Easiest dairy-free fudge, ever! If you can measure and pour six ingredients and melt them on the stovetop, you’re all set. No candy thermometer, no fuss—this dairy-free marshmallow fudge has a truffle-like texture. It can be made vegan by using vegan marshmallows and is naturally gluten-free and free of many common allergens, so more people can enjoy this holiday classic.
Why We Went Years Without Fudge
My mom used to make fudge at Christmastime using the recipe from Kraft marshmallow fluff—it was amazing. But that recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk, butter, and marshmallow fluff, all of which contain dairy or eggs. My son has a severe dairy allergy and an egg allergy, so that classic recipe was off-limits. For years he never had Christmas fudge.
Everything changed when I discovered sweetened condensed coconut milk while developing a dairy-free caramel. That ingredient was the missing piece. Using sweetened condensed coconut milk with dairy-free chocolate, vegan butter, and marshmallows (vegan if needed) gave me the creamy texture I wanted—without dairy or eggs. That first allergy-safe batch became an instant family favorite, and now fudge is a holiday tradition in our house.
Easy Dairy-Free Fudge (No Thermometer)
24 pieces
5 minutes
5 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 10 minutes
Easiest dairy-free fudge, ever! If you can measure and pour six ingredients and melt them on the stovetop…you are good to go! No thermometer is needed. This dairy-free marshmallow fudge is truffle-like and can be made vegan with the right marshmallows. Gluten-free and allergy-friendly, it’s a great holiday 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, combine the chocolate chips, marshmallows, sweetened condensed coconut milk, vegan butter, and a pinch of salt. Reserve the vanilla for later.
- Over low heat, melt the mixture slowly, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. A double boiler works well if you’re worried about burning the chocolate.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8 pan and smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve. Store covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on how firm you prefer the fudge.
Notes
Adapted from Mel’s Easy Homemade Fudge. If using vegan marshmallows, note they can take longer to melt; some readers recommend melting them first, then adding the other ingredients. If you prefer, melt ingredients in a double boiler to avoid scorching the chocolate.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24
Serving Size: 2
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 53
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 4mg
Sodium: 21mg
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 0g
Nutrition data provided by Nutritionix on 11/11/2019.
FAQs
What’s the difference between vegan fudge and regular Christmas fudge?
Vegan fudge avoids animal products entirely—no dairy, butter, gelatin, or other animal-derived ingredients. Traditional fudge typically uses butter, marshmallows with gelatin, and milk-based chocolate. By swapping vegan butter, vegan marshmallows, and dairy-free chocolate, you can recreate the same fudgy texture and flavor while keeping it vegan.
What chocolate chips work best?
Choose semisweet chocolate chips that are dairy-free or labeled vegan if you need certification. Many people use Kirkland semi-sweet chips based on ingredient lists, while certified allergy-friendly brands are available for those who require dedicated-facility products.
Why aren’t regular marshmallows vegan?
Most marshmallows contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. If you need vegan fudge, use vegan marshmallows made without gelatin. Brands like Dandie’s use plant-based ingredients such as tapioca syrup, cane sugar, tapioca starch, carrageenan, and soy protein.
Can vegan fudge use sweetened condensed coconut milk?
Yes. Sweetened condensed coconut milk replaces traditional sweetened condensed milk to provide the sweet, creamy base needed for fudgy texture. In this recipe the chocolate dominates the flavor, so you won’t taste coconut. If you have a coconut allergy, choose a different allergy-safe dessert.
Does this recipe use coconut oil?
No. Some vegan recipes use coconut oil, which can cause fudge to melt at room temperature. This recipe uses vegan butter for a richer flavor and a stable texture that doesn’t rely on freezing to set.
Is this fudge gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy to ensure no hidden wheat ingredients.
Can this be both vegan and soy-free?
Many vegan marshmallows contain soy protein, so making the recipe both vegan and soy-free can be difficult without a soy-free vegan marshmallow option. The recipe can be dairy-free and top-8-allergen free, or vegan if you use vegan marshmallows; finding a product that satisfies both may be necessary.
How should I store the fudge?
Store covered at room temperature in a cool, dry place if your climate is not warm or humid. In warmer conditions, keep the fudge refrigerated; it will be firmer when chilled.
How to make the easiest dairy-free fudge:
Melt these six ingredients together over low heat, stirring until combined: vegan butter, mini marshmallows (vegan if needed), dairy-free chocolate chips, sweetened condensed coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Pour into an 8×8 pan, chill until set, then cut and enjoy. For extra insurance against scorching, use a double boiler.
Other Vegan Christmas Treats
Because my son is allergic to eggs and dairy, many of our holiday desserts are vegan and allergy-friendly. Here are a few favorites to try alongside this fudge:
- Three-ingredient Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Eggnog Cupcakes
- Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Rice Krispie Trees
- Peppermint Pie
- Soft and Chewy Vegan Caramels
Our Fudge Tradition
My love of fudge comes from my Grandpa Egbert, who grew up with his mother’s candy-making. He always shared sweets and kept candy dishes full—memories I cherish. Making allergy-friendly fudge lets me carry on that tradition and remember him each time I make it.
Video
A video demonstrating this recipe is available if you prefer to watch the process from start to finish. It shows melting, mixing, and setting so you can see the texture and timing in real time.
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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
