Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is so perfect for the Holiday season. It's made with only 5 healthy ingredients, including coconut milk and Medjool dates for a natural touch of sweetness. This rich and creamy fudge also doubles as a thoughtful homemade gift idea (just like my Sugar Free Granola!)

Choosing Medjool dates as the sweetener for this Chocolate Mint Fudge offers both flavor and nutritional advantages. Dates provide natural sweetness as well as essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. (Health information sourced from Healthline.com)

For more delicious date-sweetened desserts visit my recipes for Date Sweetened Cookies, Date Sweetened Chocolate Pudding, Tahini Stuffed Dates, Caramel Date Paste, Date and Walnut Scones.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with dates! (you can purchase sugar free chocolate to ensure this recipe is totally refined sugar free)
• Great winter/holiday recipe (just like my Gingerbread Bundt Cake.)
• A no bake recipe
• Source of healthy fats from the coconut oil and coconut milk
• Only 5 ingredients!
• Thoughtful homemade gift idea
• Vegan friendly (just choose dairy free chocolate)
• Customizable flavors

Ingredients

• Baker's chocolate - I recommend using baker's chocolate instead of chocolate chips for this recipe because chocolate chips contain stabilizers and they don't melt down as well.
• Peppermint extract - while testing this recipe I discovered that different brands of peppermint extract have different strengths. I call for 1 ½ teaspoon in this recipe but you could taste the mixture and add an additional ½ teaspoon if the flavor isn't strong enough for your taste.
• Coconut milk - I scoop off the thicker portion of the coconut milk from the top of the can for this recipe.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

• Coconut Milk: swap for coconut cream if that's what you have on hand. Remember to scoop the thicker portion of the coconut cream from the top of the can for this recipe.
• Semi Sweet Baker's Chocolate: if you're a dark chocolate lover you can definitely swap for a dark chocolate baker's chocolate.
• Medjool Dates: Deglet Noor dates would work well too.
• Peppermint extract: you can omit the peppermint extract or swap it for different flavor options.
• More flavor options: citrus zest (lime, orange, lemon), grand mariner or brandy, espresso powder, almond extract or vanilla extract.
• More ways to decorate the fudge: try a drizzle of white chocolate, citrus zest, crushed candy cane, toasted nuts, edible flowers or cocoa powder dusting.
• Optional Mix ins: chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, chopped dried fruit, candied ginger, coconut flakes.

I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.

How To Make Healthy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

Step 1: Prep your ingredients.

Remove the pits from the Medjool dates.

Place the pitted dates in a bowl and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften them.

While the dates are soaking, chop the bakers chocolate into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Make the chocolate mixture.

In a double boiler setup, (this involves placing a heatproof bowl over a pot with simmering water) add the chopped baker's chocolate, coconut milk, coconut oil, and peppermint extract. The heat from the simmering water will gently melt these ingredients together.

Step 3: Stir until melted and smooth.

Stir the mixture continuously with a spoon until the chocolate bits are completely melted and everything is well combined.

Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove the bowl from the double boiler and set it aside. Let it cool down slightly.

Step 4: Blend the dates and chocolate mixture until smooth.

While the chocolate mixture is cooling, drain the soaked Medjool dates and gently pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.

Blend the Medjool dates and chocolate mixture together in a food processor or blender until it becomes incredibly smooth.

Step 5: Chill in the fridge and enjoy!

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Transfer the blended date and chocolate mixture into the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth out the top.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for around 2 hours so it can firm up. Cut the chilled fudge into squares and top with chocolate curls and a sprinkle of flaky salt if you desire and enjoy!

Store the remaining fudge in the fridge.

Expert Tips

• Soak the Medjool dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes. This softens them and makes blending easier.
• When melting the chocolate mixture in the double boiler, keep it to a bare simmer. Avoid high heat and stir the chocolate mixture constantly as it melts.
• When blending the dates and chocolate mixture, blend until super smooth. This may take a minute or two. Give your food processor motor a break by only blending for 30 seconds at a time.
• Use parchment paper to line the pan. It makes removing the fudge easier and prevents sticking.
• Store the fudge in the refrigerator and if you want a firmer consistency you can place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Serve the fudge with a Nourishing Custard Drink, warming Tahini Hot Chocolate or Homemade Moka Pot Latte.

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