Description

This healthier version of peanut butter fudge is one of my favorites. I keep them in the freezer and grab a few for a snack when I need a pick-me-up of energy. You can substitute the peanut butter for almond butter or sun butter if you prefer. The chocolate chips are optional, and highly recommended! If you love it, please leave a star rating in the comments to help other readers in our community.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
1 cup creamy peanut butter* (that’s about a 14-ounce jar of peanut butter)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
optional (and recommended): 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (I like the vegan ones)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Melt: 1/2 cup coconut oil in a small pot (I use a 4-quart Dutch oven).
Stir in: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, or no sweetener at all), 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
Stir until smooth (be patient, it takes 2-3 minutes. Warm it up on the stove if you need help getting it smooth).
Line an 8×8 baking dish (or equivalent) with parchment paper. Pour the mixture in and smooth the top
Sprinkle with 1/3 cup chocolate chips (totally optional, but yum!).
Set in freezer for 1-2 hours, until set. We’re relying on the coconut oil to set and hold these together, so the time to set will depend on your climate.
Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife. Enjoy a few pieces every day to remember that good food is simple food.
Keep them in the fridge or freezer for the best texture. Coconut oil melts at 76°F, so don’t let them get too warm. They’ll hold up about 30-60 minutes on a platter if you want to serve them at a party, depending on your climate. Stores in the freezer, covered, up to a month.

Notes

* Substitute the peanut butter for almond butter, sun butter (sunflower seed butter), or any mixed-nut or seed butter if you prefer. If any oil has pooled at the top of your jar of peanut butter (or substitution), pour it off as that will help your peanut butter fudge set (normally I’d tell you to stir it back in).