One of my favorite pre-vegan holiday treats was fudge, so I’m super excited to share this wildly delicious vegan fudge recipe! This fudge legitimately tastes like a Ferrero Rocher (those delightful chocolate hazelnut candies that are sadly not vegan)! It’s pure decadence, just like fudge should be around the holidays (it makes an excellent edible gift!).
That said, this vegan fudge is a little more grownup than the classic. First, it uses dark chocolate to avoid being too sweet. Fudge is already so rich that too much sweetness makes it cloying and inedible IMO. Second, it adds toasted hazelnuts. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the rich creamy fudge texture, and of course chocolate + toasted hazelnuts = heavenly Ferrero Rocher flavor.
This fudge recipe is also ridiculously easy and quick to make. If you’re a fan of quick, no-bake chocolate treats, be sure to also check out my Salted Chocolate Cream Tart. For something on the healthier side, my No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a great choice.
How to make vegan fudge (step-by-step photos)
Toast the hazelnuts on a sheet pan in the oven (350ºF for 10 to 13 minutes). Transfer the hot hazelnuts to a thin dish towel and wrap it up in a tight ball. Allow to steam for 2 minutes. Use your hands to vigorously rub the hazelnuts to help remove the skins. Roughly chop the hazelnuts (no need to finely chop).
Add the chocolate chips and condensed coconut milk to a medium-sized heat-proof bowl. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. Allow to sit undisturbed for 1 minutes, then whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is thick and well-combined.
Working quickly so that the chocolate stays warm, add the almond butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until well-combined and thick. Fold in the chopped toasted hazelnuts with a silicone spatula.
Line a loaf pan or a square 8×8″ baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the fudge into the pan, spreading it out with a silicone spatula.
Refrigerate the fudge for 1 to 2 hours until set. Use the parchment paper to remove the fudge from the pan. Allow to come to room temperature, then slice and serve.
Tips for making this recipe
Work quickly. You want to mix the ingredients while the chocolate and milk are still warm. Luckily, it takes less than 5 minutes to whisk everything together, so it’s not hard. Just don’t pause to take a hundred photos and videos like I did 😉
Pick the right pan for your desired thickness. For thick/tall fudge pieces (as you see in the photos), you have two options. One, you can use a 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan (as you can see in the step-by-step photos above).
Or, you can use an 8×8-inch baking dish, but don’t spread out the fudge evenly across the pan surface. Instead push the fudge into one-half or two-thirds of the baking pan, leaving the other part of the pan empty. Essentially, you are layering the fudge on top of itself to make it thicker. The fudge is pretty malleable, so you should be able to do this easily with your hands.
For thinner fudge pieces (it is very rich, after all): use an 8×8 square baking pan and spread it out across the whole surface of the pan. You could also use a glass storage container/tupperware.
Use condensed coconut milk for the most classic fudge texture. In my tests, sweetened condensed coconut milk (affiliate link) made for the most traditional fudge texture: smooth, moist and soft. This makes sense since traditional fudge is typically made with condensed cow’s milk.
Sweetened condensed oat milk also worked, but produced a stiffer texture. It’s still a great option if you have a coconut allergy.
Note: If you can’t find sweetened condensed coconut milk, full-fat coconut milk does work, but you need to do a few things differently. I’ve included instructions in the FAQ section below.
Use the appropriate cacao content for your fudge. If you like your fudge very sweet, feel free to use a cacao percentage as low as 55%. If you like it less sweet, feel free to use a cacao percentage as high as 75%. I typically use dark chocolate in the 63-67% range.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find sweetened condensed coconut milk (or oat milk) at specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, or online. If all you can find is a 7.4-ounce can instead of an 8-ounce can, that’s also fine.
Nature’s Charm is the brand I use for condensed coconut milk (they also carry condensed oat milk). Let’s Do Organic and Nature’s Greatest Foods also sell condensed coconut milk. (affiliate links).
Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk, though the texture will be softer. Pour the milk into a bowl and stir well before measuring out the 8 ounces. Since there’s no added sugar in the coconut milk, you’ll want to add some sifted organic powdered sugar along with the almond butter. I’d start with 1/4 cup, taste and add more as needed to your taste. If you use chocolate with a lower cacao percentage or sweeter chocolate, like Enjoy Life vegan chocolate chips, you may not need to add sugar.
The texture will be on the softer side, so I like transfer it to the freezer for 90 minutes to set up. And store leftovers in the fridge (or freezer). It will get melty on the countertop!
You could probably also use a good-quality, thick vegan coffee creamer in lieu of the condensed milk, but I haven’t tried it myself.
Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap (or in an airtight container) and store on your counter or in the pantry – it will stay good for at least one week.
You can also store it longer by refrigerating it or even freezing it (though freezing it does change the texture a bit). Just let it come to room temperature before eating.
You can use dark chocolate bars or a bittersweet baking chocolate bar. Just chop them up pretty finely before adding to the microwave with the milk.
I hope you enjoy this vegan fudge as much as we do! If you love the recipe, please be sure to rate and review it below 🙂
PS: this fudge makes a great edible present for the holidays!
Introducing
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Vegan Fudge
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (90-100g) hazelnuts
- 8 ounces (227g) sweetened condensed coconut milk*
- 12 ounces (340g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (60%-70%)**
- 1/2 cup (125g) unsweetened, creamy almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (not artificial)***
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF/175ºC. Spread the hazelnuts out on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the middle rack of the oven for 10-13 minutes, until very fragrant and toasty (smaller-sized hazelnuts need just 10 minutes).
- Immediately transfer the hazelnuts to a clean, thin dish towel and wrap tightly. Steam in the towel for 2 minutes, then vigorously rub the enclosed towel using your hands – the friction will help loosen the skins. It’s okay if not all the skins come up. Roughly chop the hazelnuts once cool enough to handle (no need to chop finely).
- Lightly oil an 8×4-inch or 9×5-inch loaf pan or a square 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper (the oil helps the paper stick to the pan, but doesn't go into the actual fudge).****
- Add the condensed coconut milk and chocolate to a heat-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 90 seconds.*Remove from the microwave and allow to rest without touching for 1 minute, then stir with a silicone whisk until smooth and completely melted. While the chocolate mixture is still warm, add the almond butter, vanilla, and a pinch or two of sea salt. Whisk until well combined – it will be quite thick. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts with a silicone spatula.*Note: If your microwave is low wattage, you might need to microwave an extra 15 seconds until melted.
- Transfer the fudge into the lined pan, and pat down with a silicone spatula or your fingers to spread it out evenly. Very lightly sprinkle with sea salt, about a scant ¼ teaspoon.
- Transfer the fudge to the fridge for 1 to 2 hours until set. Allow to come to room temperature before slicing. For a more pronounced sweet-salty taste, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on the fudge before serving. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic (or in an airtight container) at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in the fridge for longer. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this? Leave a rating below!
I absolutely loved this. It is heavenly and one of the best homemade chocolate dessert I have ever had. We used 70% quality dark chocolate and condensed coconut milk. No extra sugar. (Home-)Grilled hazelnuts. I can honestly say it sits with the best pralinés you can get in my home country, France. You acknowledged it yourself it is very much like the Ferrero Rochers, but those are not even the best chocolates by french standards (and they ARE good). I find it offensive to pralinés in general to call it after the vulgar fudge: it has nothing of the rich overly sweet and greasy taste of fudge. It is a totally different league. I would recommend to rebaptise it the vegan praliné. Thanks and well done. Joyeux Noël ma Chère Nisha.
Thanks for the lovely review, Steph! We’re thrilled the fudge is a winner in your book!
So decadent. I made one batch with condensed oat milk, one with condensed coconut, and they were both amazing. I used chopped roasted hazelnuts from the store so the recipe was so fast. The 70% cocoa chips i used made this dessert very rich, and a great christmas gift.
We appreciate your feedback and support, Lillian. Thank you for leaving a review!
Was out of vanilla and could
not find hazelnuts. Substituted a half tsp peppermint extract and 1/2 c roasted walnuts. Still delicious! Thank you for the recipe and the tips!
We’re so happy the recipe went well for you, Robin!
Hi Nisha,
Could I replace almond butter with homemade hazelnut butter?
That sounds delicious, Jamie! Just ensure the hazelnut butter is on the runny side. If it’s on the thicker side, you may want to add a teaspoon or two of melted refined coconut oil or neutral flavored oil to the homemade hazelnut butter to give it a smoother consistency.
Super delicious and simple to make!
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Mariah!
Such an easy but fancy treat to keep on hand. I used dark chocolate only and would say it came out more like a truffle than a fudge – it doesn’t have the chewiness at all, but I’m not complaining!
Thanks for the feedback, Jenn. We’re glad you enjoyed the recipe and hope you can try it as written next time!
This is an absolutely brilliant recipe! The only change I made was reducing to 250g of chocolate just because I didn’t have enough, but I love the slightly softer texture it has perhaps given. Such a winner and sooooo easy to make. I can’t have dairy and this is a real treat!
We’re so happy that the fudge turned out well for you, Jessica. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe!
Easy to make & delicious to eat, best holiday treat recipe! 🙂
Mariah, thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the fudge.
Hello Nisha
Would pecans or walnuts work vs hazelnuts
Thanks again
Hi Jeanne, sure, it just wouldn’t taste like a ferrero rocher. The second best sub we’d suggest would be almonds, as they have a similarly crunchy texture. But if you’re a big fan of pecans or walnuts you could try those as well! Enjoy!
I took this as a treat to my bridge club. I can guarantee I am the only vegan in the group. Everyone loved it but wrinkled their noses when I told them it was vegan (haha)—then asked for the recipe! I don’t have a microwave so pulled out my old double boiler and combined the coconut milk and chocolate on the stovetop It came together like a dream. 🙏
BTW, I am definitely NOT a baker or much of a sweet eater but this was a lovely treat for this festive time of the year.
Thanks for the wonderful review, Laurie! It makes us so happy to know everyone was a fan of the fudge 🙂
Made double the amount as your recipes never disappoint. Of course I did not regret it, this are SOOO good! Dangerous I need to ask my boyfriend to hide them from me 😂 thanks so much for this amazing recipe!
LOL, sounds like this recipe is a real winner if you have to ask someone else to hide it from you!
Your positive feedback is the best reward for our hard work. Thank you, Tamara 🙂
Is it possible to make the condensed coconut milk if i dont find it? How? Thanks
Hi Angela, you can try one of these recipes (1st and 2nd) for homemade condensed coconut milk, though we’ve never made them ourselves so we can’t say exactly how it would turn out. A safer alternative would be to use canned coconut milk, as we’ve tested that ourselves. Check out the 2nd answer in the FAQ section.
where can i find the FAQ please to use coconut cream
Hi Cara, you can find the FAQ just a little above the recipe card. I will post it here for your convenience though:
“Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk, though the texture will be softer. Pour the milk into a bowl and stir well before measuring out the 8 ounces. Since there’s no added sugar in the coconut milk, you’ll want to add some sifted organic powdered sugar along with the almond butter. I’d start with 1/4 cup, taste and add more as needed to your taste. If you use chocolate with a lower cacao percentage or sweeter chocolate, like Enjoy Life vegan chocolate chips, you may not need to add sugar.
The texture will be on the softer side, so I like transfer it to the freezer for 90 minutes to set up. And store leftovers in the fridge (or freezer). It will get melty on the countertop!”
Can you please add instructions for step 4 for those of us who do not have a microwave?
Hi Michelle, you can use the double boiler method.
Grab a heatproof bowl that can be nestled into a saucepan. Fill the saucepan up with a few inches of water – not so much that the bottom of the bowl would touch the water. Heat the water on the stove and keep at a simmer.
Add the chocolate and condensed milk to the bowl on top of the saucepan. Allow the chocolate mixture to melt, whisking into the condensed milk until smooth and the chocolate is completely melted. Once the chocolate is completely melted, keep the bowl on the saucepan for an additional 30 to 60 seconds to further warm through.
Whisk again until completely smooth.
Enjoy!
Seriously, the best fudge ever
Thank you for your lovely review, Cynthia 🙂
OMG! This is awesome! I’m not a fudge person, but this was fantastic! My grocery store only had hazelnuts in the shell, (and I don’t have a nutcracker) so prep was annoying, but SO worth it. I had extra of all the ingredients, so I made a 1.25 batch. Woohoo!
Oh, does anyone know if it freezes well, or have you not had leftovers long enough to test? 😍
Hi Ali, so happy you loved the fudge so much, even with the extra work of removing the hazelnut shells. The fudge will stay good for 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, but you can also freeze it for longer. The texture will change a bit, but if you defrost it in the fridge, it will still be very good 🙂
I have made this several times and it tastes amazing every time. Thank you Nisha, this is the best fudge. It’s very rich but that means it lasts longer. All my non-vegan friends and family love this also. It’s the only vegan food they ask for at any festive get together. I’m making some to hand out as gifts this year too. It definitely tastes like a ferrero rocher!
Aw, that’s so sweet to hear, Jennie! We hope everyone loves their gifts 🙂
Is there any way to substitute hazelnuts in this recipe? It’s not easily available where I live.
Hi Sadhana, you can use almonds and use the same instructions to roast them. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
Greetings
Looks like a Lucious recipe. Question? Would homemade almond butter work? I use almonds and a teaspoon of avocado oil for a smoother consistency but I am not sure if it is a smooth as store bought.
Thank you in advance
Hi Jeanne, that should work, but I might consider adding an extra teaspoon of oil to get the almond butter even smoother. Or, you can try adding a teaspoon or two of oil to the fudge batter if it seems very thick or a bit dry. Hope that helps!
I have a question if you consider yourself Whole Food plant-based, why do you use so much coconut when one of the goals of being hopeful plant-based is to alleviate saturated fat and coconut milk is very high in it. My doctor told me the only place to use coconut is your hair and your skin, because when you eat it, it leads two heart disease. so don’t eat it.
Seriously? Anything in moderation is just fine. Perhaps you need to look for a new doctor
Hi Liz,
Nisha provides instructions in the post for how you can use condensed oat milk if you prefer not to use coconut milk.
Though Nisha prioritizes using whole foods in her recipes, she does not avoid using coconut or oil in her recipes. As she has mentioned in numerous videos and blog posts, she is vegan for ethical and environmental reasons and she doesn’t believe in a restrictive approach to cooking.
Hope that helps!
If you read her book she actually explains in that why she doesn’t do exclusively whole foods and extremely healthy. Also, doctors absolutely do not know everything, there’s a reason it’s called practicing medicine. If your doctor thinks they know everything about the human body I suggest you run. Those doctors do more harm than good.
There are many reasons to be vegan, your reason isn’t the same as everyone else’s. Some, like myself use all the reasons (usually replacing coconut cream with cashew cream in Nisha’s recipes) but on very special occasions (Christmas and my birthday so twice a year only) I’ll happily indulge.
One of the main aspects of veganism is kindness and empathy. Any person who is aggressive to others, including meat eaters, doesn’t fully embody that empathy. You can ask questions and be informative to others without sounding like you think you’re better than everyone else. You persuade more people without aggression than you will with it.
Amen
My only goal of being vegan is to not contribute to animal cruelty. I’ll take the coconut milk thank, you very much. Everyone has their own reason for being vegan/plant based, don’t project on other people.
Lol chill out dude. Just substitute different milks or oils in your own recipe.
Hi Ash,
A reply to Liz might have tasted better if you’d been informative, or even kind, instead of a bit snarky. Vegans are kind to the earth, and hopefully to one another. I wish you wonderful holidays and a terrific New Year.
How integral is almond butter to the recipe or a good substitute. Almond allergy.
Hi SL, you could try substituting with tahini if you’d like! Keep in mind it has a bit of a different texture from almond butter, so the fudge may have a different consistency. If you try it, please let us know how it goes 🙂