This easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge is a rich and creamy small batch fudge recipe that comes together in just minutes. Made with simple dairy-free ingredients, it has a smooth vanilla flavour and a classic fudge texture without needing a candy thermometer.
Perfect for quick treats, gifting, or when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss, this microwave fudge recipe is a go-to option for busy days. This is a quick, no-stove fudge recipe made in the microwave with just a handful of ingredients.
Why I Made This Recipe
When I was growing up in the UK, I always loved buying vanilla fudge at the seaside on family holidays. Since going dairy-free, I wanted to recreate that same creamy, nostalgic flavour at home, and this easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge does exactly that.
It’s a small batch fudge recipe that gives you all the flavour and texture of traditional fudge, but made quickly in the microwave with simple plant-based ingredients. I’m a huge fan of no-fuss, simplistic recipes, and this one definitely ticks that box!
Why You Need this Recipe
Traditional fudge is usually made with dairy products such as butter or milk. This version allows people with dietary restrictions to enjoy this sweet treat.
Traditional fudge is usually made with butter and condensed milk, and often requires long cooking times and a candy thermometer. This microwave fudge recipe removes all of that fuss.
It’s:
- Quick and easy to make in minutes
- A simple, small batch dessert (perfect when you don’t want a huge amount)
- Dairy-free and vegan-friendly
- Perfect for gifting, snacking, or festive treat boxes
If you’ve been looking for an easy fudge recipe without complicated steps, this one is a keeper.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge uses simple pantry ingredients to create a rich, creamy small batch fudge recipe with a classic vanilla flavour. It is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, and can easily be adapted if you are not vegan.
I always recommend weighing ingredients for best results, especially in fudge recipes where accuracy is key. See the recipe card for US cup conversions.
Dry Ingredients
Sugar: Brown or golden sugar gives this microwave fudge recipe its rich flavour and colour. You can use light, dark, golden, or demerara sugar. White sugar will also work, but the flavour will be slightly lighter and less caramel-like.
Icing Sugar: Helps thicken the fudge and gives it a smooth, creamy texture once set.
Wet Ingredients
Condensed Milk: I use sweetened coconut condensed milk to keep this a vegan fudge recipe dairy-free. It adds richness and helps create that classic fudge texture. Regular condensed milk can be used if you are not dairy-free.
Butter: Use a plant-based butter for a vegan version. Unsalted butter is best for controlling sweetness, but salted butter can be used if you prefer a slightly less sweet fudge. Dairy butter also works if you are not vegan.
Flavouring: Vanilla bean paste gives this fudge its classic flavour, but this recipe is very flexible. You could also try maple extract, peppermint extract, or other flavour variations depending on the season.
How to Make Microwave Vegan Vanilla Fudge
One of the best things about this easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge is that you don’t need any special equipment like a candy thermometer. This is a true small batch fudge recipe that comes together quickly in the microwave with minimal effort.
Check out my FAQ section for troubleshooting tips or extra guidance..
Mix the Fudge Base
Start by combining the brown sugar, plant-based butter, and coconut condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
I am a huge fan of using coconut condensed milk in my baking, and this particular brand (Nature’s Charm) is available in most health food stores and also Bulk Barn stores across Canada. If you’re in the US, you can also find it on Amazon in my storefront.
Give everything a good stir until well combined before heating. The mixture will look thick and slightly grainy at this stage – this is completely normal for this microwave fudge recipe.
Microwave Until Smooth and Creamy
Cook the mixture in the microwave in intervals of 2 minutes, stirring between each round.
This step is important to help dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. As it cooks, the mixture will gradually become smooth and glossy.
After 2 minutes: ingredients begin to melt together.
After 4 minutes: butter is fully melted.
After 6 minutes: mixture is mostly smooth with slight graininess.
After 8 minutes: fudge mixture should be smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if you see bubbles – this is normal, and they will settle once the fudge sets.
Add Flavour and Thicken
Once smooth, stir in the vanilla bean paste and icing sugar.
I am using vanilla bean paste, but you could add any flavouring here. Maple would be amazing, and even a mint extract for Christmas. You could also add colouring at this stage as well if you wanted to jazz up your fudge.
Mix thoroughly until fully combined and the fudge becomes thicker and lighter in colour. At this stage, the aroma should be rich and sweet with a strong vanilla scent.
Pour and Chill
Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later.
Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and smooth the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan and cut into bite-sized squares. This small batch vegan fudge has a slightly soft, crumbly texture – this is normal and part of its classic homemade fudge feel.
I like to slice my fudge into bite-sized pieces. Doesn’t it look wonderful! We really enjoyed this as a sweet afternoon treat, and it was so close to what I remember from my childhood eating fudge in the UK. Happy days!
More Easy Fudge Variations
This easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge is a great base recipe that can be adapted in lots of different ways. If you’re looking for small batch fudge ideas, here are some simple flavour variations to try.
- Festive Toppings: Sprinkle sprinkles, freeze-dried berries, or chopped nuts on top before setting.
- Peppermint Fudge: Add peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
- Cookies and Cream Fudge: Swirl in crushed Oreos for a cookies and cream version.
- Chocolate Swirl Fudge: Add melted chocolate and gently swirl through before chilling.
- Maple Fudge: Replace vanilla with maple extract for a warm, caramel-like flavour.
Check out my funfetti white chocolate fudge for another simple option.
Common Questions
This easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge recipe makes approximately 35 bite-sized pieces. It is a perfect small batch fudge recipe for gifting, sharing, or enjoying as a homemade treat.
You can use any type of brown sugar in this recipe, including light, golden, dark, or demerara. Each will add a slightly different caramel flavour. White sugar can also be used, but the flavour will be lighter.
This vegan fudge recipe typically takes about 2 hours to set in the fridge. Timings may vary slightly depending on temperature and humidity.
Store your fudge wrapped in parchment paper and placed in an airtight container. If your home is warm or humid, refrigerate it and allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Yes – this recipe is naturally a small batch, making about 35 pieces of fudge. Perfect for gifting or when you want a small amount of homemade fudge.
If your fudge turns slightly grainy, it usually means the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved during microwaving. Make sure to stir thoroughly between each heating interval to ensure a smooth texture in this easy microwave fudge recipe.
Final Thoughts
This easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge is one of those simple recipes that proves homemade treats don’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you can create a rich and creamy small batch fudge recipe that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing.
Because it’s quick to make and naturally dairy-free, it’s a great option whenever you need a last-minute dessert or a homemade sweet treat without the fuss.
If you enjoyed this microwave fudge recipe, you might also like exploring more of my easy small batch desserts for simple bakes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or time:
- Small Batch Two Bite Brownies
- Easy Dairy-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
- Dairy Free Vanilla Buttercream
- Microwave Vanilla Mug Cake
If you make this fudge, I’d love to see it! Save this recipe for later and share it with someone who loves easy homemade sweets.
Enjoy!
Easy Microwave Vegan Vanilla Fudge (Small Batch Recipe)
Equipment
- Microwave
Angela’s Top Tip
Weigh your dry ingredients in grams with a scale for best results!
Ingredients
- 420 grams Golden Sugar (Just under 2 US Cups – see note)
- 250 ml Coconut Condensed Milk
- 125 grams Plant Based Butter (9 tbsp or 1 stick + 1 tbsp)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste
- 290 grams Icing Sugar (Just under 2.5 US Cups)
Instructions
Prep:
- Gather all ingredients and equipment before starting.
Making the fudge:
- Combine the golden sugar, plant-based butter, and coconut condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. This forms the base of your easy microwave vegan vanilla fudge.
- Microwave the mixture in 2-minute intervals (4 rounds total), stirring well between each round. This helps dissolve the sugar and prevents graininess. The mixture should become smooth and glossy.
- Once smooth, stir in the vanilla bean paste and icing sugar until fully combined. The fudge mixture will thicken and become lighter in colour.
- Grease and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Pour the fudge into the pan, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Once firm, lift from the pan, cut into bite-sized pieces, and enjoy your small batch vegan fudge.
Just made this fudge to add to my Christmas cookie trays and it is so good! I love that it is so easy and doesn’t require anything special to make it. Thanks! Merry Christmas!!
This vanilla fudge was so easy to make! Your instructions made it so simple to create this delicious vanilla fudge!
I’m happy that you found the recipe easy to follow. Thanks DK!
Can regular vanilla be used instead?
Absolutely! I often switch between regular vanilla and vanilla bean paste. It’s a straight swap. Hope you enjoy the fudge!
This fudge turned out so well!! It was perfectly sweet, super rich, and had great texture. No one I served it to could believe it was vegan!!
Perfect – I’m so glad you all enjoyed the fudge.
Easy and delicious! Love the simplicity of your vegan recipes. Thanks for another winner! 🙂
So thrilled to hear that Traci! Thanks so much.
Wow! So easy to make this vanilla fudge in the microwave! Easy and delish!
I love this method too! Happy you loved the fudge!
This fudge was very easy and came out delicious! Huge fan!
Glad you enjoyed it Kristine.