Ah, the rush of the holiday season! You know that magical time of year when the air is crisp, the leaves are a kaleidoscope of colors, and the scent of baking wafts through the house? One of my favorite things about this time of year is the bounty of fresh cranberries that pop up in every grocery store. Their vibrant hue brings a spark of color to our kitchens, and their tart flavor perfectly balances the sweetness we crave this time of year. It’s during this season that I love whipping up a batch of Cranberry Orange Fudge. It’s a delightful treat that warms the heart and fills the home with the cozy aroma of citrus and sweetness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use those beautiful cranberries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – perfect for busy days!
- Sweet and tart flavor combination that’s wonderfully festive.
- Great for holiday gifting or as a sweet treat for your own gatherings.
- No baking involved, making cleanup a breeze!
- Perfect for sharing – everyone loves a rich, creamy fudge!
Ingredients
Before you dive into this fudge-making adventure, let’s gather our ingredients! You won’t need much—just a handful of delightful items that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or your favorite chocolate chips)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup orange zest (about 2 large oranges)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: a sprinkle of sea salt for topping
Note: Make sure to chop the cranberries finely so they integrate perfectly into the fudge!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s get our hands a little sticky and dive into these steps!
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Combine chocolate and milk: In a medium saucepan, over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
- Add the zesty ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, chopped cranberries, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined. Can you smell that? It’s heavenly!
- Pour and spread: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Don’t be shy—give it a good spread!
- Add a touch of salt: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that added flavor contrast.
- Chill out: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely set. Patience is key here, my friend!
- Cut and enjoy: Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut it into squares. Ready to melt in your mouth? Yes, please!
Tip: Avoid overmixing once you add the cranberries. You want those beautiful morsels to stay slightly visible for texture and presentation!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about fun ways to switch things up!
- For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract along with the vanilla.
- Love nuts? Toss in some finely chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch.
- If you prefer dark chocolate, go ahead and swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
- For an even more festive twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a splash of your favorite liqueur!
- Experiment with toppings! How about crushed peppermint candies or diced candied orange peel on top? The choices are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Your Cranberry Orange Fudge is finally ready, and they’ll make the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table or dessert platter. Here are some cozy serving suggestions to consider:
- Serve alongside a hot cup of spiced cider or a creamy latte for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Pair with cut-up fruits, like apples or pears, for a fun contrast of flavors.
- Wrap them up in festive packaging and gift them to your friends and family for a thoughtful surprise!
Picture this: a warm fire, your favorite blanket, and a piece of fudge melting deliciously in your mouth. It’s the perfect moment.
Storage Tips
Now, if you’re not devouring the entire batch in one sitting (which is totally understandable!), you might want to store some for later. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. The fudge will stay fresh and delicious!
- Freezing: Cut into squares and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within three months for the best quality.
- Reheating: If you prefer your fudge a little softer, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Just enough to warm it, but not too long that it melts away!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them before chopping. Frozen cranberries might be a bit juicier, so keep an eye on how they mix in.
Can I substitute the white chocolate with another type of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate. Just remember, the flavor profile will change a bit—milk chocolate will be sweeter, while dark chocolate will be richer.
How thick should the fudge be when I pour it into the pan?
It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable. If it’s too runny, it might not set correctly, so keep an eye on the consistency as you mix.
Can I make this fudge in advanced?
Certainly! This fudge is actually great for making in advance. Just store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to share (or indulge!).
Conclusion
And there you have it! A deliciously festive recipe for Cranberry Orange Fudge that will surely steal the show this holiday season. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how magical it makes your kitchen smell. If you do give this recipe a go, please let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any fun tweaks you made to the recipe. Happy baking, my friend!
Irresistible Cranberry Orange Fudge Recipe for Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Description
Delight in this creamy Cranberry Orange Fudge treat Perfect for festive gatherings this recipe combines tart cranberries with zesty orange flavor
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful and festive recipe for Cranberry Orange Fudge that combines sweet and tart flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for holiday gifting and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
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