These sugar-free fudgesicles are a delicious nod to nostalgic childhood summer treats like pudding pops or the beloved Wendy’s Frosty without all the added sugar.
Sweetened with dates, these fudge pops are dairy-free, vegan, and protein-packed, thanks to the hemp seeds!
The flavor of these healthy fudge pops is more akin to milk chocolate than dark chocolate. The best part is that prep for these vegan popsicles only takes a few minutes with a high-speed blender, making this an ideal recipe for busy families looking to make healthier treats!
Why You'll Love Sugar Free Fudgesicles
- Ultra-rich and fudgy
- No added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
- Super quick to prepare with only 6 ingredients
- They don't taste healthy (your kids will love them!)
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan
Low in sugar and made from all whole food ingredients, these are the kind of treats you will feel good about giving your kids!
6 Simple Fudgesicle Ingredients
The classic dairy-filled fudgsicles in a bright yellow box may be an irresistible impulse buy on a hot summer day, but if you look at the ingredient list, you will find well over 20 (!!!) different ingredients. Half of which are barely pronounceable.
This fudge pops recipe calls for six ingredients, most currently in your pantry or fridge.
- Dates- Packed with fiber and antioxidants, this recipe uses dates as the natural sweetener. While I love Medjool dates, I use the cheaper dates in this dairy-free popsicle recipe.
- Hemp Seeds- Rich in protein and healthy fatty acids, hemp seeds contain 10 grams of protein in just three tablespoons. They not only provide an added nutritional boost but creaminess, too.
- Canned Coconut Milk- Full-fat canned coconut milk is essential for the fudgesicle's creamy texture. Aroy-D brand is my preference; it's preservative-free!
- Almond Milk- Feel free to use another dairy-free milk if needed.
- Cocoa Powder- The cocoa powder quality makes a difference in flavor, so choose a reputable brand. I like using Dutch-processed cocoa powder like Rodelle.
- Liquid Stevia- You might not be a stevia fan, but I can assure you, you cannot taste it in this recipe. If you need a substitute, you can use maple syrup. Start with 2-3 teaspoons, and then only add more if needed.
Fudgesicle Recipe Tips
- Soaking the dates in hot water for 10 minutes will help soften them up, producing a smoother base - don’t skip this step!
- These are popsicle molds I have, but you can use whatever you have on hand. This recipe makes about eight fudgesicles, depending on the mold size and how many ounces it holds.
- Once frozen, I've found the best way to release the mold from the fudgesicle is to run the mold outside under warm water. Eventually, the fudgesicle will pull away from the mold easily.
Fudge Popsicles Dipped in Chocolate
Just in case you want to amp up your fudge popsicle game, these are amazing dipped in chocolate.
Once the fudgesicles are frozen, melt some chocolate of choice (we use dairy-free chocolate chips). Dip the fudgesicles into the melted chocolate, and immediately sprinkle with toppings! For example, you can use the following:
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
- Sprinkles
- Mini chocolate candies
- Crushed cookies
- Or if you want to play to that salty-sweet treat - try crushed pretzels or potato chips.
The frozen popsicle will harden the chocolate layer quickly so that you can eat it immediately. This is a fun way to get the whole family involved in customizing their fudgsicle!
More Dairy Free Ice Cream Recipes
Vegan "Buttered" Pecan Ice Cream
Vegan Chocolate Covered Raspberry Bonbons
Dairy Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream from Joy Food Sunshine
Oat Milk Ice Cream from Ice Cream From Scratch
This recipe was originally published in May 2016. Photos and blog post updated May 2022. In addition, recipe directions were rewritten for clarity, and more recipe notes were added.
Sugar Free Fudgesicles
These sugar-free fudgesicles are a delicious nod to nostalgic childhood summers treats like pudding pops or the beloved Wendy’s Frosty, without all the added sugar.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup chopped dates
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 ¼ cups canned coconut milk
- ½ cup almond milk (or your favorite dairy-free milk)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 15 drops Nunatural's vanilla stevia
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, submerge the dates in hot water and let them sit for 10 minutes to soften. Drain the water and discard it.
- Place the dates, hemp seeds, and half of the canned coconut milk in a high-speed blender and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the remaining coconut milk, almond milk, cocoa powder, and Nunatural's vanilla stevia—process again until well blended and smooth.
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid (about 8 hours).
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 3g
Did you make this recipe? If you did, please give it a star rating and leave a review or comment below! And remember to take a pic and share it on social! Tag @allergyfreeak or #allergyfreealaska on Instagram!
Krista says
Bring on Summer!
Amy Stafford says
I have the exact same molds. They are so easy to use and I love making popsicles. This is definitely going on my list of recipes to try. Thanks for sharing.
Shirley @ gluten free easily (gfe) says
Dates are a magical sweetener and I do love hemp seeds! I'm not sure I'll ever be on board with stevia, but I do like stevia-sweetened recipes better when there's another sweetener (like these dates) included. I'll probably try these with coconut sugar when the heat comes. Right now I'm still trying to stay warm most days. 😉
Thanks! xo,
Shirley
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
Fudgesicles are one of my all time favorite treats... love this vegan version!!
Kate says
Your recipes never disappoint! I love the addition of hemp seeds to these (one of my favourite summer treats) and finally someone else who loves Aroy-D coconut milk. It's my favourite brand too.
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
These fudgesicles look great and will be such a hit in the warming months ahead. And I did not know that about hemp seed, sounds like I need to start including that in my diet pronto!
Sabrina says
What a great, healthy snack for both kids and adults! My whole family would love these!
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
These look so good Megan, I can't wait to make them this summer!!!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
OH YUM! I LOVE fudgesicles, so I'm kinda excited that these are made with healthy ingredients!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
So, how awesome are these?? They don't even look healthy! And I love that you sweetened them with dates. 🙂
Jeanine says
These look great! I need to dig out my popsicle molds! 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny says
These are perfect for upcoming warm weather!
Nicole says
You know how sometimes you can just look at a photo and know it tastes just as good if not better than it looks. I'm getting that vibe here. Looks amazinggg!!!
Touwser says
My husband is dairy intolerant but he refused to stop eating ice cream. He LOVES these fudgesicles even more than my children. He asks for these instead of ice cream. The recipe works out perfectly.
Megan says
Well that is quite a compliment! Thank you, Touwser! I'm very happy he loves them (maybe not more than your children though). LOL! 😉
Mariah says
Curious how much flavor the hemp seeds give these? I'm definitely not a fan of the flavor right now (pregnant) but I really love all the health benefits of them plus I have a really big bag of them to use lol!!!
Megan says
Hi Mariah! I don't think it flavors them too much (but I've never eaten them with pregnant taste buds!). 😉 The main flavor is definitely cocoa, otherwise my girls wouldn't be inclined to eat them.
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate says
Ooh! I love that these are sweetened with dates.
Alisa Fleming says
Ooh, chocolate and dates are so amazing together - this is brilliant! I will be making this!
Michelle Palin says
It's funny that you mention that these taste like a Wendy's frosty, because that's exactly what I thought when I saw them! My family loves those!
Nicole Dawson says
I'm pretty excited about trying these for my kids this summer. We usually make a lot of fresh berry popsicles or smoothie pops but this is on my list now.
Sharon @ What The Fork says
I love that you said these taste like a Wendy's Frosty in popsicle form! I used to get those all the time when I was in college, so good!