Introduction
Imagine the creamiest, richest chocolate fudge you’ve ever tasted. Now, picture it infused with a cool burst of peppermint, packed with crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and festive candy canes. That’s the magic of this Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge! It’s a dessert that truly captures the joy of the holiday season in one irresistible bite. I created this recipe on a cozy, snowy afternoon, trying to combine my family's two favorite holiday treats: classic s'mores and my famous peppermint bark. The result was so spectacular, it immediately became our new must-make December tradition. The best part? This show-stopping dessert is unbelievably simple. You don't even need an oven—just one bowl and about 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s a foolproof recipe that kids love to help with, making it a fantastic family activity. If you’re a fan of my Easy 3-Ingredient Vegan Chocolate Bark, you’re going to adore this fudge. It has that same simple, melt-in-your-mouth quality but with a fun, festive twist that makes it perfect for holiday parties and edible gifts. Get ready to make a dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
What is Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge?
So, what in the world is Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge? It sounds like a mouthful, doesn't it? Is it a s’more? Is it peppermint bark? Is it fudge? The answer is a resounding YES to all three! I call it the "holiday trifecta" of desserts. It takes the cozy, nostalgic campfire vibes of a s'more, gives it a refreshing, wintry kick with peppermint, and delivers it all in the luxurious, melt-on-your-tongue form of a perfect fudge. Why call it something so specific? Well, because every single element deserves a shoutout! You can't have one without the other. The name tells you exactly what deliciousness to expect. They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and let me tell you, this fudge is a direct express route. It’s the kind of treat that makes you a hero at potlucks and a gift-giving legend. So, are you ready to become a kitchen superstar? Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge
You are going to be absolutely obsessed with this fudge, and here’s why:
It’s the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: This isn't your average, ordinary fudge. The combination of smooth, dark chocolate, cool peppermint, toasty marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers is a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s visually stunning and guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table. Every bite is a little adventure!
Incredibly Easy & Cost-Effective: Skip the expensive, pre-packaged holiday treats from the gourmet store. Making this fudge at home is a fraction of the cost, and it’s so simple it feels like a secret cheat. With just a handful of pantry-staple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a gift that looks and tastes professionally made.
Perfect for Gifting: This fudge was practically born to be wrapped up and given with love. It’s sturdy, travels well, and stays fresh. Package it in a cute little box or tin, and you have a heartfelt, homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family that is far more memorable than anything you could buy.
If you love the easy, no-bake nature of this recipe, you’ll also adore my No-Bake Vegan Cheesecake Jars. But for now, let’s focus on making this incredible fudge that will have your kitchen smelling like a holiday dream!
How to Make Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge
Quick Overview
This Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge is the definition of easy elegance. It’s a no-bake dessert that comes together in about 15 minutes of active prep time, requiring just one bowl for the base. The magic happens in the fridge, where it sets into a firm, creamy, and decadent treat that’s packed with festive flavor and texture. The combination of the rich chocolate base with the crunchy, minty, and gooey toppings is simply unforgettable.
Key Ingredients for Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge
4 cups (735 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, dairy-free: The star of the show! Use high-quality chips for the best melt and flavor.
1 cup (235 ml) full-fat coconut milk: This is essential for creating that ultra-creamy, rich fudge texture. Don’t use light coconut milk.
1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and helps with the smooth texture.
1/4 cup (58 g) vegan butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps the fudge set perfectly.
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract: This gives that classic, refreshing holiday flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
1 cup (90 g) vegan marshmallows, divided: For that essential s'mores gooeyness!
3/4 cup (65 g) chopped vegan graham crackers, divided: Provides a wonderful crunch and nostalgic flavor.
5 tablespoons (50 g) crushed candy canes, divided: The festive peppermint crunch!
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt: A sprinkle on top elevates the flavor to a professional level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish (or a slightly larger one) with a little extra vegan butter. This will make it easy to remove the fudge once it's set.
Create the Double Boiler: Fill a small pot with about an inch of water. Place a large heatproof glass or metal mixing bowl on top of the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl isn't touching the water. This is your double boiler. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over low heat.
Melt the Fudge Base: To the bowl, add the dairy-free chocolate chips, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, vegan butter, peppermint extract, and the pinch of salt. Stir continuously with a spatula as the mixture melts. Keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from seizing. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
Fold in the Mix-Ins: Once the fudge base is smooth, remove the bowl from the heat. Carefully fold in 1/2 cup of the vegan marshmallows, 1/2 cup of the chopped graham crackers, and 3 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes. Stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the chocolate.
Transfer and Top: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Now, quickly sprinkle the remaining marshmallows, graham crackers, and candy canes over the top. For an extra special touch, you can toast the marshmallows. If you have a kitchen torch, you can lightly toast them after sprinkling. Alternatively, you can toast the 1/2 cup of marshmallows for the topping over a gas stove flame (using a skewer) before sprinkling them on. Finally, sprinkle the 1/8 teaspoon of coarse salt over everything. Gently press down on the toppings so they stick to the fudge as it sets.
Chill and Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the fudge is completely firm to the touch.
Slice and Serve: Once firm, remove the fudge from the dish and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it into squares. For clean cuts, you can wipe the knife with a hot, damp cloth between slices. ENJOY!
What to Serve Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge With
This fudge is a superstar all on its own, but it can be part of a magnificent holiday dessert spread! Serve it alongside:
A warm mug of coffee: The bitterness of coffee is a perfect match for the sweet, rich fudge.
A glass of chilled oat milk or almond milk: A classic, comforting pairing.
Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Double down on the cozy mint-chocolate vibe!
A platter of other holiday cookies: Like gingerbread men or sugar cookies, for a diverse dessert board.
Top Tips for Perfecting Vegan Peppermint S’mores Fudge
Don't Rush the Melt: Low and slow is the key when melting chocolate. High heat can cause it to become grainy or seize up.
Toasting Marshmallows: If toasting the marshmallows with a kitchen torch, do it after you've sprinkled them on the fudge and before it goes in the fridge. This gives you the best visual result and that authentic toasted flavor.
Graham Cracker Crunch: For maximum crunch, use slightly larger pieces of graham cracker when folding them in, rather than fine crumbs.
Testing for Doneness: The fudge is ready to cut when it feels firm and doesn’t give when you press the center lightly.
Ingredient Substitutions: If you don't have a double boiler, you can melt the ingredients in a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each interval. You can also use agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Keep any leftover fudge (if you’re lucky!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. The layers of texture will hold up perfectly.
Freezing: This fudge freezes beautifully! Place the squares in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Then, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this fudge! It is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. The cool temperature makes it extra satisfying and helps it hold its shape.
