Real talk, there are a few things I’m low-key famous for (with my family, friends, community, etc.) and one of them is fudge.
Call it a sixth-sense or some serious chocolate dessert intuition, but I’ve truly perfected my fudge recipes over the years, and they’re my MOST requested holiday/potluck recipe.
This peppermint marshmallow vegan fudge is my newest version, and guys it is GOOD. It’s rich, fudgy and creamy, swirled with gooey marshmallows and crunchy candy canes, and has that peppermint flavor that perfectly balances out the sweetness.
Oh and did I mention it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and refined-sugar-free to boot?
Basically, you’re not gonna wanna sleep on this recipe, and it makes the PERFECT thoughtful holiday gift or crowd-pleasing party dish.
Snag the recipe and hormone-healthy details below.
WHAT MAKES THIS PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOW VEGAN FUDGE RECIPE HEALTHY
While yes, fudge is a dessert, this doesn’t mean it can’t still be rich in nutrients and void of inflammatory agents found in most traditional recipes (think refined sugars, inflammatory oils, dairy most find difficult to digest, etc.) Here’s a few reasons why this vegan fudge is a much healthier option.
+ NO REFINED SUGAR
Instead of using processed sugars like cane, brown rice syrup, maltodextrin, agave or artificial sweeteners that can spike your blood sugar and mess with your gut microbiome, this peppermint marshmallow vegan fudge uses only a small amount of organic maple syrup and coconut sugar to sweeten.
+ NATURALLY DAIRY-FREE
Most fudge recipes contain dairy in the form of milk chocolate and condensed milk that many people find difficult to digest. This recipe uses magnesium-rich dark chocolate (very beneficial for your menstrual cycle!) and dairy-free coconut milk in its place.
+ HIGH IN NUTRIENTS
One of the reasons why desserts have been deemed “unhealthy” is because they typically lack nutrients that work to keep our blood sugar balanced, hormones happy and provide an overall feeling of satiation, hence why most of the time we’re still hungry after consuming. This vegan fudge sneaks in a ton of nutrients to help keep us satisfied (see below for details).
Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is rich in magnesium, which helps lower prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramping. It also supports pituitary health, helping to signal the release of FSH and LH, necessary for a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility. Make sure to choose a brand without any emulsifiers that can disrupt gut and hormone health. This is my absolute FAVE dark chocolate and you can use the code LAUREN to save 15%.
+ OPTIONAL PREBIOTIC FIBER
This specific type of fiber promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which works to optimize digestion and relieve constipation, metabolize fats, regulate blood sugar, manage inflammation and decrease risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This is my go-to brand and you can use the code SOGREEN10 to save 10%.
HEALTHY VEGAN FUDGE RECIPE SWAPS
+ TO MAKE PROTEIN-RICH FUDGE
If looking to add protein to this recipe, you can opt to mix in 2-4 servings of collagen protein, however the fudge will no longer be vegan as collagen is sources from animals.
+ TO MAKE REFINED-SUGAR-FREE FUDGE
The base of this vegan fudge recipe is naturally refined-sugar-free, however the store-bought marshmallows and candy canes do contain refined sugar. You can swap these ingredients with homemade marshmallows and peppermint extract to make entirely refined-sugar-free, however please note the homemade marshmallow recipe is not vegan.
+ TO MAKE KETO/LOW-CARB FUDGE
While this vegan fudge is naturally lower in carbs and high in protein, healthy fats and fiber, you can reduce the net carbohydrates by a 1:1 ratio swap of monk fruit for maple syrup.
½ tsp sea salt + optional flaky sea salt for topping
Optional 1 serving prebiotic fiber, use code SOGREEN10 to save 10%
Instructions
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine all dark chocolate ingredients except for the marshmallows and crushed candy cane pieces and stir continuously until melted. Once thick, creamy and shiny, remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk together peanut butter ingredients in a medium sized bowl until smooth.
Pour dark chocolate mixture into the peanut butter mixture and add the majority of the marshmallows and candy cane pieces (reserve a small portion for topping), stirring with a spatula until well-combined.
Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and spread mixture evenly in the bottom with the spatula. Sprinkle remaining crushed candy cane pieces and marshmallows on top, as well as optional flaky sea salt.
Let freeze for 1 hour in the freezer or minimum 3 hours in the fridge before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
*This fudge is best kept in the freezer. Simply remove 5 minutes before you want to eat and enjoy!