Cranberry Orange Fudge Recipe

Cranberry Orange Fudge is a festive and indulgent treat that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. This simple-to-make fudge combines the bright citrusy notes of orange with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, creating a beautiful dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season, special occasions, or any time you want a sweet and refreshing snack. The smooth and creamy texture of the fudge is a wonderful contrast to the chewy cranberries, making each bite a delightful burst of flavor. This fudge not only tastes great but also looks stunning with its vibrant red and orange swirls, making it a show-stopping addition to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re gifting it to friends and family or serving it at a party, Cranberry Orange Fudge will surely become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive Flavor Combination

The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange makes this fudge the perfect treat for the holiday season, evoking festive flavors in every bite.

2. Easy to Make

This fudge recipe requires only a few ingredients and is incredibly simple to prepare, even for beginners in the kitchen.

3. Creamy and Smooth Texture

The fudge has a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making it an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the level of sweetness and tartness to suit your taste. Add more or less orange zest and cranberries based on your preferences.

5. Great for Gifting

With its beautiful color and festive flavor, this fudge makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, or a perfect addition to holiday gift baskets.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Fudge

• Sweetened condensed milk
• White chocolate chips
• Fresh cranberries (dried cranberries can also be used)
• Orange zest
• Orange extract or orange juice

For Garnish (Optional)

• Crushed dried cranberries
• Orange zest

Variations

1. Dark Chocolate Fudge: Substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich and slightly less sweet variation.
2. Nutty Fudge: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts to the fudge for a crunchy texture.
3. Spiced Fudge: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fudge for a spiced twist that complements the cranberries and orange.
4. Vegan Fudge: Use dairy-free condensed milk and non-dairy white chocolate chips to create a vegan version of this fudge.
5. Orange Liqueur Fudge: Add a splash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, for a more adult version of this fudge.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fudge Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries and Orange Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries) and orange zest. Add a few drops of orange extract or a small amount of orange juice for an extra citrusy punch.

Step 3: Set the Fudge

Pour the fudge mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for about 2 hours or until it has fully set and hardened. The fudge should hold its shape when cut into squares.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge is set, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares. If desired, garnish with additional orange zest or crushed dried cranberries for a festive touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use High-Quality White Chocolate: The quality of the white chocolate is important for achieving the best flavor and creamy texture in the fudge.
• Chill for Proper Set: Ensure the fudge is completely chilled before cutting, or it may be too soft to hold its shape.
• Be Careful with the Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, chop them into smaller pieces to prevent large, tough chunks in the fudge.
• Customize the Texture: If you prefer a chunkier fudge, add more cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture.

How to Serve

Cranberry Orange Fudge is delicious on its own but can also be served as part of a dessert spread. It pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. For a more festive presentation, arrange the fudge on a platter and garnish with additional fresh cranberries and orange slices. It can also be wrapped in colorful cellophane and tied with a ribbon to make a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep it fresher for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze the fudge by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fudge can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the fudge at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Reheating

While you can eat the fudge cold or at room temperature, you can also warm it up slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it slightly melty.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?

Yes, dried cranberries work well in this recipe, and they will provide a slightly chewier texture compared to fresh cranberries.

2. Can I make the fudge in advance?

Absolutely! This fudge can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature.

3. Is it necessary to use sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, sweetened condensed milk is key to giving the fudge its creamy texture and sweetness. Using regular milk would not provide the same result.

4. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile, though the fudge will taste less sweet.

5. Can I make this recipe without orange extract?

Yes, you can use fresh orange juice or zest if you don’t have orange extract. However, the extract will give a more intense orange flavor.

6. How do I prevent the fudge from being too soft?

Ensure that the fudge has completely set in the fridge before cutting. The longer it chills, the firmer it will become.

7. Can I use a different type of fruit in this fudge?

Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other dried fruits, such as cherries, raisins, or apricots, to create a new variation of the fudge.

8. How do I make the fudge more festive?

To make the fudge more festive, garnish with crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, or seasonal sprinkles.

9. How can I adjust the sweetness of the fudge?

If you find the fudge too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly and use less sugar.

10. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds to give the fudge a crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Fudge is a delightful, festive treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The creamy texture, combined with the tangy cranberries and zesty orange, creates a unique and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this fudge is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for any dessert lover.

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