Vegan Pumpkin Mint Chocolate Fudge
A no-bake style fudge combining pumpkin puree with dark cocoa powder, creamy and powdered peanut butter, and a whisper of peppermint extract. This guilt-free dessert uses natural sweetener and requires just a food processor and oven. Serve chilled or slightly frozen for an indulgent treat that works year-round but feels especially fitting in fall. The pumpkin adds moisture and subtle earthiness while peppermint brightens the rich chocolate-peanut flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- 3
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and puree until completely smooth and uniform.
- 4
Spread mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- 5
Bake until top is firm, 25 to 27 minutes.
- 6
Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
- 7
Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2 hours. Fudge is good slightly frozen.
Tips
Use a rubber spatula to spread the thick batter evenly. Smooth the top before baking for cleaner, more professional-looking fudge squares.
Store in an airtight container. These fudge pieces freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them ideal for meal prep or gifting.
Good to Know
Airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or frozen up to 3 months.
Make up to 5 days ahead. Store covered in refrigerator. Freezes well for convenient portioning.
Cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled or slightly thawed. Pairs well with coffee, tea, or milk.
Common Mistakes
Overmix in food processor to avoid grainy texture; stop when completely smooth.
Underbake or skip cooling to avoid dense, fudgy texture; allow full 1 hour room-temperature cool plus 2 hours refrigeration.
Forget parchment paper to avoid difficulty removing fudge from pan.
Substitutions
similar sweetness level
FAQ
Can I make this without an oven?
No, this recipe requires baking for 25-27 minutes to set the top and achieve the right texture. The oven time is essential; it is not truly no-bake despite simple ingredients.
What if I do not have powdered peanut butter?
Use 1/3 cup additional creamy peanut butter as a substitute, though texture will be slightly richer and less firm. Reduce other wet ingredients slightly if needed.
How long can I keep this fudge and can I freeze it?
Refrigerated fudge lasts up to 2 weeks. It freezes exceptionally well for 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature 15-20 minutes before eating, or enjoy slightly frozen.