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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Enhance the melted chocolate mixture with vibrant orange extract, fragrant orange zest, and a delicate touch of salt, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Introduce chopped dried cranberries and optional candied orange peel into the fudge base, gently folding to ensure even distribution without deflating the mixture.
- Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to create a uniformly smooth and level surface.
- Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing it to solidify completely and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
- 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