Desserts

Cranberry Orange Fudge

Bright, creamy, and brightened with citrus, this Cranberry Orange Fudge is a simple no-bake treat that blends sweet white chocolate with tangy dried cranberries and fresh orange zest. It sets firm, cuts into pretty squares, and offers a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with chewy cranberry bits and a pop of citrus aroma. This is a great holiday candy or a quick homemade gift.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 16 (about 1-inch squares)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 230 kcal
Protein: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Sugar: 30 g
Sodium: 35 mg

Why Make This Cranberry Orange Fudge

Make this fudge when you want a fast, showy candy that tastes like the holidays but needs almost no fuss. The white chocolate gives a creamy, sweet base. Orange zest adds bright citrus oil and fragrance. Dried cranberries add chewy tartness and a jewel-like color. It’s a good recipe for beginners and cooks who want a tasty homemade gift without long cooking times.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Fudge

The method is simple: gently melt white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk until smooth, fold in orange zest, vanilla, cranberries, and nuts if you like, then press into a pan and chill until set. The key is low, steady heat and quick cooling so the chocolate stays glossy and smooth.

Ingredients:

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup orange zest
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Measure and zest the orange, then chop nuts if using. Have the dried cranberries and vanilla ready.

Step 2: Mixing

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula so the chips melt evenly. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching.

Step 3: Cooking

Remove the pan from heat as soon as the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and dried cranberries. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Mix until evenly distributed and glossy.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set. Lift the parchment to remove the block, cut into squares, and serve.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Fudge

Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Arrange squares on a festive plate or in a box lined with parchment for gifting. Pair the sweet, creamy fudge with black coffee, a citrusy tea, or sparkling wine to balance the sweetness. Garnish with extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries for a pretty finish.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Fudge

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in a cool, dry place.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container layered with parchment for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Fudge

Use low heat and stir constantly when melting. High heat can make white chocolate grainy.
Chop the white chocolate if needed so it melts faster and more evenly.
Zest before juicing the orange; zest contains the oils that deliver the best aroma.
Toast nuts briefly to deepen their flavor, then cool before adding.
If the fudge looks slightly soft after chilling, give it more time in the fridge — some kitchens are warmer.
For clean cuts, chill until firm, then warm a knife under hot water, dry it, and slice in one smooth motion. Wipe and reheat the knife between cuts.

Delicious Variations

Dark Chocolate Swirl: Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate and swirl over the top before chilling.
Pistachio & Rosemary: Swap nuts for chopped pistachios and add a pinch of finely chopped fresh rosemary for a savory-herbal note.
Citrus Mix: Add 1 tablespoon orange juice reduced to a syrup and a teaspoon of orange extract for extra citrus punch.
Boozy Fudge: Stir in 1 tablespoon rum or orange liqueur (add after removing from heat).
Vegan Version: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk and dairy-free white chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are much tarter and hold water. If you use them, cook them with a little sugar until they soften and most liquid evaporates. Pat them dry before folding into the fudge. Dried cranberries are easiest.

Q: Why did my fudge turn grainy?
A: White chocolate can seize if it gets too hot or if water droplets enter while melting. Use low heat, stir constantly, and keep tools dry. If it seizes, you can try gently whisking in a tablespoon of warm cream, but prevention is best.

Q: My fudge is too soft after chilling. How can I fix it?
A: Chill longer. If it still won’t firm, return to low heat and add a small amount of additional melted white chocolate and cool again. Make sure your fridge is cold enough and avoid warm kitchen temperatures.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make up to two weeks in advance if refrigerated, or freeze for up to three months. Bring to cool room temperature before serving for best texture.

Q: How do I get neat, even squares?
A: Chill completely until firm. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before each cut. Press straight down in one motion and clean the blade between slices.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Not easily. Both white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk are major sugar sources. You can reduce the amount of dried cranberries or use unsweetened dried cranberries, but the fudge will still be sweet.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Fudge is a quick, crowd-pleasing candy with creamy texture, bright citrus scent, and chewy cranberry pops. It’s easy to make, stores well, and adapts to many flavor twists — perfect for gifts, parties, or a simple sweet treat at home. For more inspiration and a similar version to compare techniques, see Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Fudge – Broma Bakery (https://bromabakery.com/cranberry-orange-white-chocolate-fudge/). Enjoy making it, and have fun sharing squares with friends and family!