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To make this tasty cranberry orange fudge, you will need: - 2 cups white chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy fudge with bright citrus notes. If you want to add more flavor and crunch, consider these optional ingredients: - ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Nuts give the fudge a nice texture and deepen the flavor. You can skip them if you prefer a smoother fudge. When choosing your ingredients, look for high-quality white chocolate chips. They should melt well and taste sweet. For cranberries, select ones that are soft and plump. Fresh oranges are best for zest and juice, as they add a vibrant flavor. If you go for nuts, pick ones that are fresh and unsalted to keep the flavor balanced. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preparing your baking dish. Use an 8x8 inch dish for the fudge. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the fudge out later. It’s an easy way to cut it into pieces. In a medium saucepan, add the white chocolate chips. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk too. Place the saucepan on low heat. Stir often as it melts. You want the mixture to be smooth and creamy. This part is fun! The aroma will fill your kitchen. Once the chocolate melts, take the saucepan off the heat. Now, add the chopped dried cranberries. Toss in the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until everything blends together. If you want nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. These add a nice crunch. Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Make sure the top is smooth. Then, place the dish in the fridge. Chill for 2-3 hours. When it feels firm to the touch, it’s ready. Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares. Enjoy your sweet treat! Texture is key for great fudge. You want it to be smooth and creamy. When melting, stir continuously. This helps prevent lumps. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk. A perfect fudge should be firm but not hard. It should melt in your mouth with a slight chew. Common mistakes can ruin your fudge. First, don’t rush the melting process. Heat should be low to avoid burning. If you burn the chocolate, start over. Next, make sure to mix well. If ingredients are not combined, the fudge may not set right. Lastly, always chill it for enough time. Patience is key for the best results. Presentation makes your fudge look special. Cut it into even squares for a neat look. Serve it on a colorful platter. Sprinkle extra orange zest on top for a pop of color. For gifts, wrap each piece in cellophane. It makes a sweet treat for friends or family. A little care in serving goes a long way! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother and richer fudge texture. Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the fudge is completely chilled for at least 2-3 hours to achieve the best firmness and sliceability. Customize Flavors: Experiment with different nuts or even a splash of almond extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Gift Presentation: Wrap individual pieces in festive cellophane and tie with a ribbon for an attractive homemade gift. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of cranberry orange fudge easily. Try using dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. This will give your fudge a rich taste. You can also swap cranberries for dried cherries or blueberries. These fruits add unique flavors. If you want a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This will warm up the taste. You can even mix in a bit of peppermint extract for a holiday vibe! If you want nut-free fudge, just skip the nuts. The fudge will still be creamy and tasty without them. If you like a crunchy texture, add crispy rice cereal. This will give you that crunch without the nuts. Always check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden allergens are present. To make this fudge vegan, replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips. Also, use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. This will keep it creamy and delicious. For gluten-free fudge, ensure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Most dried fruits and chocolate chips are safe, but it's wise to double-check. These small changes will let anyone enjoy this sweet treat! To keep your cranberry orange fudge fresh, use an airtight container. This seals in moisture and flavor. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. Avoid stacking fudge pieces directly on top of each other. This prevents sticking and keeps each piece intact. When stored properly, cranberry orange fudge lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. The sweetened condensed milk helps preserve its rich taste. You might notice the fudge gets firmer over time. This is normal, so don’t worry. Just let it sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. You can freeze this fudge for up to three months. Cut it into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, move the fudge to the fridge overnight. This keeps it from getting too soft. Enjoy your tasty treat whenever you want! Yes, you can use other types of chocolate. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate work well too. Each type adds a different flavor. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste, while milk chocolate is sweeter. Adjust the sweetness if you choose dark chocolate. To adjust the sweetness, you can change the type of chocolate. Try using semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can also use less sweetened condensed milk. If you want it sweeter, add more chocolate or sugar. Taste as you go to get it just right. Absolutely! You can make this fudge days in advance. Just follow the recipe and let it chill. After it sets, cut it into pieces. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. You can find premade Cranberry Orange Fudge at specialty candy shops. Some bakeries sell it too. Look at local farmers' markets or gourmet stores. Online retailers also offer this fudge for delivery. Check the reviews for the best options. This blog post covered how to make delicious cranberry orange fudge. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. You learned about variations and how to store your fudge well. In the end, making this fudge can be fun and easy. Don't hesitate to try new flavors or share your fudge with friends. A little effort leads to a treat that everyone will love. Enjoy your sweet creations!

Cranberry Orange Fudge Delight

A deliciously creamy fudge infused with the flavors of cranberry and orange.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 large orange, zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well mixed.
  • If using nuts, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Refrigerate the baking dish for 2-3 hours or until the fudge is firm to the touch.
  • Lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.
  • Store the fudge pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Consider serving the fudge on a decorative platter, dusted with a little extra orange zest for a pop of color and aroma. Wrap individual pieces in colorful cellophane for a festive gift option!
Keyword chocolate, cranberry, dessert, fudge, orange