If you’ve been craving a rich, creamy treat but need to skip the dairy, I’ve got just the thing for you: an Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe that will seriously blow your mind. I absolutely love how this fudge comes together with just a few wholesome ingredients, and it sets up perfectly in the freezer for a quick, dreamy snack anytime. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it all the time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-Free & Naturally Sweetened: Uses coconut oil and maple syrup, making it perfect if you’re avoiding dairy or refined sugars.
- Super Quick Prep: Just heat, mix, and freeze—no complicated steps or candy thermometers involved.
- Customizable Flavor: Easy to swap ingredients to suit what you have or prefer—like coconut sugar or honey.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this fudge, and once you share it, you might just become the star of the snack table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and really bring out the nutty, sweet flavor you’d expect in peanut butter fudge. Plus, I love how the coconut oil gives it that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture without any dairy.

- Coconut Oil: Use refined for a neutral flavor or unrefined if you want a hint of coconut.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy unsalted works best; I used Trader Joe’s unsalted, and it was perfect.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with rich undertones—you could sub honey but it changes flavor slightly.
- Cane Sugar: Just a bit for extra sweetness and texture; you can swap with coconut sugar if you want.
- Pinch of Salt: It enhances all the flavors—and I like sprinkling a bit more on top for balance.
Variations
I like to tweak this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m making it for. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Chocolate Swirl: Once, I added melted dairy-free dark chocolate on top before freezing—instantly elevated the flavor for a special treat.
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped peanut butter for sunflower seed butter when serving friends with allergies, and it worked just as well.
- Sweetener Swap: Using coconut sugar instead of cane sugar adds a deeper caramel note but it also makes the fudge a little darker.
- Slight Salt Variations: Experimenting with flaky sea salt on top really brings out the peanut butter flavor with a crunchy bite.
How to Make Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the sides a bit. This way, you can lift the fudge out easily once it’s set—trust me, this little trick saves a lot of hassle when cutting.
Step 2: Melt and Mix Ingredients
Combine the coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the coconut oil is fully melted and everything is smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be patient and keep whisking; burnt sugar ruins the batch, and you want it silky smooth.
Step 3: Chill Until Firm
Pour the warm mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, pop it in the freezer for at least 2 hours. Here’s the magic: the coconut oil solidifies, creating that classic fudge texture without any dairy. When your fingers start tapping the surface and it feels firm, it’s ready.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
Remove the fudge from the freezer, and lift it out with the parchment paper. Trim off any uneven edges for a tidy look if you want. Cut into bite-size squares, sprinkle a little sea salt on top (trust me, it makes a huge difference), and enjoy! If the fudge warms up too much as you’re handling it, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe
- Whisk Continuously: When melting the mixture, constant whisking prevents burning and ensures a silky texture.
- Use Parchment Paper with Overhang: This makes lifting and cutting your fudge so much easier; nobody likes fudge stuck to the pan!
- Seal Your Fudge Well: Store in an airtight container to keep fridge odors out and moisture level optimal.
- Avoid Overheating Sugar: Once melted, turn the heat down right away to stop the sugar from scorching and becoming gritty.
How to Serve Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or even crushed roasted peanuts on top—it adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the sweet, creamy fudge. Sometimes I swirl a little dairy-free chocolate on top too for fun.
Side Dishes
This fudge is fantastic on its own, but I often serve it alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to balance richness with natural juiciness. It’s also a hit when paired with a strong cup of coffee or herbal tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I cut the fudge into mini squares and place them in pretty paper cups sprinkled with a little extra salt or cocoa powder. Layering different nuts or adding a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can turn them into a fancy treat that looks store-bought but tastes homemade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in a sealed container in the fridge—this keeps it firm but still creamy. Wrapped tightly, it stays fresh for about a week, but you’d probably eat it faster because it’s that good!
Freezing
Freezing is actually an excellent option. I slice the fudge into pieces, place them on a parchment-lined tray to flash freeze, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. This way, it won’t stick together, and you can grab a piece whenever a peanut butter craving hits.
Reheating
If you want a softer fudge, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes after removing from the fridge or freezer. Avoid microwaving since it can melt unevenly and get oily instead of creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use other nut butters in this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work great here. Keep in mind the flavor will change depending on the nut butter, so pick what you love or what you have on hand.
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Is it necessary to use cane sugar, or can I omit it?
The cane sugar adds a bit of structure and sweetness, but you can substitute coconut sugar or even omit it if you prefer less sweetness. Your fudge will be softer and less sweet if you skip the sugar altogether.
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How long does this dairy-free fudge last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge stays fresh for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to three months without losing texture or flavor.
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Can I make this fudge without coconut oil?
Coconut oil is key for the texture since it solidifies when chilled, giving you that classic fudge firmness. Using other oils likely won’t yield the same set texture, so I wouldn’t recommend swapping it.
Final Thoughts
I’m telling you, this Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe has become one of my go-to treats when I want something indulgent but simple. It’s a little bit nostalgic with peanut butter’s comforting flavor, yet fresh and clean because it skips dairy and artificial ingredients. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions, this fudge never disappoints. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon see why I keep making it again and again!
Print
Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter 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 recipe is a simple, no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, rich coconut oil, and natural sweeteners to create a smooth, delicious dairy-free fudge. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying dessert without the use of dairy, utilizing pantry staples and freezing to set.
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 Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the fudge after freezing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, cane sugar, and a pinch of salt into a medium saucepan.
- Heat and Whisk: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently to ensure the coconut oil melts completely and the ingredients blend into a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Pour and Freeze: Pour the smooth mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours to allow the fudge to harden completely.
- Serve: Remove the fudge from the freezer and the parchment paper, trim the edges if needed. Cut into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with additional sea salt for flavor contrast, then enjoy your dairy-free peanut butter fudge.
Notes
- Calories are per piece and are an estimation.
- Trader Joe’s unsalted peanut butter works well for this recipe but any smooth peanut butter can be used.
- Coconut sugar can be substituted for cane sugar and honey can replace maple syrup, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


