)
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (for baking)
- Crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides. This overhang will make it easier to remove the fudge once it sets.
- Melt the Chocolate and Nut Butter: Combine the vegan chocolate chips and nut or seed butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth. If using the stovetop, melt over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid scorching.
- Add the Peppermint Flavor: Once the mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the melted mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth layer.
- Optional Garnish: For a festive look, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top. Gently press the candy pieces into the fudge to help them adhere.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has hardened, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
- Customizable Toppings: If candy canes aren’t your thing, try topping the fudge with sprinkles, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts.
- Flavor Adjustments: For a subtler mint flavor, reduce the peppermint extract to 1½ teaspoons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
