This secretly healthy chocolate fudge recipe is shockingly smooth, rich, decadent, and ultra chocolatey!
5 ingredient healthy chocolate fudge
One taste, and you will never believe the healthy ingredients!
There’s no corn syrup, no refined sugar, and the recipe can be gluten free, dairy free, low carb, keto, tree nut free, and vegan.
While many traditional chocolate fudge recipes call for butter, white sugar, chocolate chips, and condensed milk or marshmallow fluff, you will find none of those things in this natural and healthier vegan variation of the classic chocolate confection.
The fudge is a delicious wholesome chocolate treat, without all the added sugar.
Instead of corn syrup, this healthy chocolate fudge is sweetened naturally with potassium rich banana. It includes a version without banana as well, for those who are not a fan of the fruit.
You may also love these Sweet Potato Brownies
Healthy chocolate fudge flavors
Mint Chocolate Fudge: Before blending, add 1/4 tsp of pure peppermint extract, or more to taste. Go slowly, because peppermint extract is incredibly strong.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge: Replace 1/4 cup of the coconut butter with peanut butter. Stir in a handful of crushed peanuts or sprinkle them over top if desired.
Rocky Road Fudge: Stir some finely chopped almonds and vegan mini marshmallows into the fudge batter after blending.
Mocha Fudge: Add 1/2 tsp of instant coffee with the other ingredients at the very beginning. You can also place a coffee bean in the center of each piece of fudge for presentation at the end.
Chocolate Cherry Fudge: Stir in a small handful of chopped dried cherries after blending. You may do this with dried strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries as well.
If you prefer no chocolate, try this Healthy Maple Fudge
Step by step recipe video
Above – watch me make the healthy fudge at home
Ingredients for the dessert
All you need are cocoa powder, coconut butter, sweetener, a pinch of salt, and optional bananas and pure vanilla extract.
Cocoa powder – You may use regular unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch cocoa powder. For a raw treat with extra antioxidants, I like to use cacao powder. Or substitute an equal amount of carob powder for a chocolate free fudge.
Coconut butter – Look for coconut butter at most health food stores or Whole Foods grocery stores. It is sometimes labeled as coconut manna and has a texture similar to peanut butter. If you cannot find it, simply substitute almond butter or peanut butter. While you can use coconut oil, the texture will not be as fudgy.
Sweetener – I am partial to pure maple syrup here. Agave also works, and non vegans can use honey. For sugar free fudge, add your favorite brand of stevia to taste.
Salt – The best desserts often include a little salt, which brings out the sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the recipe. Salt is an especially important ingredient in chocolate recipes.
Bananas – This natural alternative to sugar also adds a creamy texture to the fudge. If you do not want any banana flavor or are allergic, you can swap out the banana for an additional cup of coconut butter or almond butter. Increase the stevia or pure maple syrup to taste.
Optional fudge add ins: Adults and kids of all ages can have fun customizing this recipe by stirring in a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon, a handful of chia seeds or shredded coconut, diced walnuts, or mini chocolate chips (my personal favorite).
Want more fudge? Make Tahini Fudge
How to make healthy chocolate fudge
The recipe is super easy.
Simply blend all of the ingredients in a food processor until completely smooth.
Spread the fudgy batter into an eight inch pan lined with parchment or wax paper, and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
Tip: If you do not have a baking pan on hand, use any shallow container, candy molds, or lined mini muffin tins instead.
Once the fudge is chilled, take a sharp knife and carefully cut it into squares, bites, or bars. Enjoy cold.
Also try this Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Storing leftover fudge
You can refrigerate any leftovers for up to three weeks in a covered container.
Or freeze the chocolate fudge bites for up to a month. If you want a softer, fudgy texture instead of a hard one, thaw before serving.
For the firmest results, and due to the perishable ingredients, it is best to keep this recipe chilled.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup coconut butter or almond butter
- 2 ripe bananas or additional cup coconut butter
- 4 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey, or stevia to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 pinch cinnamon or other optional add ins like chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or mini chocolate chips
-
Make sure the bananas are overripe (at least partially brown) and the coconut butter is soft before starting. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until completely smooth. If not using banana, increase sweetener as desired. Spread into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate or freeze until firm, then cut as desired. Refrigerate leftovers, or freeze for up to a month and thaw before serving.View Nutrition Facts
Healthy Chocolate Snack Ideas
