Yes, you read it right. “Bean Fudge.” This Bean Fudge is so super rich and flavorful that no one will expect that it's made from beans. Get ready to be amazed.
Yes, it's true. This healthy fudge is a HUGE hit with everyone who tries it! It's a dairy free fudge that even doubles as a healthy frosting and is loaded with nourishing ingredients. You can eat this fudge anytime–guilt free.
Fudge is one of those comfort foods that makes you “not too comfortable” after you've eaten it. And fudge isn't good for you anyway right?– evaporated milk and tons of sugar. But then, you knew that.
Well, you can now change your thinking about fudge, because I have a healthy fudge recipe for you that you can feel good about eating and serving to your kids. Plus, it's a dairy free fudge.
I have been known to offer it to my kids for breakfast and snacks without batting an eye — and while having a piece or two myself :-).
Anyway, this healthy fudge recipe is so good that there is no reason to be “secretive” about what the main ingredient is. Beans! Even some non-real-foodie folks have even asked for the recipe!
Before I go on with the dairy free fudge recipe made with beans, if you're hankering for more healthy treats, these are some of our favorites:
– Almond Joy Bars
– Almost “Reese's” Candy
– Homemade Chocolate / Carob Chips
– Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
– Homemade “Jello”
This healthy fudge is a real winner because:
- It contains lots of coconut oil, which we all know is extremely good for you (contrary to what the “diet dictocrats” will tell you).
- It is easily adaptable to special diets (sugar free, nut free). Actually, all of my recipes are.
- It is a simple sweet treat for your family. No need to bake, easy preparation and the pan is simple to clean. Just combine all of the ingredients, smoosh them into a pan and presto! You have a wonderful, healthy fudge treat for your family. You could even make it simpler by just forming the fudge on a plate and letting it firm up just like that in the fridge.
- Besides being adaptable to special diets, it is also easy to change ingredients around to make different varieties.Even changing the beans around makes a difference. The above photo is black bean fudge, but we have also made this with adzuki beans and pinto beans — and kidney and cranberry beans would also work out just fine. I will be adding different variations in the future for you to try.
One final reason this healthy fudge is great….it makes a great edible face paint :)! (They couldn't resist!)
Most recently, I revised this recipe and found that doubling the cocoa / carob tastes much closer to the real thing. You can see my update and an additional fudge variation by reading my Chocolate Almond Fudge post.
Carob has an inherent sweetness so you will probably need more sweetener if you use cocoa. And if you choose to double the cocoa, don't eat it too close to bedtime :-).
Whatever adjustments you make. you will be getting lots of coconut oil goodness into your family while giving them a treat!
Special Thanks to Affairs of Living for the inspiration for this recipe.
Tips for Making this Healthy Vegan Fudge made from Beans
De-Gas ‘dem Beans!
This is crucial, folks.
If beans aren't always your friend, you will soon be making friends with them again after reading this post on how to de-gas beans.
You're welcome!
Measuring Stevia
We love using stevia in all of our sweet desserts to help avoid the issues that come along with candida.
Since stevia extract is 32 times as strong as sugar, your regular measuring spoons just aren't going to cut it.
These stainless steel mini measuring spoons from Amazon are super duper handy. The 2nd smallest is 1/32 of a teaspoon so you can easily measure your stevia extract powder.
Recipe Notes
- Cocoa and Carob: Feel free to adjust the amount of carob or cocoa that you use to your taste. Using the full amount gives a really rich taste, while half of it provides a nice mellow flavor. If you really want to “go for the gusto,” double it. You can use organic carob powder instead of cocoa if you like.
- Beans: I typically use organic black beans for this, but technically you could use any bean you like. I have friends who have used organic pintos, and organic kidneys would work as well. Really, there isn't any reason any type of bean that would not work. Please try to de-gas your beans.
- Use coconut oil w/o either coconut flavor or taste – i.e. expeller pressed – to avoid excessive coconut flavor.
- You can substitute any granulated or liquid sweetener for the xylitol. The resulting product will be fine regardless.
- Pure stevia extract comes with a scoop that measures 1/32 tsp. So 3/16 tsp = 6 scoops. You can omit stevia and add extra of another sweetener as well. Add about 6-12 Tbsp sweetener as a substitute for the pure stevia. See How to Use Stevia.
- If you are on the Trim Healthy Mama plan, this is a crossover.
Silky Smooth Bean Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups cooked beans (the equivalent of 2 cans)
- 3/4 cup coconut oil
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup xylitol (or to taste)
- 6 scoops stevia extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in high-powered blender (like a Vitamix) or food processor and process until totally smooth. Adjust sweetener to taste at this point.
- Spread the mixture in an 8x8 pan, pressing down firmly.
- Place in refrigerator(if you do not eat it all :-)), for at least one hour or until firm. Slice into squares and serve.
- Store in the refrigerator or in the freezer for longer storage or for a frozen fudgey treat. It will defrost nicely on the counter or in the refrigerator. Do not use the microwave (you're backing off using that anyway, aren't you?) or you will have fudge sauce. Well, then, maybe you want fudge sauce :-).
Thanks for recipe. I have adjusted the ingredients and amounts to be in sync with current Food Plan prescribed by my D.O./Holistic physician. Will let you know the results. Thanks Again,, Trish
Hope you like it!
That fudge sounds yummy!
Hello! You mention at the beginning that you revised the recipe to double the cocoa. Is the 3/4 cup the doubled amount that tastes more like real fudge? I’m a little confused because you mention at the bottom of the recipe the option of doubling it. Thanks!
No, you would go to 1.5 cups – enjoy!!
This looks like a great recipe! I was looking for something sweet to make my partner for Xmas that was nut free and lowish carb ( beans are ok ). I’m thinking of messing with the flavours and trying some peppermint oil and some mandarin oil ( separately! ) . I’ll be sweetening with pure stevia as that is the only sweetener my partner can tolerate ( we’re hoping that one stays or that’s it ??? ) .
Love what I’ve seen on your blog so far!
SOUNDS soooo good!!!!! Wish I could try some with you! Have you tried lo han guo? How about allergy treatments? Thanks for the kind words!
I have just recently made soft black bean biscuits, and sweet and savoury muffins using black beans and navy beans thanks to inspiration from ‘gluten free on a shoestring’ black bean brownie. A great discovery and all worked really well. So I am excited to try this all well. Thank you.
Hope you like it!