Try a different version of chocolate fudge for the holidays! This paleo fudge is made with simple ingredients like dates, coconut oil, and cocoa powder, and is easy to make.
This is the season of sweet treats, isn’t it? Everywhere you look, there’s some kind of dessert – whether it’s cookies, or pie, or candies, or homemade fudge.
If you’re trying to avoid refined sugar, this time of year can be frustrating! I wanted to make a chocolatey treat that was free of refined sugar, so this paleo fudge was born.
If you search online for paleo or refined sugar free fudge recipes, you will find some – but many of them contain nuts or nut butter. I wanted to create a recipe that was lighter, grain free, and free of all of the top allergens.
This is a chocolatey treat that is rich in flavor, and has a smooth texture. It uses just a few simple ingredients – the most important of which is Medjool dates.
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Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are a variety of date that is large in size, and has a sweet, caramel like flavor. I love to use them to make healthier caramel, which works really well in these chocolate caramel cups as well as these grain free samoa cookies. Dates are super delicious when prepared simply, like these chocolate covered dates. You can find them in grocery stores or health food stores.
Dates contain a lot of fiber, as well as nutrients like magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium. They are very sweet, but if you’re going to eat a dessert, and can use dates instead of sugar – you will add a lot of fiber and other health benefits to the recipe. You can read more about Medjool dates here.
Allergy Friendly Dates
I like to use dates from Sun Date USA. When I have called to check on their procedures and facility, I was told that they only process dates in their facility. As always, I suggest you call to double check and make sure that they are safe for you and your family.
Chocolate Chips
I used 100% cacao chocolate chips. You can use a different type of chocolate chip, but if it contains sugar, then this recipe will not be paleo or refined sugar free. But it should still make a delicious fudge.
Tips for Success
- If you cannot find Medjool dates, you can try Deglet Noor dates. However, Deglet Noor dates are drier, so you will probably need to soak them in hot water to soften them up a bit so that they will blend and become smooth.
- If you have Medjool dates, but they are a bit dry, you can soak them in hot water as well. They should plump up and work well in the recipe after soaking.
- Be sure to use the highest speed on your food processor so that the dates get very smooth. This will result in the best texture for the fudge.
Step by Step Instructions
- Place the 100% cacao chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir, and if needed, microwave in 10 second intervals until fully melted. Stir in the coconut oil and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Pit the Medjool dates and place in the food processor. Blend on high until they are finely chopped.
- Add the chocolate mixture and blend on high until it becomes a thick, smooth mixture.
- Spoon the mixture onto some parchment paper and cover with another piece of parchment. Use a rolling pin to roll it out until it is about a half inch thick. Chill for about an hour, then slice into squares.
If you’re looking for a regular fudge recipe, try my dairy free fudge or my sunbutter fudge.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Paleo Fudge (Nut Free, Vegan).
Make the best healthier fudge recipe this holiday season! Paleo fudge is rich, chocolatey, and nut free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% cacao chocolate chips I use PASCHA brand
- ¼ cup organic coconut oil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 16 ounces Medjool dates I use Sun Date USA brand
Instructions
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Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for one minute. Stir, and if they are not fully melted, microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
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Add the cocoa powder and the coconut oil, and stir until smooth. The coconut oil should melt into the hot chocolate chips.
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Pit the dates: take a sharp knife and carefully slice the dates longways, and remove the pit. Discard the pits. If your dates seem dry, soak then in hot water for 5 minutes or so. Drain before proceeding.
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Place the dates in the food processor, and blend on high speed until then are finely chopped.
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Add the chocolate mixture to the dates in the food processor, and process on high. It will become a thick, smooth mixture.
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Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spoon the chocolate mixture out on top of it. Top with another sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the mixture out to a ½ inch thickness. Try to roll it into a rectangle or square.
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Place the rolled out fudge in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.
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Once the fudge is chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to slice it into squares. You can trim off any really uneven edges if you like. Store fudge in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
Serving size is one square of fudge. This recipe makes 16 squares.
Store leftover fudge in the refrigerator – it should stay fresh for about one week.
Katie
Delicious recipe!