Kitchen Chemistry & Crave-Worthy Results: How I Make Vegan Fudge Truffles
- Katherine Beasley
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
🍫Making great vegan fudge is a bit of an art—and a bit of science. After lots of trial and error, I’ve discovered that there are two main ways to get satisfying vegan fudge—and which one you use depends on what you’re going for.
If you want firm, creamy fudge that slices like the old-school kind, you’ll need to go old-fashioned: cocoa powder, a candy thermometer, and a sturdy wooden spoon you can beat it with until your arm falls off. It’s a labor of love—but totally worth it when you want that classic texture.
But if you’re using the more modern condensed-milk and chocolate chip method, there’s a catch: vegan versions turn out much softer. Too soft to slice cleanly, but perfect for creamy fudge truffles.
I use both techniques in my kitchen, depending on the texture I’m after. But no matter which one I choose, there are some essential tricks that make the difference between meh and magical.
Today, I’m sharing the secrets I’ve learned for making the best vegan fudge truffles—because if you’re going to go soft, you might as well go silky, scoopable, and absolutely delicious.
💝 Want to skip the science & go right to the good stuff?
❓What's the Problem?
Dairy-based quick-set fudge works because of the high fat and milk solid content in condensed milk. Vegan versions, on the other hand, tend to stay soft—delicious, yes, but not always easy to slice into tidy cubes or wrap for gifting. That’s why fudge truffles are the ideal solution:👉 soft fudge is actually perfect for forming into creamy truffles.
🧪 A Little Kitchen Science
Most modern-day fudge recipes use sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips as their base. You might think you can just sub in a can of plant-based condensed milk and call it a day—but sadly, it’s not that easy.
Why? Because plant milks naturally contain fewer milk solids than dairy milk. That’s one reason why oat or soy milk feels cleaner and smoother when you drink it—but it also means less structure and richness when reduced.
You can see this difference on the label:
Sweetened condensed dairy milk = higher fat and protein
Sweetened condensed plant milk = thinner, less creamy results
And here’s another catch: most commercial plant-based condensed milks are marketed to the lactose-intolerant, not the vegan community. That means they often use non-vegan white sugar (processed with bone char).
🥄 The Secret? DIY Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds! This version gives you the right richness, the right sweetness, and the confidence that every ingredient is truly vegan.
🌱 DIY Vegan Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup dry plant milk powder (soy, oat, or coconut)
⅔ cup vegan granulated sugar (like Zulka)
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp vegan butter
⅓ cup water
Whisk everything together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth and glossy. Let it reduce slightly, stirring often. It should become thick and silky—just like dairy condensed milk. Most quick-set fudge recipes call for a "14 oz can" - which equates to 1 1/4 cups of this magical homemade vegan version!
🍫 Choose the Right Chocolate
The quality of your chocolate matters! Use vegan chocolate chips like Guittard or Enjoy Life. If you're experimenting, carob chips are a great dairy-free option too, but keep in mind that carob is naturally sweeter than chocolate—so reduce the sugar in your condensed milk slightly if using them.
👩🍳 Assembling the Fudge Truffles
Once your sweetened condensed milk is ready, the process is simple:
Melt together your DIY condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips (equal parts by weight works well—try 1 cup condensed milk to 1½ cups chocolate chips).
Stir until smooth, thick, and shiny.
Let the mixture chill until firm enough to scoop (about 2 hours in the fridge).
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form truffle balls.
Roll in your coating of choice:
Cocoa powder
Chopped nuts
Shredded coconut
Crushed freeze-dried berries
Powdered sugar with a hint of cinnamon
🎁 Final Touches
These truffles are:
Creamy and rich, not too sweet
Easy to customize with flavors like espresso, mint, almond, or orange zest
Perfect for gifting, snacking, or sneaking one out of the fridge when no one's looking
💡 Bonus Tips:
Want firmer truffles? Add 1–2 tbsp coconut oil or a bit more chocolate.
Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. They also freeze beautifully.
You can mix in chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or even bits of dried fruit before rolling.
Vegan fudge may be tricky—but once you’ve got the method down, the possibilities are endless. And with rich, melty truffle centers, this treat is everything dairy fudge wishes it could be—without compromise.
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