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Nothing says guilt-free more than fresh-made refrigerator healthy fudge. Looking for a sweet, guilt-free treat? This creamy dark chocolate fudge is wonderful, and so easy with no baking required. Best of all, this tasty recipe is paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free and generally speaking hassle-free.
What is Guilt-Free Healthy Fudge?
It's like grandma's old fashioned fudge recipe only good for you. Delicious, creamy, indulgent, and the ultimate comfort food, but without a side of regret. This recipe is a plant-based creation. No need to worry about your processed sugar or calorie intake either; this delicious fudge is both flavorful and surprisingly healthy. And pairs excellently with summer fruits – blueberries, cherries, peaches, watermelon, even cantaloupe.
Benefits:
- Natural, Non-Processed: This healthy fudge recipe is crafted with natural ingredients like coconut oil, pure raw honey, and nut butters, ensuring a wholesome treat without artificial additives. By using whole foods and avoiding refined sugars, this fudge maintains its natural integrity while delivering a deliciously rich flavor.
- Gut-Friendly: This healthy fudge recipe is crafted with ingredients like coconut oil and nut butters, which promote healthy digestion and provide beneficial fats. By avoiding refined sugars and using whole foods, this fudge supports a balanced gut microbiome, making it a delicious and nourishing treat.
- Low Caffeine: Most chocolate has high caffeine One tablespoon of pure cocoa powder contains 12 milligrams of caffeine. That's about an eighth of the amount of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of coffee. According to the USDA, 3.5 ounces, or 100 grams of sweetened cocoa powder contains about 230 milligrams of caffeine.
- Healthy Fat (Coconut Oil): Coconut oil is a versatile and healthy fat known for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible and provide a quick source of energy. Its natural properties support heart health and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
- Healthier Nut Butter (Cashew Butter): Cashew butter is often considered healthier than peanut butter due to its lower saturated fat content and higher levels of essential nutrients like magnesium and copper. Additionally, cashew butter's creamy texture and mild flavor make it a versatile ingredient in a variety of healthy recipes.
- Raw: This healthy chocolate fudge recipe embraces the use of raw ingredients, ensuring that each component retains its natural nutrients and flavors. By incorporating raw elements such as coconut oil, pure honey, and nut butters, this fudge delivers a wholesome and unprocessed treat that aligns with clean eating principles.
Buckwheat Honey would taste delicious in this fudge
How to Make Healthy Fudge
In just a few steps, and no time in the oven you can whip this recipe together inside of 15 minutes.
One: Gather Ingredients
First thing's first, you'll want to gather all of your ingredients. The good news? They are probably already in your pantry! You will need:
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Coconut oil
- Cashew butter
- Cocoa powder
Note: If you don't like the flavor of coconut, don't worry! You cannot taste it in this healthy chocolate fudge recipe.
Two: Prepare Dish and Ingredients
Start by lining an 8"x8" glass baking dish with parchment paper. Next, with very little effort, place all of your ingredients in a food processor or a bowl. Mix well.
Three: Chill Fudge Mixture
After combined, pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Be sure the edges of the parchment paper are rising above the sides of the dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or chill in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Four: Cut and Serve
When the fudge is finished setting, lift it out of the baking dish using the edges of the parchment paper. Place the fudge onto a cutting board and cut it into squares or rectangles with a large, sharp knife (to avoid crumbling). Serve and enjoy!
Healthy Fudge would be a perfect New Year's Eve Dessert!
Mix Up Your Healthy Fudge
If you like your fudge a bit on the fancy side why not add any one of the following ingredients:
- Nuts for nuts? Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts
- Like your fudge a little on the sweet side? Try adding dried fruit, adding 1/4 cup of dried cherries, blueberries or cranberries
- Chocolate lovers unite! Add a 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
- Coconut flakes add flavor and crunch
- And for salt-sweet lovers – sprinkle Sea Salt crystals on top before chilling
Exploring Different Nut Butters for Your Healthy Fudge
When it comes to creating a delectable healthy fudge, the type of nut butter you choose can significantly impact the flavor and texture. Here are some options to consider:
- Almond Butter: Known for its mild flavor and smooth, creamy texture, almond butter is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a subtle nutty taste. It pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate chips and enhances the rich chocolate flavor of the fudge.
- Peanut Butter: A classic favorite, peanut butter adds a robust, slightly sweet flavor that complements the fudge's chocolatey goodness. Opt for natural peanut butter to keep it refined sugar-free and ensure a creamy texture.
- Cashew Butter: With its rich and buttery consistency, cashew butter is perfect for creating a silky smooth fudge. It has a mild taste that allows the chocolate and other ingredients to shine while adding a creamy texture.
- Sun Butter: Made from sunflower seeds, sun butter is an excellent alternative for those with nut allergies. It offers a unique, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with coconut oil and pure maple syrup.
- Coconut Butter: For those who love coconut flavor, coconut butter is a delightful option. It adds a subtle tropical twist and works beautifully with shredded coconut and coconut flakes for added texture.
- Hazelnut Butter: If you're a fan of chocolate hazelnut spreads, using hazelnut butter in your fudge will give it a decadent, indulgent flavor reminiscent of your favorite sweet snack.
Experimenting with these different nut butters can help you customize your healthy fudge recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate peanut butter fudge or want to try something new, these options provide endless delicious possibilities.
Little pieces of Raw Honeycomb would taste delicious on top of this fudge
How to Make Vegan Guilt-Free Fudge
Transforming this guilt-free fudge into a vegan delight is simple and requires just a few substitutions. Here's how you can make this recipe completely vegan while maintaining its creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor:
- Replace Honey with Maple Syrup: Swap out the Bee Inspired Buckwheat Blossom Honey for pure maple syrup. This will keep the fudge naturally sweetened and refined sugar-free.
- Ensure Vegan Cocoa Powder: Make sure the cocoa powder you use is vegan-friendly and doesn't contain any added dairy products.
- Add Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips: To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding vegan dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the fudge batter.
- Consider Coconut Cream: For an extra creamy texture, you can add a tablespoon of coconut cream to the mixture.
Follow the same preparation steps as the original recipe, and you'll have a vegan version of this delicious fudge ready to enjoy. This vegan fudge is perfect for those who love fudge but prefer a plant-based diet. Enjoy this treat as a sweet snack or share it with friends and family who are vegan or dairy-free!
Tips to Keep Your Fudge Fresh and Delicious
Can you freeze fudge?
Yes, fudge freezes well. I packed mine in wax-paper in individual portions for easy access as an after dinner treat for weeks to com. That way you can take out just the amount you want to serve to warm up for five minutes before eating. This also provides some discipline on how may portions you consume at one time! It's hard to resist having JUST ONE MORE!
How long does fudge last?
You can store this delicious fudge for up to three weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does fudge need to be refrigerated?
Yes, this particular recipe keeps better in the refrigerator. At room temperature, it will melt due to the coconut oil.
Is fudge gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free ingredients, this fudge calls for all gluten-free ingredients. It is also process-sugar free.
Whether you're looking for a new recipe or searching for a decadent treat to share with friends and family, Guilt-Free Fudge has all the taste but none of the guilt. Come join our community of health-minded foodies as we test out this new–and may we say delicious–creation and make room in our diets for indulgences like this one!
For a sweeter flavor profile, try using our Cranberry Honey instead!
Want to know what a good friend is?
A friend who not only shares a recipe with us, but beautifully makes the dish and shares it also! A heartfelt thanks to my friend Kathleen for not only sharing this easy-to-make recipe but also for making it for us to shoot and share with you. Thank you Kathleen and friend, Jolie for sharing this amazing plant-based fudge recipe that delivers amazing taste and texture with its all natural, raw ingredients.
Kathleen also shared this expert hack:
Start with coconut oil in a glass liquid measuring cup - add to half cup line. Add 1/2 cup of honey on top. Add vanilla extract. Use spatula to scrape all into mixing bowl. Much less mess.
Make this Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe Today!
In a world where indulgence often comes with a side of guilt, this healthy chocolate fudge recipe offers a delightful escape. With its creamy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and a variety of nut butters to choose from, this fudge is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing option for your body. Free from refined sugars and packed with natural ingredients like coconut oil and pure honey, it’s a sweet snack that aligns with your health goals. Whether you're a fan of chocolate peanut butter fudge or prefer the subtlety of almond butter, this recipe caters to all preferences. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity of this no-bake fudge, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a deliciously guilt-free indulgence today!
