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Home » Recipes » Candy

Healthier Vegan Milk Duds

Published: Oct 25, 2024 by Melissa

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A healthy dairy free take on the popular candy, these Healthier Vegan Milk Duds are made with minimal ingredients, are simple to make and taste so delicious.

Healthier Vegan Milk Duds in a small white bowl on a wooden background.

Halloween is just around the corner and these Healthier Vegan Milk Duds are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy without the sugar rush.

One of my favorite things to do is make vegan versions of popular candies to show just how easy it is go vegan and not feel liking you're missing out on a thing. These bars and these cups are favorites and every bit as delicious as the store bought non-vegan version.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • Recipe

Ingredients

Unlike conventional milk duds, this healthier version is made with far less ingredients that are better for you.

Overhead shot of ingredients to make Healthier Vegan Milk Duds
  • dates
  • nut butter
  • vanilla
  • salt
  • vegan chocolate

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This is a perfect recipe to get the kids involved so have them help roll the balls to make shorter work of it. I realize rolling small balls may be too time consuming for some so you can also press the mixture out into an even layer on parchment paper and cut into small squares.

Overhead shot of dates soaking in water in a bowl.

Soak pitted dates in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften. Drain the dates well and transfer to the bowl of food processor.

Overhead shot of Ingredients for Healthier Vegan Milk Duds in the bowl of food processor.

Add almond butter, vanilla and salt and pulse a few a times before blending until mixture forms a dough. Stop and scrap the sides down a couple of times.

Dough to make Healthier Vegan Milk Duds in the bowl of food processor.

Roll small pieces of dough to create the centers of candy. Place on a parchment or waxed paper lined baking sheet. Place in freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.

Overhead shot of caramel center being dipped in melted chocolate.

Remove from freezer. Dip each center into melted chocolate and return to baking sheet. Return to the freezer until chocolate has set.

Hint: Be sure the pan will fit into your freezer since you will need to place the candy in the freezer for a bit.

Overhead shot of chocolate candies in a small bowl.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Nut free - instead of almond butter you can use sunflower butter and instead of almond flour use oat flour to make these candies nut free
  • Chocolate - use any dairy free chocolate you like
  • Deluxe - sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets

Equipment

For this recipe, you will need a food processor, basic kitchen tools including a baking sheet and access to a freezer.

Storage

Store the milk duds in a container in the freezer for best texture. Good for up to 30 days.

Top tip

I prefer to use chocolate bars over chocolate chips or chunks for coating the caramel centers. Chocolate chips/chunks usually require a little coconut oil to be melted in to be thin enough to achieve a smooth finish whereas bars do not.

Recipe

Healthier Vegan Milk Duds Feature Image

Healthier Vegan Milk Duds

Melissa
A healthy dairy free take on the popular candy, these Healthier Vegan Milk Duds are made with minimal ingredients, are simple to make and taste so delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Freeze Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 50 candies

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dates, pitted
  • ¼ cup almond butter or other nut butter sunflower butter to make nut free
  • 1-2 tbsp almond flour oat flour to make nut free
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1 cup dairy free chocolate chips, chunks or bars

Instructions
 

  • Remove the pits from dates, if needed. Soak in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften. Drain very well and pat dry.
  • Add dates, almond butter or seed butter, almond flour, vanilla and salt to the bowl of food processor. Pulse a couple of times and then process until dates have broken day and mixture forms a dough. Stop and scrap the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
  • Roll small amounts of dough into balls and place on parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet. Use your finger to slightly press down on the center of the ball to flatten a bit. Be sure the pan will fit into freezer as the candy will need to go in the freezer. Alternatively, candy can be pressed into an even layer and cut into small squares. You may need to lightly oil the paper and knife to prevent sticking.
  • Place baking sheet with caramel centers into the freezer for 20 minutes.
  • Melt chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave in 15 second intervals until fully melted. Add 1-2 teaspoon coconut oil if using chocolate chips or chunks. See note below for more information.
  • Dip the caramel centers a few at a time into the melted chocolate using a fork to fully coat and lift them out of the chocolate. Return to baking sheet. After all candies have been dipped, sprinkle with sea salt if desired and return to the freezer to set.
  • Store candies in a freezer safe container for best texture.

Notes

Chocolate chips and chunks have added stabilizers to help the chips keep their shape when heated. This makes it more difficult to get a nice dip that coats smoothly. Adding a little coconut oil to the chocolate thins it enough to dip and coat smoothly and evenly. 
 
Keyword gluten free, healthy, no refined sugar, non-dairy, vegan
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Hi, I'm Melissa!

Longtime vegan and mom of four little vegans. I share simple recipes our family loves and my tips for raising healthy, happy vegan kids.

About me

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