An easy recipe for dairy free fudge sauce and chocolate spread that’s perfect for any dessert!
If you’re looking for a super simple fudge sauce or chocolate spread, this recipe for Easy Dairy Free Fudge Sauce is for you!
One of the best things about this thick, chocolatey fudge sauce is that it uses something that frequently goes to waste: canned coconut water.
I love refrigerating canned coconut milk to use the thick coconut cream, but it requires you to drain out the coconut water that’s left. This water is great to use in smoothies, but I just don’t make them often enough, or if I do I forget to use the leftover coconut water.
You can definitely make a ganache using full fat canned coconut milk (or heavy whipping cream if you’re not dairy free), but if you’re like me and have drained the water from the can, making fudge sauce is a great way to use it up!
How to Make Dairy Free Fudge Sauce
This fudge sauce is so easy to make, it only takes a few minutes. Just heat up about ½ cup of the coconut water with ¾ cup of dairy free chocolate (my favorite is Artisan Kettle), similar to what you do when making ganache, and stir until you have a wonderfully thick sauce.
If using a microwave, heat the chocolate and coconut water in a microwave-safe bowl for just about 1 minute. If heating over the stove, heat just until the water is hot – before it starts to bubble or simmer.
How to Store Dairy Free Fudge Sauce
Store any unused or leftover fudge sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When refrigerated, this sauce thickens even more and becomes a wonderful chocolate spread for toast, scones, or any other baked good…. it’s like the consistency of Nutella! I even used it as the filling for homemade chocolate babka.
What Type of Canned Coconut to Use
For the best results, use the leftover water from a can of full-fat coconut milk that has a thickener like Thai Kitchen. Canned coconut milk that doesn’t use a binder or thickening agent (like guar gum) will have much thinner coconut water when separated and may not produce a thick fudge sauce – so you might get different results. You may get a lovely thin chocolate sauce, but not the thick fudge sauce that turns into a chocolate spread when chilled. So keep that in mind!
What Kind of Chocolate to Use
You can use any type of semi-sweet or even dark chocolate to make this dairy free fudge sauce – just keep in mind that dark chocolate may not be as sweet. I used dairy free chocolate chips, but you can also use chocolate chunks or simply a chopped chocolate bar. My favorite dairy free chocolate chips are Artisan Kettle, but feel free to use any brand if you’re not dairy free!
If you make this fudge sauce & spread, let me know in the comments below or tag @zestandlemons on Instagram!
Easy Dairy Free Fudge Sauce & Spread
An easy recipe for dairy free fudge sauce and chocolate spread that’s perfect for any dessert!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canned coconut water* (see notes)
- 3/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips (use any brand if not dairy free)
- Splash of vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
To Make Using a Microwave
- Heat coconut water and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute (all microwaves are a bit different, so check at 45 seconds to make sure it's not boiling)
- Remove from the microwave and stir continuously for a minute or so until smooth and thick. Optional at this point to stir in a splash of vanilla extract if you wish.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before pouring over ice cream or your favotie desserts, or refrigerate until chilled and spread over toast and scones!
To Make on the Stove
- Heat coconut water and chocolate in a small saucepan over medium-low to medium heat, just until hot but not quite boiling or simmering.
- Remove from the heat and whisk until smooth and combined, then stir in a splash of vanilla extract if desired.
Notes
- For the best results, use the leftover water from a can of full-fat coconut milk that has a thickener like Thai Kitchen. Canned coconut milk that doesn’t use a binder or thickening agent (like guar gum) will have a much thinner coconut water when separated and may not produce a thick fudge sauce - so you might get different results. You may get a lovely thin chocolate sauce, but not the thick fudge sauce that turns into a chocolate spread when chilled. So keep that in mind!
- You can use any type of semi-sweet or even dark chocolate to make this dairy free fudge sauce. I used dairy free chocolate chips (Artisan Kettle), but you can also use chocolate chunks or simply a chopped chocolate bar.
- Store any unused or leftover fudge sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use. When refrigerated, this sauce thickens even more and becomes a wonderful chocolate spread for toast, scones, or any other baked good…. it’s like the consistency of Nutella!
I must try this. My grandsons eat gf, df and no refined sugar…this is going to be perfect for them! Goodness..who DOESN’T love anything chocolate!!?
Absolutely agree, I love anything with chocolate! I hope you enjoy this recipe!