Name: Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (256g) natural creamy peanut butter (unsalted preferred); ½ cup (112g) coconut oil (refined for neutral flavor); ⅓ cup (105g) pure maple syrup (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt (plus extra for topping if desired)

This no-bake vegan peanut butter fudge is incredibly simple to whip up with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Creamy natural peanut butter meets coconut oil and pure maple syrup for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and ready in minutes — perfect for guilt-free indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall head over heels for this vegan peanut butter fudge because it’s ridiculously easy — no cooking, no candy thermometer, and no complicated steps required. It comes together in under 10 minutes of active time, using clean, pantry-staple ingredients that keep it healthier than traditional fudge loaded with butter and refined sugar.

The texture is luxuriously smooth and creamy, with that classic intense peanut butter taste everyone craves, yet it’s completely plant-based and dairy-free. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, offering a caramel-like depth without the sugar crash.

Whether you’re vegan, looking for healthier dessert options, or just need a quick sweet fix, this recipe delivers decadent satisfaction without any guilt. It’s make-ahead friendly, freezer-stable, and always a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or as a personal treat stash in the fridge.

Yield: 20 small squares

Vegan Peanut Butter Fudge

Creamy no-bake vegan peanut butter fudge — healthy, easy, naturally sweetened, and irresistibly delicious!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup (256g) natural creamy peanut butter (unsalted preferred)
½ cup (112g) coconut oil (refined for neutral flavor)
⅓ cup (105g) pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (plus extra for topping if desired)

Instructions

Grab a small loaf pan (about 8x4 inches) and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides — this makes lifting out your fudge a breeze later!
In a microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan), gently melt the coconut oil until it's completely liquid — about 20–30 seconds in the microwave or low heat on the stove. Keep it warm but not scorching hot.
Add your creamy natural peanut butter straight into the melted coconut oil and stir with love until it's silky smooth and fully combined — the mixture should look glossy and inviting.
Pour in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract — give it a good whisk so everything melts together into one luscious, sweet peanut butter dream.
Sprinkle in that little pinch of sea salt — trust me, it makes the peanut flavor pop and balances everything perfectly. Stir until it's evenly distributed.
Taste your mixture right now (yum!) — if you'd like it a touch sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup and mix again.
Pour the beautiful fudge batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula — make it nice and even for pretty slices later.
For an extra fancy touch, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals on top — it looks stunning and tastes even better!
Pop the pan into the freezer for about 1 hour (or fridge for 2–3 hours) until it's completely firm and set — resist sneaking too many tastes while you wait!
Once solid, lift out using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into bite-sized squares with a warm knife — then share (or don't!) and enjoy every creamy, peanut-buttery bite.

Notes

This fudge softens quickly at room temperature, so keep it chilled until serving for the best texture. It's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made paleo by using a nut/seed butter swap.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 139Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 6gSodium 59mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use natural peanut butter (the kind with just peanuts and maybe salt) for the best flavor and texture — avoid brands with added oils or sugars that can make the fudge greasy or overly sweet.
Make sure your coconut oil is melted but not hot when mixing to prevent separation.
Line your pan with parchment paper overhang for super easy removal and clean slicing.
For perfectly firm fudge, freeze for at least 1 hour (or refrigerate 2–3 hours) — don’t rush it!
Warm your knife under hot water and wipe dry before slicing for clean, professional-looking pieces.
Taste the mixture before setting and adjust maple syrup if you prefer sweeter fudge.
Add a tiny pinch of sea salt on top right before freezing to enhance the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

Ingredients Notes:

Natural creamy peanut butter — forms the rich, nutty base and provides healthy fats and protein. Opt for unsweetened to control sweetness.
Coconut oil (refined) — helps the fudge set firmly at fridge/freezer temperatures while keeping it dairy-free; refined version avoids strong coconut taste.
Pure maple syrup — acts as a natural, unrefined sweetener with caramel notes that pair perfectly with peanut butter; use Grade A for best flavor.
Vanilla extract — adds warm depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Sea salt — just a pinch balances sweetness and intensifies the overall taste — don’t skip it!

Variations and Substitutions:

Nut-free version — swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a completely seed-based treat that’s allergy-friendly.
Chocolate swirl or topping — melt dark vegan chocolate and drizzle or swirl it on top before freezing for a Reese’s-like vibe.
Lower fat option — replace half the coconut oil with mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce (texture will be slightly softer).
Protein boost — stir in 2–3 tablespoons of vanilla plant-based protein powder — it blends right in without altering taste much.
Different sweeteners — use date syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar instead of maple; adjust amounts as needed since sweetness levels vary.
Add-ins — mix in chopped peanuts, mini vegan chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels for crunch and texture contrast.
Spiced version — add ½ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom for cozy warmth.

Storage Options:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 3 months — place pieces between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before enjoying for the perfect fudgy texture (it softens quickly at room temperature).