Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge
Sugar-free milk chocolate chips and coconut butter make a smooth, no-bake fudge that sets in the refrigerator. Gentle melting keeps the chocolate from overheating; a long chill gives the slab enough structure to lift and cut into small pieces.
Plan on at least 6 hours in the refrigerator, or leave it overnight for the most reliable set. The finished firmness can vary with the chocolate brand and the consistency of the coconut butter.
Ingredients for Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge

- 2 cups sugar-free milk chocolate chips (340g)
- 1/2 cup coconut butter (120g)
Optional: Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, a small pinch of flaky sea salt, or a few drops of oil-based peppermint flavoring.
How to Make Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge

- Line the pan: Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides to use as handles. Lightly spray the parchment if desired.
- Melt the ingredients: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Continue in intervals of 20 seconds or less, stirring after each. Stop heating when a few chips remain and stir until completely smooth. Active heating usually takes about 1–2 minutes, depending on the microwave.
- Fill the pan: If using nuts or oil-based peppermint flavoring, stir them into the smooth mixture. Scrape it into the pan and spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle flaky salt over the top, if using.
- Chill until firm: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The center should feel firm, and the slab should lift without bending or slumping.
- Cut into pieces: Lift the slab out using the parchment handles. Cut into about 24 small pieces with a warm, dry knife, wiping the blade between cuts. If the fudge begins to soften, refrigerate it briefly before continuing.
How to Melt the Chocolate Without Overheating It
Stir after every microwave interval, even if the chips have barely changed shape. Once only a few remain, the warmth of the mixture should melt them as you stir. Keep water and steam out of the bowl; for a peppermint variation, use oil-based flavoring rather than a liquid extract.
To use a double boiler instead, place the chips and coconut butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of water on low heat. Stir gently until smooth, keeping water and steam out of the bowl.
Can You Replace the Coconut Butter?
Peanut, almond, pecan, or sunflower seed butter can be used instead, but each will change the flavor and may change how firmly the fudge sets. Coconut milk, coconut cream, and coconut oil are not established one-for-one substitutes here.
How to Store Sugar-Free Chocolate Fudge
Store cut pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Airtight storage at cool room temperature for 2–3 days is another option, but the fudge may soften; refrigeration is more reliable for keeping it firm.
For longer storage, freeze the pieces in a tightly sealed container for up to 6 months and thaw at room temperature. These storage times are approximate and can vary with the ingredients and conditions.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per piece, based on 24 pieces: 105 calories, 1g protein, 9g fat, and 8g carbohydrates. Per 100g: approximately 540 calories, 7g protein, 49g fat, and 39g carbohydrates. Values vary by brand, especially for sugar-free chocolate chips.
Equipment
- 8-inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar-free milk chocolate chips (340 g)
- 1/2 cup coconut butter (120 g)
- Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: a small pinch of flaky sea salt
- Optional: a few drops of oil-based peppermint flavoring
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides as handles. Lightly spray the parchment if desired.
- Combine the chocolate chips and coconut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds and stir thoroughly. Continue heating in intervals of 20 seconds or less, stirring after each, until only a few chips remain.
- Stir until the remaining chips melt and the mixture is completely smooth.
- If using nuts or oil-based peppermint flavoring, stir them into the mixture.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until the center is firm.
- Lift the fudge out using the parchment handles and cut into about 24 pieces with a warm, dry knife, wiping the blade between cuts.
Tips
- Stir after every microwave interval, even if the chips have barely changed shape.
- Stop heating while a few chips remain; the mixture’s warmth will melt them as you stir.
- Keep water and steam out of the bowl to prevent problems while melting the chocolate.
- Use oil-based peppermint flavoring rather than liquid extract.
- If the fudge softens while cutting, refrigerate it briefly before continuing.
Variations
- Nutty Chocolate Fudge: Stir in 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts before spreading the mixture in the pan.
- Peppermint Chocolate Fudge: Add a few drops of oil-based peppermint flavoring to the smooth mixture.
- Salted Chocolate Fudge: Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before chilling.
- Nut or Seed Butter Fudge: Replace the coconut butter with peanut, almond, pecan, or sunflower seed butter; the flavor and firmness may vary.
