Easy Sweet-Tart Cranberry Orange Fudge Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet holiday memories always dance around this cranberry orange fudge that sparkles with festive charm.

Seasonal flavors mingle delightfully in each creamy bite.

Bright citrus notes complement the tart cranberry essence perfectly.

Winter celebrations deserve something special and memorable.

Rich, decadent textures create magical moments of pure indulgence.

Dessert lovers will adore this simple yet stunning treat.

You can craft these delightful squares in minutes and impress everyone at the gathering.

Fudge That’s Creamy With Cranberry Orange Twist

• Burst of Festive Flavor: Capture the holiday spirit with this zesty cranberry orange fudge that explodes with bright, tangy notes in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Treat: Whip up this delightful dessert in just minutes using a microwave, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.
• No-Bake Holiday Magic: Create a stunning dessert without turning on the oven, saving time and energy while impressing friends and family with minimal effort.
• Gifting Perfection: Package these delectable fudge squares in cute boxes for a homemade gift that looks professionally made but takes minimal culinary skills to prepare.

Cranberry Orange Fudge Ingredient List

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture for the fudge. Choose high-quality chips for best melting and flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth, creamy consistency. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Orange Extract: Delivers bright, intense citrus flavor. Pure extract preferred over imitation.
• Orange Zest: Provides fresh, natural orange aroma and subtle citrus notes. Use fresh, organic oranges for most vibrant flavor.

• Dried Cranberries, Candied Orange Peel: Add texture, tartness, and festive color. Chop cranberries for even distribution. Optional candied peel gives extra citrus punch.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile. Use fine sea salt for smooth integration.

Orange Fudge with Cranberry Swirl Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the edges for easy fudge removal.

Lightly coat the parchment with non-stick cooking spray or softened butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Base

Place white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Incorporate orange extract, freshly grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt into the melted chocolate mixture.

Stir until all ingredients are perfectly blended and distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Add Fruity Texture

• Chopped dried cranberries
• Optional candied orange peel

Mix carefully to distribute evenly without deflating the smooth chocolate base.

Step 5: Set and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.

Transfer to the refrigerator and allow to set for 2-3 hours until firm and fully chilled.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the fudge from the refrigerator.

Lift out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife.

Serve and enjoy the burst of cranberry and orange flavors!

Fudge Tips for Tangy Cranberry Orange Finish

• Create smooth edges by carefully pressing parchment paper into pan corners, ensuring wrinkle-free surface for perfect fudge presentation.
• Stir chocolate chips and condensed milk gently between short intervals to prevent overheating and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
• Add orange zest just before mixing to preserve maximum citrusy aroma and bright flavor profile in the fudge.
• Adjust dried cranberry quantity based on personal preference, ensuring even distribution throughout fudge for balanced fruity bites.
• Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe blade between cuts to create neat, professional-looking fudge squares with clean edges.

Chill Cranberry Orange Fudge

• Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Remove from freezer and let fudge sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its creamy texture.
• For best flavor and consistency, enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator within the first week of preparation.

Cranberry Orange Fudge Pairings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet and tangy fudge, enhancing the citrusy orange notes while cutting through the rich chocolate.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a warm, aromatic chai tea to balance the sweetness of the fudge, with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger creating a delightful contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Match with Toasted Almond Biscotti: Crunch on these classic Italian cookies alongside the fudge, providing a nutty texture that beautifully highlights the cranberry and orange flavors while adding a delightful crispness.
• Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a small portion of smooth, creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the fudge squares, creating a luxurious dessert experience that merges cool creaminess with the dense, sweet fudge.

Cranberry Orange Fudge Options

• Vegan Citrus Delight: Replace white chocolate chips with coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate. Use maple syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based version.
• Nut-Infused Orange Cranberry: Add chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle nuts on top or fold into the fudge mixture.
• Gluten-Free Zesty Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check white chocolate chips and candied orange peel for potential gluten contamination.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute white chocolate with sugar-free white chocolate chips. Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sweetened condensed milk to reduce overall sugar content.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?

Use high-quality white chocolate chips and melt them slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring consistently to ensure smooth, creamy texture. Avoid overheating the chocolate, which can cause separation and graininess.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

No, fresh cranberries have too much moisture and will make the fudge too wet. Dried cranberries are essential for maintaining the right consistency and providing concentrated flavor without adding excess liquid.

• What can I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?

Ensure you refrigerate the fudge for the full 2-3 hours. If it’s still soft, let it chill longer. For firmer results, you can also place the fudge in the freezer for about 30 minutes to help it set more quickly.

• Is orange extract necessary for this recipe?

Orange extract provides intense citrus flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with fresh orange zest or a small amount of orange liqueur to achieve a similar bright, citrusy taste.

Cranberry Orange Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry orange fudge brings winter holiday cheer with its tangy-sweet flavor profile. Creamy white chocolate melts together with zesty citrus and tart cranberries, creating a delightful dessert sure to impress guests at any seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for easy extraction. Apply a light coating of non-stick spray or butter to the parchment surface.
2. Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe container, heating in brief 20-second bursts while stirring intermittently until the mixture transforms into a velvety, homogeneous liquid.
3. Enhance the melted chocolate mixture with vibrant orange extract, fragrant orange zest, and a delicate touch of salt, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Introduce chopped dried cranberries and optional candied orange peel into the fudge base, gently folding to ensure even distribution without deflating the mixture.
5. Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to create a uniformly smooth and level surface.
6. Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing it to solidify completely and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
7. Once the fudge has set, utilize the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the block from the pan. Slice into precise, bite-sized squares and serve chilled.

Notes

• Boost flavor intensity by slightly increasing orange extract for a brighter citrus punch.
• Swap white chocolate with dairy-free alternative for vegan-friendly version, ensuring smooth melting consistency.
• Enhance texture by toasting dried cranberries briefly before adding to fudge, creating deeper caramelized undertones.
• Prevent cracking by allowing fudge to come to room temperature slowly after refrigeration, ensuring smooth, silky finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Refrigerating
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg