Raw Vanilla Fudge (Vegan, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

I fell in love with raw desserts in one fell swoop. Convinced they would taste like, uh, blended dates, my mind was blown when I discovered, through an entry-level raw brownie, how rich and complex the flavors could be when you combined raw, natural ingredients. On top of that, these raw desserts are, what, healthy?! When we cook or process foods, we necessarily destroy some of the live enzymes, vitamins and minerals–the same enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are absolutely critical to our health and aging process. So eating raw foods brings you as close as possible to the “whole” version of a food–uncooked, unprocessed, and perhaps just blended up a bit. It’s almost not even fair. To baked desserts.

Not that I imagine I’ll be giving up my homemade Nutella or vegan chocolate coffee cake any time soon…

Of course, raw vanilla fudge isn’t quite as insanely healthy as a raw zucchini “pasta” covered in a cauliflower “alfredo”, considering it’s based around legumses and nuts (and often the peanuts that go into peanut butter are roasted, sort of defeating the “raw” purpose), but it’s damn better than that HFCS-laden yogurt you cover with mochi and hot fudge (and maybe a strawberry or two, for balance) at Pinkberry. Chocolate raw desserts are all well and good, but sometimes you crazy the aromatic sweetness of vanilla-infused raw treats! I do, at least, and I understand as well as anybody the necessary effects of cocoa–believe me. And in those moments? Reach for these babies.

You’ll love this raw vanilla fudge because it’s insanely easy, damn healthy, and the rich, complex sweetness of the maple syrup or agave nectar (maple syrup if you’re 100% raw) naturally mingles with the aromatic vanilla for a positively gourmet treat. They last a long time in the freezer in an air-tight container, too, so whenever the craving strikes, you’ll be prepared! Especially with the hot weather upon us, a cool, light, and enzyme-heavy treat is just what the doctor ordered.

If you have a Vitamix, the texture will be just like that of traditional fudge–smooth and dense, mmm. If you, like us at the time of this picture, have just a regular ole’ blender, never fear! You’ll have equally delicious fudge, with just a little bit of texture from the cashews.

Make this!

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5 from 1 vote

Raw Vanilla Fudge (Vegan, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

Prep:1 minute minute

Cook:2 minutes minutes

Total:3 minutes minutes

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8 pieces

Ingredients

• ▢ ½ cup cashews , soaked at least 15 minutes in hot or warm water
• ▢ 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• ▢ ½ cup peanut or almond butter , made from raw peanuts or almonds
• ▢ 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• ▢ ½ - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ ½ tsp of salt

Instructions 

• In a blender (preferably a high-speed blender like a Vitamix), blend cashews and salt until they turn into a dense butter. Mix in peanut or almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla and process until thoroughly combined.
• Press mixture into a wax paper-lined loaf pan. Chill in the fridge at least 3 hours or in the freezer at least one hour. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Keep in the freezer in an air-tight container for several weeks, or in the fridge for at least 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 8g, Calories: 106kcal, Protein: 1g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 147mg, Potassium: 64mg, Total Carbs: 6g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Net Carbs: 5g, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik