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Cranberry Orange Fudge

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

This holiday fudge combines two classic winter flavors in the creamiest way. Melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk until super smooth. Fold in dried cranberries for chewy texture and little bursts of tartness. Add orange zest and a splash of orange extract - the fresh citrus really brightens up the sweet white chocolate. Pour into a lined pan and let it set until firm. The cranberries look like little jewels scattered throughout, and every bite has that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrus.
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:13 GMT
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A plate of stacked white chocolate cranberry fudge topped with orange zest, with halved oranges in the background. Pin it
A plate of stacked white chocolate cranberry fudge topped with orange zest, with halved oranges in the background. | cookingkeys.com

Get ready to discover my most requested holiday treat! This cranberry orange fudge has become such a tradition in our family that my kids start asking for it the moment December hits. The secret lies in that perfect balance of tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and creamy chocolate. Every time I make a batch for holiday parties or gift-giving, someone asks for the recipe. Best part? It only needs five ingredients and comes together like magic!

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This isn't your ordinary fudge recipe! The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it completely irresistible. Last Christmas, I brought it to our neighborhood cookie exchange, and it disappeared before the cookies! Even my mother-in-law, who claims she doesn't like sweets, asked for the recipe. It's become my go-to holiday gift for teachers, coworkers, and anyone who needs a little sweet holiday cheer.

Everything You'll Need

  • Your Shopping List: White chocolate chips (get the good stuff), fresh oranges for zest, dried cranberries (the plump juicy ones), sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Optional but wonderful: vanilla extract.
  • Kitchen Tools: A square baking pan, parchment paper, a microplane for zesting, and a heavy-bottom pot for melting.

Let's Make Some Magic

Setting Up For Success:
Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the sides for easy removal. This little trick makes cleanup a breeze!
Creating The Base:
Melt white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring constantly. The mixture will turn into silky perfection—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Adding The Good Stuff:
Fold in dried cranberries and orange zest, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Pour into your prepared pan, spread it out, and chill until set.
A plate of white chocolate fudge squares studded with dried cranberries and orange pieces, presented on parchment paper. Pin it
A plate of white chocolate fudge squares studded with dried cranberries and orange pieces, presented on parchment paper. | cookingkeys.com

Kitchen Wisdom

Let me share some secrets I've learned from making countless batches! Always zest your orange before starting—fresh zest makes all the difference. Keep stirring the chocolate mixture to avoid lumps. Chill your pan in the fridge while preparing the fudge; it helps everything set up beautifully. And don't forget to sneak a taste—chef's perks!

Sharing The Love

The best part about this fudge is gifting it! Arrange pieces in pretty holiday boxes tied with ribbon for a festive touch. It's perfect with a cozy cup of coffee or hot chocolate and looks stunning on dessert platters. My neighbor started requesting it for her Christmas tea party—it’s become quite the tradition!

Keeping It Fresh

Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it—perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gifts. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Mix It Up

Experiment with variations! Substitute dried cranberries with cherries or add chopped pistachios for a festive touch. If fresh oranges aren’t available, dried zest works well—just use a bit less. The fun is in making each batch unique!

A stack of white chocolate fudge studded with dried cranberries and orange zest, with fresh oranges in the background. Pin it
A stack of white chocolate fudge studded with dried cranberries and orange zest, with fresh oranges in the background. | cookingkeys.com

Your Special Touch

Make this fudge extra special with a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. For parties, drizzle with dark chocolate or add sparkly sugar before it sets. My granddaughter loves decorating—it’s her favorite part, and those imperfect touches make it even more charming!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What ingredients are needed for this cranberry orange fudge?

The ingredients needed are white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, dried cranberries, orange zest, and orange extract. Just 5 simple ingredients!

→ How long does it take to make this fudge?

The total time to make this cranberry orange fudge is around 4 hours and 30 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes of cook time, and 4 hours of chilling time.

→ Can I make this fudge in advance?

Yes, you can make this cranberry orange fudge well in advance. Once set, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

→ What is the texture of this fudge like?

This fudge has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. The dried cranberries provide a nice chewy contrast.

→ Is this a good dessert for the holidays?

Absolutely! With its festive cranberry and orange flavors, this fudge makes for a wonderful holiday sweet treat. It's easy to make and perfect for gifting too.

cranberry orange fudge

Cranberry and orange is a fantastic taste combination in this sweet, creamy, delicious fudge recipe. It's a wonderful holiday sweet treat made with just 5 ingredients.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 24 ounces white chocolate chips.
02 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk.
03 1 cup dried cranberries, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish.
04 Zest of 2 large oranges, plus 1/2 teaspoon for garnish.
05 1 teaspoon orange extract.

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lightly greasing it and lining it with parchment paper in a plus shape. Set it aside.

Step 02

In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Once the chocolate is melted, add the dried cranberries (reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish), orange zest (reserving 1/2 teaspoon for garnish), and orange extract. Mix well to combine.

Step 04

Transfer the cranberry orange fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top surface.

Step 05

Sprinkle the reserved dried cranberries and orange zest evenly over the top of the fudge. Gently press them into the surface if desired.

Step 06

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight, until completely set.

Step 07

Once set, remove the fudge from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 25 or 36 even squares.

Step 08

Serve the cranberry orange fudge immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tools You'll Need

  • Double boiler or saucepan and heatproof bowl.
  • 8-inch square baking pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 168
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 2 g