Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, creamy treat but need something completely dairy-free, this easy dairy-free peanut butter fudge is the perfect solution. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and no cooking required, this fudge delivers classic peanut butter flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture—without butter, cream, or condensed milk.

This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar–free (depending on your sweetener choice), making it ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions or food allergies. Best of all, it comes together in minutes and sets beautifully in the fridge, making it one of the easiest no-bake peanut butter fudge recipes you’ll ever make.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday treat, a lunchbox snack, or a quick dessert for cravings, this recipe proves that dairy-free sweets can still be indulgent and satisfying.


Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge

This recipe is a favorite for so many reasons:

  • Completely dairy-free and vegan
  • No baking or stovetop cooking
  • Only 5 simple ingredients
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Smooth, creamy texture
  • Perfect for gifting and holidays

Unlike traditional fudge recipes that rely on butter and milk, this version uses coconut oil and peanut butter to achieve the same rich consistency.


What Makes This Fudge Dairy-Free (Yet Still Creamy)

The secret lies in the fat balance. Natural peanut butter provides richness and structure, while coconut oil helps the fudge firm up when chilled. Maple syrup adds sweetness while keeping the texture soft and sliceable.

This combination creates a fudge that’s:

  • Firm when cold
  • Soft at room temperature
  • Creamy without being greasy

Ingredients

You only need a few pantry staples to make this dairy free peanut butter fudge recipe.

  • Natural peanut butter (smooth, no added sugar)
  • Coconut oil
  • Maple syrup or honey (for vegan, use maple syrup)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sea salt

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm peanut butter and coconut oil until melted and smooth.
  3. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  5. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until fully set.
  6. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Fudge

  • Use natural peanut butter with oil stirred in
  • Avoid overheating—gentle melting prevents separation
  • Chill fully before slicing for clean edges
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for contrast

Sweetener Options

This recipe is flexible depending on your needs:

  • Maple syrup: Vegan and refined sugar–free
  • Honey: Not vegan, but works beautifully
  • Agave: Mild sweetness and smooth texture

Avoid granulated sweeteners, which won’t dissolve properly.


Flavor Variations

Customize your vegan peanut butter fudge easily:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Swirl in melted dairy-free dark chocolate.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Fudge
Use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts.

Vanilla Bean Fudge
Use vanilla bean paste for extra flavor.

Almond Butter Fudge
Swap peanut butter for almond butter.


Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This fudge stores extremely well:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 10 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months
  • Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving

Because it’s dairy-free, it holds its texture beautifully when chilled.


Perfect for Allergies & Special Diets

This allergy friendly fudge is ideal for:

  • Dairy-free diets
  • Vegan diets
  • Gluten-free diets
  • Holiday cookie exchanges
  • School-safe treats (check nut policies)

Always label clearly when gifting to ensure allergy awareness.


Serving Suggestions

Serve this no bake peanut butter fudge with:

  • Fresh berries
  • Dairy-free ice cream
  • Coffee or tea
  • Holiday dessert trays

A small square goes a long way thanks to its richness.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using peanut butter with added sugar
  • Skipping parchment paper
  • Cutting before fully set
  • Overheating coconut oil

Why This Recipe Is Foolproof

With no baking, no candy thermometer, and no dairy, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. It’s one of the easiest ways to make homemade fudge that looks and tastes professional.


Final Thoughts

This easy dairy-free peanut butter fudge recipe proves that you don’t need butter or milk to make rich, indulgent treats. Creamy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Once you try it, this dairy-free fudge will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Easy Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Fudge

A creamy no-bake peanut butter fudge made without dairy using coconut oil and maple syrup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter smooth, stirred
  • 0.5 cup coconut oil melted
  • 0.33 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp sea salt

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • 8×8-inch baking pan

Method
 

  1. Melt peanut butter and coconut oil until smooth.
  2. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Chill until set, then slice.

Notes

Store refrigerated for best texture.