Who says going vegan means missing out on sweet, nostalgic treats? With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can make all your favorite candies 100% plant-based—and absolutely delicious!
Whether you’re new to veganism, have food allergies, or are simply looking for healthier and more ethical alternatives, vegan candy recipes are for everyone.
In today’s post, I’ll share three of my all-time favorite vegan candy recipes: Classic Vegan Peanut Butter Cups, Chewy Vegan Gummy Bears, and Rich Vegan Coconut Caramels. Each recipe is easy to follow and uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Plus, these treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or satisfying your own sweet tooth!
If you love homemade vegan goodies, be sure to check out my Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for more inspiration. Ready to make candy magic?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Fun to Make: Each candy recipe is simple, kid-friendly, and doesn’t require advanced skills.
- Better Ingredients: No artificial colorings, high-fructose corn syrup, or animal products—just real, wholesome ingredients!
- Customizable: Adjust flavors and shapes to fit any occasion or craving.
- Allergy-Friendly: Options for nut-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free versions.
- Perfect for Sharing: These homemade candies make delightful holiday gifts, party treats, or lunchbox surprises.
“The best part about making your own vegan candy? You know exactly what goes in every bite!”
Ingredients
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Vegan dark chocolate chips | 1 1/2 cups |
| Natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted) | 1/2 cup |
| Maple syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Coconut oil | 2 tbsp (divided) |
| Sea salt | Pinch |
Vegan Gummy Bears
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Fruit juice (e.g., apple, grape, or cherry) | 1 cup |
| Agar agar powder | 1 tbsp |
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Vegan Coconut Caramels
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Full-fat coconut milk | 1 cup (one can, shaken) |
| Coconut sugar | 1 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Coconut oil | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Sea salt | 1/2 tsp |
Equipment
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
- Silicone mini muffin pan or candy molds
- Gummy bear silicone molds (or any small candy mold)
- Small saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking parchment or wax paper
- Sharp knife (for caramels)
- Refrigerator or freezer for chilling
Instructions
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
- Melt the chocolate: Place the vegan dark chocolate chips and 1 tbsp coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt until creamy.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon about 1 tsp melted chocolate into each cup of your silicone muffin pan or mold. Tap to spread evenly. Freeze for 10 minutes, or until set.
- Add the filling: Top each chocolate base with 1/2 tsp peanut butter mixture, smoothing gently.
- Top with more chocolate: Spoon another tsp melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, covering completely. Sprinkle with a little sea salt if desired.
- Chill: Return to the freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until fully set. Pop out of molds and store in the fridge.
Vegan Gummy Bears
- Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together fruit juice, agar agar powder, maple syrup (or agave), and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until agar agar dissolves completely.
- Pour into molds: Working quickly, use a dropper or small spoon to fill your gummy bear molds. The mixture sets fast!
- Chill: Place molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until gummies are firm and bouncy.
- Unmold and store: Pop gummies out and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Vegan Coconut Caramels
- Combine caramel ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix coconut milk, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and coconut oil.
- Cook the caramel: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes. The mixture will bubble and thicken.
- Test for doneness: Drop a small spoonful of caramel into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball (soft ball stage).
- Add flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour and cool: Line a small pan with parchment. Pour in caramel and smooth top. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until firm.
- Cut and wrap: Lift caramel slab from pan, cut into squares, and wrap individually in parchment or wax paper. Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- Allergy-Friendly Swaps: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for nut-free cups.
- Flavored Caramels: Add espresso powder, cinnamon, or a touch of orange zest for a unique twist.
- Natural Food Coloring: For gummies, use beet juice, spinach juice, or turmeric for vibrant colors without artificial dyes.
- Shape It Up: Try fun molds—hearts, stars, or seasonal shapes—for special occasions.
- Gift-Worthy Treats: Wrap candies in wax paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift.
Tip: The caramels will firm up more in the fridge, but they’ll be soft and chewy at room temperature. Adjust storage based on your texture preference!
Nutrition Facts
| Candy | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter Cups | 1 cup | 110 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 2 |
| Gummy Bears | 10 gummies | 60 | 0 | 14 | 11 | 0 |
| Coconut Caramels | 1 piece | 70 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes. For lower sugar, reduce maple syrup or try a sugar substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Party Platters: Arrange an assortment of candies on a pretty plate alongside fruit, nuts, and vegan cookies for a stunning snack board.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pop a few peanut butter cups or gummies into a lunchbox as a special, wholesome surprise.
- Gift Bags: Place wrapped caramels in a mason jar or paper bag for a beautiful homemade gift.
- Coffee Break: Enjoy a coconut caramel or peanut butter cup with your afternoon coffee or tea—perfection!
- Dessert Toppers: Chop candies and sprinkle over vegan ice cream, yogurt, or cakes for an extra treat.
- Try pairing these with a homemade vegan drink, like my Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for the ultimate indulgent moment.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan candy is easier and more rewarding than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative flair, you can whip up treats that everyone will love—vegan or not!
Whether you’re craving something chocolatey, chewy, or sweet and buttery, these recipes deliver all the classic candy flavors without the animal products or artificial ingredients.
Best of all, you’ll have fun experimenting and sharing your creations. Don’t hesitate to personalize these recipes with your favorite flavors, or get the whole family involved for a memorable kitchen adventure.
If you enjoyed these vegan sweets, you might also like my Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat or explore Copycat Vegan Recipes: Make Your Favorites at Home for even more plant-based inspiration.
Happy candy-making!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Description: This easy vegan fudge is rich, creamy, and made with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a plant-based treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT5M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 16 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line a small square pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt peanut butter and coconut oil together.
- Stir in maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until set.
- Cut into pieces and serve chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 8g
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