It's freezing, not baking, that gives this fudge its structure: the cashew butter and melted coconut oil set into a dense block, almost truffle-like, once chilled. Raw cacao powder gives a bitter, chocolatey base that's deeper and less sweet than classic baking cocoa, while maple syrup adds just enough sweetness without making the fudge cloying. Peppermint essential oil carries the entire minty character on its own: added drop by drop rather than as an extract, it brings this fudge closer to an after-eight than a classic sweet — crisp and clean rather than syrupy. The whole process is done without any baking: all the ingredients are blended together, spread into a lined loaf tin, and left to set in the freezer for about an hour before slicing. The result sits somewhere between fudge and truffle — firm enough to cut into neat squares straight from the fridge, yet soft enough to give easily with the first bite. It's rich, so a small piece goes a long way — a good make-ahead dessert to enjoy over several days rather than serve all at once on a platter.
Raw Chocolate-Mint Fudge (No-Bake)
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Ingredients
- 250g cashew butter
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup raw cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
Method
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth, even texture.
- Spread the mixture into a loaf tin lined with baking paper, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place in the freezer for about 1 hour, until the fudge has set.
- Remove from the freezer and cut into pieces of the size you like.
- Store the fudge in the fridge.
Tip
Since this fudge is dense and rich, cut it into small squares rather than large bars — a square of about 2.5cm is usually enough. Add the peppermint essential oil gradually, tasting as you go, since a few drops too many can quickly tip the flavour towards soapy. For a texture closer to a traditional, firmer fudge, reduce the coconut oil by one to two tablespoons.
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FAQ: your questions about raw chocolate-mint fudge
What is fudge made of?
Classic fudge often combines maple syrup or sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sometimes cashews — a composition that's actually quite close to this raw version, which simply swaps the butter for coconut oil and the baking for a spell in the freezer.
What are the benefits of raw cacao?
Raw cacao is rich in antioxidant polyphenols and flavanols, and provides magnesium, iron and potassium. Magnesium in particular helps reduce tiredness, which makes it an interesting ingredient in a dessert you prepare ahead of time and nibble in small portions.
How do you eat raw cacao?
Raw cacao powder blends easily into no-bake desserts like this fudge, but also into smoothies or porridge. Here, it's simply blended with the other ingredients to build the fudge's chocolatey base.
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