If you adore the rich, nostalgic feeling of cookie dough combined with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of fudge, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe. It blends the best of both worlds in an irresistible, dairy-free treat that’s packed with smooth cashew butter, luscious vanilla, and just the right touch of chocolate chips. Whether you want a sweet snack or a show-stopping dessert, this fudge delivers a decadent, chewy, and chocolaty experience that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines in its simplicity, relying on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role: cashew butter brings creaminess and body, coconut oil helps the fudge set firmly while adding smoothness, maple syrup sweetens naturally with depth, and the chocolate chips offer delightful bursts of indulgence.
- Cashew butter (260 g): Choose smooth cashew butter for that flawless creamy texture that’s key to this fudge.
- Coconut oil, solid (70 g): This helps the fudge set up nicely and adds a subtle tropical richness.
- Pure maple syrup (80 ml): A natural sweetener that adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Or vanilla extract if preferred, this elevates the taste with aromatic sweetness.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors beautifully.
- Vegan chocolate chips (100 g): Use sugar-free if desired; these provide rich chocolate bursts throughout and on top.
How to Make Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by adding the cashew butter, solid coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt into a food processor. Blend everything together for a few minutes until the mixture turns smooth and creamy, which is the foundation of that luscious fudge texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Mix in Chocolate Chips
Transfer the silky base to a large bowl, then gently fold in about 75 grams of the vegan chocolate chips. This ensures small pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Spread Mixture
Line a baking dish or tub with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then scoop the fudge mixture into it using a spatula. Give the dish a gentle tap against your countertop to release any trapped air bubbles, making the fudge smooth and even.
Step 4: Top with Chocolate and Freeze
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips generously over the top for an extra chocolatey crunch. Pop the dish into the freezer and let it set for about 3 hours, allowing the fudge to firm up perfectly.
Step 5: Final Touch and Cut
Once your fudge is firm, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top, which adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness. Then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper, cut into bite-sized chunks, and get ready to dive in!
Step 6: Store Properly
To keep your Cookie Dough Fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. This way, it stays perfectly firm and ready whenever you want a quick sweet moment.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the fudge’s rich, sweet flavors. For extra flair, try dusting with finely chopped nuts or a drizzle of warm vegan caramel.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream or a fresh bowl of mixed berries, lending a refreshing contrast that brings out the dessert’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party trick, serve small fudge chunks stacked in mini cupcake liners or skewer them with fresh fruit pieces for an elegant dessert platter that’s both playful and sophisticated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover fudge should be kept in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its firm texture. It stays fresh and flavorful for weeks, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
Freezing
This Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch in advance. Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for easy, grab-and-go treats.
Reheating
If the fudge gets a little hard straight from the freezer, leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mellow and the texture to soften just enough without melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of cashew butter?
Yes! While cashew butter is ideal for its creaminess and mild flavor, creamy almond or peanut butter can work too, but they may slightly change the taste and texture.
Is this fudge suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. This Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe uses only vegan ingredients like vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free cashew butter, making it a perfect treat for vegan diets.
Can I substitute coconut oil with something else?
You can try using vegan butter or cocoa butter, but coconut oil helps the fudge set well and adds a subtle flavor, so results may vary slightly.
How long does the fudge keep in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the fudge will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make this fudge without a food processor?
You’ll get the best texture using a food processor to blend the ingredients smoothly, but a high-powered blender might work as an alternative, just be patient and scrape down the sides regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe is one of those magical creations that feels like a special treat yet is incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself, it brings such a joyful, indulgent moment into any day. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire!
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Cookie Dough Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan Cookie Dough Fudge is a creamy, dairy-free treat made with cashew butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup, combined with rich vegan chocolate chips. Set in the freezer for a perfect soft yet firm texture, it’s an indulgent, no-bake dessert ideal for satisfying sweet cravings while keeping things plant-based and wholesome.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 260 g smooth cashew butter
- 70 g coconut oil (solid, see notes)
- 80 ml pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Chips
- 100 g vegan chocolate chips (use sugar-free if required)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cashew butter, solid coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt to a food processor. Blend for several minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Transfer the smooth mixture to a large mixing bowl, then gently fold in about 75 g of the vegan chocolate chips to add texture and bursts of chocolate throughout the fudge.
- Prepare Dish and Transfer Mixture: Line a baking dish or a freezer-safe container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spoon the fudge mixture into the dish and use a spatula to smooth the surface. Tap the dish gently on your countertop to remove any trapped air bubbles for a smooth finish.
- Add Topping and Freeze: Sprinkle the remaining 25 g of chocolate chips evenly over the top of the fudge. Place the dish in the freezer and allow it to set completely for approximately 3 hours until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once the fudge is fully firm, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top to enhance flavor. Remove the fudge from the dish by lifting the parchment paper, then cut into small chunks or squares for serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness and texture. Consume within 2 weeks for best flavor.
Notes
- Use solid coconut oil—not melted—to ensure the fudge sets properly and achieves the desired texture.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract if unavailable.
- For a sugar-free version, opt for sugar-free vegan chocolate chips and check that maple syrup suits your dietary needs.
- Serving the fudge chilled enhances its texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
