Cranberry Orange Fudge Recipe

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this one! If you’ve never tried cranberry and orange together in fudge form, trust me, you’re about to discover a combination that’s pure magic. This Cranberry Orange Fudge is the perfect balance of creamy, tart, and sweet, with just the right touch of citrusy zing from the orange and the burst of tangy-sweetness from the cranberries. It’s like a holiday in every bite, but really, who says you can’t enjoy this little piece of heaven year-round? Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this fudge is going to steal the show!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. So even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to whip up a batch and impress everyone with your skills (and your taste buds). Just imagine sinking your teeth into that creamy fudge, with those gorgeous pops of cranberry… it’s a game-changer, my friend.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Fudge

Sweet and Tangy Perfection:

The combination of juicy cranberries and the refreshing zest of orange creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and tart. It’s like a burst of citrus sunshine in every bite!

Creamy Texture:

This fudge is incredibly smooth and creamy, thanks to a base of white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. It practically melts in your mouth.

Simple to Make:

No complicated candy-making techniques here. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a tray of beautiful, homemade fudge in no time. The hardest part is waiting for it to set!

Holiday-Ready:

This fudge is perfect for holiday treat trays, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a pop of color and flavor to any occasion.

A Festive Twist:

The classic fudge flavor gets a festive twist with the addition of cranberry and orange—making it the perfect treat for all your celebrations.

Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Fudge

Here’s everything you need to make this cranberry orange fudge—it’s short and sweet, just like the recipe!

For the Fudge:

• White Chocolate: The base of the fudge, making it creamy and smooth.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the fudge that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Cranberries: Fresh or dried, they bring that lovely tartness and chewy texture to the fudge.
• Orange Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the whole flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and flavor depth of the fudge.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the fudge set perfectly.

For Garnishing:

• Chopped Dried Cranberries: For a little extra texture and color on top.
• Orange Zest: A sprinkle of orange zest on top makes it even more beautiful and fragrant!

Instructions

Making this cranberry orange fudge is as easy as stirring and setting! Let’s walk through the steps together.

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This makes cutting the fudge so much easier.

Step 2: Melt the Fudge Base

In a medium saucepan, melt the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once it’s smooth and fully melted, remove from the heat.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and most of the dried cranberries (save a handful for the top). Mix until everything is fully combined and you can smell that gorgeous citrusy aroma.

Step 4: Pour and Spread

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to level the fudge and remove any air bubbles.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the reserved dried cranberries and a little extra orange zest on top for a festive touch.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for about 2-3 hours, or until it’s fully set. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds its shape and doesn’t stick to your fingers when you touch it.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Slice into small squares and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16 squares
Calories per serving: ~200-250 (depending on size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Fudge

This cranberry orange fudge is fabulous on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

With Coffee or Tea:

Pair a piece of fudge with your favorite hot beverage. The creamy sweetness of the fudge balances perfectly with the boldness of coffee or the lightness of tea.

As a Gift:

Wrap the fudge in pretty parchment paper, tie it with a ribbon, and you’ve got a beautiful homemade gift that everyone will love!

On a Dessert Table:

Include this fudge on your holiday dessert table alongside cookies, pies, and cakes. It’ll add a pop of color and a unique flavor to the mix.

For Snacking:

Let’s be honest—sometimes you just want to grab a little square when the craving strikes. This fudge is perfect for snacking anytime.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you’re using fresh cranberries, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid them becoming too watery in the fudge.
• Make It Festive: Add some red or green sprinkles on top for extra color, especially around the holidays!
• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just be sure to wrap it well.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A1: Absolutely! While white chocolate gives the fudge its signature creamy texture, dark chocolate would add a deeper, richer flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A2: Yes! If you’re using fresh cranberries, be sure to chop them up into smaller pieces to avoid too much moisture in the fudge.

Q3: How long does the fudge last?
A3: This fudge will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you freeze it, it should last for up to a month.

Q4: Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
A4: You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free white chocolate and a non-dairy butter substitute. Make sure to check the labels on your ingredients!

Q5: Can I add nuts to the fudge?
A5: Of course! Chopped pistachios, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions that would give the fudge a nice crunch.

Q6: Can I make the fudge in a larger pan?
A6: Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the chilling time accordingly, as a larger batch may take longer to set.

Q7: Can I freeze the fudge?
A7: Yes! Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Q8: Can I skip the orange zest?
A8: You can, but the orange zest really elevates the flavor, so I highly recommend keeping it! You could substitute it with a few drops of orange extract if you prefer.

Q9: How do I prevent the fudge from being too soft?
A9: Make sure to refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours to help it set. If it’s still soft, you may need to chill it longer.

Q10: Can I use orange juice instead of zest?
A10: Orange juice will give a bit of flavor, but zest is best for that vibrant citrusy punch. If you must substitute, use just a teaspoon or so of juice, but keep in mind it might change the consistency slightly.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Fudge is the perfect blend of creamy, tart, and sweet, making it an unforgettable treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a decadent dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a party, gifting it to friends, or just indulging in a little sweet snack, this fudge is guaranteed to brighten up your day!

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