Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

By: Erin

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Did someone say FUDGE? Learn how to make homemade chocolate fudge (the healthy kind) to enjoy this holiday season. You can give it away as a thoughtful gift or save it all for yourself! The best part is that this rich chocolate fudge isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too!

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (1)

Deliciously Healthy Chocolate Fudge

Rich, chocolate fudge is one of those desserts that is perfect anytime, anywhere! I love a small bite after dinner to satiate my sweet tooth. It’s also a classic addition to every party’s dessert table. Better yet, chocolate fudge is a thoughtful and welcome homemade gift.

This recipe could not be any easier! In fact, if you have to multitask while you make it, you certainly can. It requires no baking, just melting the ingredients together and chilling in the refrigerator.

Since it is so easy to make, it’s a fantastic recipe to make with your kids – as long as they are old enough to work around hot stuff on the stove.

I improved on other classic fudge recipes by using whole ingredients that nourish your body. Almond butter is high in protein and low in saturated fat. Coconut milk is high in healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

When you sweeten the fudge with maple syrup, you are adding vital antioxidants to the fudge!

So grab your saucepan and apron, and let’s make some delicious fudge!

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2)

Ingredients In This Easy Fudge Recipe

Here’s a bit more information about the ingredients I used and how much you’ll need from the store before you begin.

  • Chocolate Chips: It takes 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips to make this fudge.
  • Coconut Milk: You’ll use 1/2 cup of canned coconut milk. Make sure you use the thick white part from the top of the can.
  • Almond Butter: For the smoothest texture, use 1/3 cup of creamy almond butter.
  • Maple Syrup: It only takes 1/4 cup to sweeten the entire batch of fudge.
  • Salt: Just add a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of salt to enhance the flavors in this fudge. I also added flaked salt at the end as a garnish.
  • Vanilla: One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract will add the perfect depth of flavor to this rich dessert.
Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (3)

Kitchen Tools Required

This is a very simple recipe that doesn’t require any special tools or gadgets. In fact, you probably already have everything you need!

For measuring, you will need 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup, 1 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon.

How To Make The Best Chocolate Fudge

This recipe is so simple, that you can make it between other activities in your day! The entire process is written out in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. First, here is a super-quick overview.

In a saucepan, melt together all ingredients exceptvanillaover medium-low heat, stirring often. All of the ingredients should be melted within 5 minutes.

After everything is melted, turn off the heat and stir in thevanilla.

Next, pour the fudge batter into a greased 9×5loaf pan.

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours. Top with flaked salt and cut into pieces.

That’s it! It really is that simple.

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (4)

Recipe Tips

Below are some common chocolate fudge recipe questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

Is homemade fudge healthy?

You’ll have to decide what qualifies as “healthy” since everyone has different health and nutrition goals. My fudge uses whole ingredients, nothing artificial, and 4.3g of protein in each piece.

To help you decide how healthy it is, I always include a nutrition label at the end of every recipe I publish.

There are lots of ways to change this fudge to meet your health goals too. When you make homemade desserts, YOU control the ingredients!

What does cream of tartar do in fudge?

You might see some recipes that use cream of tartar in the fudge. Some bakers like to use it because it decreases the chances of crystalization happening in the fudge, which helps the fudge to set.

I didn’t use cream of tartar and my fudge is still very rich and solid, without crystalization.

Can I add nuts to this fudge?

Yes, you can certainly add any type of nuts that you want to this fudge. Nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.

I think some chopped almonds or pecans will taste the best in my chocolate fudge recipe! Chopped walnuts are another option that will taste delicious as well.

Why isn’t my fudge setting?

Make sure you are measuring out the ingredients exactly as listed. I know that with cooking you can kind of eyeball the ingredient amounts, but baking is another story. When you use the exact amounts of each ingredient and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, it should harden really well.

Almond butter is a fantastic ingredient to use in fudge. It melts easily and then when you refrigerate it, it hardens up without any extra effort.

Storing leftovers

To store leftover chocolate fudge, I suggest placing it in an airtight container and keeping it in the refrigerator. The fudge will stay fresh for up to a week.

Substitution Tip

Wondering if you can use different ingredients? There are a few ways you can. Take a look at some ways you can change this recipe.

Instead of semisweet chocolate chips, use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. Alternatively, you could use sugar-free chocolate chips to keep the sugar amounts lower.

Heavy whipping cream is a simple 1:1 replacement for coconut milk. It has more fat in it, so it alters the nutrition of the fudge.

To sweeten the fudge, use honey instead of maple syrup. It will give you the same taste and texture.

Any type of nut butter will work in this fudge. I used almond butter, but you can substitute it with peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sun butter.

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (5)

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Here are some more of my favorite healthy chocolate recipes. Enjoy!

  • Flourless Double Chocolate Cookies
  • Healthy Chcolate Granola Recipe
  • Paleo Chocolate Cake
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Tart
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (6)

★★★★★5 from 7 reviews

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Did someone say FUDGE? Learn how to make homemade chocolate fudge (the healthy kind) to enjoy this holiday season. You can give it away as a thoughtful gift or save it all for yourself! The best part is that this rich chocolate fudge isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too!

Prep: 10Cook: 2 hoursTotal: 2 hours 10 minutes

Yield 12 pieces 1x

PrintPin itRate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (thick white part from top of can)
  • 1/3 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • flaked salt

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, melt together all ingredients except vanilla over medium-low heat, stirring often.
  2. All of the ingredients should be melted within 5 minutes.
  3. Turn off heat and stir in vanilla.
  4. Pour into greased 9×5 loaf pan.
  5. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with flaked salt and cut into pieces.
  6. Store in fridge.

Author: ErinCategory: dessert, snack, dairy-freeMethod: stovetopCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free

There may be affiliate links in this post!By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

Is fudge a healthy snack? ›

But clocking in at around 130 calories and 5 grams of fat per ounce, this rich treat is far from a healthy choice. Although that may not sound like an unreasonable amount of calories or fat, it's important to remember that an ounce is a very small serving. Fudge also boasts very little in terms of health.

What is the secret to non grainy fudge? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What's the difference between fudge and chocolate fudge? ›

Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

What is the unhealthiest snack in the world? ›

The 30 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet
  1. Cheetos Flamin' Hot Tangy Chili Fusion. Cheetos. ...
  2. Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers. Target. ...
  3. Snyder's Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces. ...
  4. Kellogg's Frosted Strawberry Poptarts. ...
  5. Doritos Nacho Cheese. ...
  6. Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips. ...
  7. Gushers. ...
  8. Little Debbie Double Decker Oatmeal Creme Pies.

What is the healthiest chocolate you can eat? ›

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

Is fudge more fattening than chocolate? ›

Fudge typically contains more sugar than chocolate, so it may not be the best choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake. On the other hand, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.

What happens if you boil fudge too long? ›

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

How to prevent sugar crystals in fudge? ›

If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon. You can use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides of the pot.

Why won't my condensed milk fudge set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What makes fudge taste like fudge? ›

Fudge incorporates sugar, milk, butter, and other ingredients such as cocoa for chocolate fudge. The chocolatier then heats these products together until they melt. After this, the mixture is beaten during the cooling process. Think of fudge as a food consisting of crystallized sugar.

Why is hot fudge so good? ›

In fact, hot fudge sauce is just a fudge that never sets! Cream or milk, sugar, and butter are slowly boiled down until slightly thickened and light caramel-colored. This boiling-down process not only gives the sauce it's great gooey texture, but also contributes that special “fudgey” taste to the chocolate.

Is fudge just ganache? ›

Although the two are made from similar ingredients, they'll wind up with different consistencies. Ganache might solidify slightly but will remain smooth as a filling or icing. Fudge, meanwhile, will be soft enough to easily bite into while being solid enough to hold its shape after it has time to set up.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

It's the size of sugar crystals that makes the knees of fudge lovers buckle…the smaller the crystals, the less they are perceived on the tongue and the more the fudge tastes smooth and creamy. Cooking, and beating after cooking, is the key to successful fudge.

Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

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