Desserts

Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

Name: Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white chocolate chips; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup dried cranberries; Zest of 1 orange; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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This easy cranberry orange fudge combines creamy white chocolate with bright citrus and chewy cranberries. It sets quickly in the fridge and makes a festive, sweet bite with a smooth texture and a pop of tart fruit. If you like a similar quick treat, check this Cranberry Orange Fudge on TasteQuick for another take.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16 (1-inch squares)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1 of 16 squares):

Calories per serving: 200 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 27 g
Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

This fudge is fast, festive, and full of flavor. The white chocolate is rich and creamy. Orange zest and juice add a bright citrus scent and tang. Dried cranberries give chewy texture and a tart counterpoint to the sweet chocolate. It’s ideal for holidays, gift boxes, or a quick homemade treat when you want something pretty without much work.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

The method is simple: melt, stir in flavorings, chill, and cut. You do all the flavor work off the heat so the orange and vanilla stay bright. The fudge firms up in the fridge in a couple hours, which gives you time to prep packaging or make other treats.

Ingredients:

2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup dried cranberries
Zest of 1 orange
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper so the fudge lifts out easily. Measure out the chips, condensed milk, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla so everything is ready.

Step 2: Mixing

Place the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan. Warm briefly over low to medium heat, stirring constantly so the chocolate softens evenly.

Step 3: Cooking

Heat until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 4–5 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the mixture into the prepared 8×8 pan and spread it smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Lift the set fudge out of the pan, cut into 16 squares, and serve.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. The fudge looks festive when cut into squares and arranged on a platter. Garnish with a light sprinkle of extra orange zest, a few whole dried cranberries, or a dusting of finely chopped pistachios for color and crunch. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

How to Store Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days in a cool room.
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Always separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge

Use good-quality white chocolate chips for creamier texture. Chips labeled “couverture” melt especially well.
Don’t overheat. Melt gently over low-medium heat and stir constantly to prevent grainy texture.
Add the orange juice off the heat so the bright citrus flavor stays fresh.
Chop dried cranberries roughly if they’re large so each bite has a bit of chewy fruit.
If the mixture looks slightly grainy after melting, keep stirring off the heat; residual warmth usually smooths it out.
For extra shine, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface as it cools to avoid a crusty top.

Delicious Variations

Orange Pistachio: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pistachios and a pinch of sea salt.
Dark Chocolate Swirl: Melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate and swirl on top before chilling.
Almond Orange: Replace vanilla with 1/4 teaspoon almond extract and add 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds.
Cranberry Orange Bark: Spread thinly on a sheet pan, sprinkle cranberries and zest, chill, then break into shards.
Boozy Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the mix for an adult version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?
A: Yes. Chop the bars into small even pieces so they melt quickly. Bars often melt smoother than chips because chips contain stabilizers. Watch the heat and stir well.

Q: Can I make this without sweetened condensed milk?
A: This recipe relies on condensed milk for sweetness and smooth set. If you prefer, use 1 1/4 cups heavy cream plus 2 cups powdered sugar and heat to thicken, but texture and flavor will change.

Q: My fudge looks grainy after melting. What went wrong?
A: Graininess usually comes from overheating or seizing. Remove from heat immediately and keep stirring; sometimes it smooths out. If not, cool slightly then whisk in a teaspoon of warm cream. Next time melt more gently.

Q: How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?
A: Toss dried cranberries in a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tablespoon of finely chopped white chocolate before folding in. That gives them grip and helps them stay suspended.

Q: Can I cut the recipe in half or double it?
A: Yes. It scales well. For a double batch, use a 9×13 pan and increase chilling time. For half, use a smaller dish and check firmness sooner.

Q: Is it safe to leave this at room temperature for a party?
A: In a cool room, the fudge can sit out for a few hours. If temperatures are warm, keep it chilled until serving to avoid softening.

Conclusion

This Easy Cranberry Orange Fudge is a quick, bright, and creamy treat that’s perfect for gift boxes, holiday platters, or a simple homemade dessert. It has a smooth white chocolate base, a fresh citrus aroma, and tart cranberries for contrast. Try the variations and store extras in the fridge or freezer for later. For another detailed version and extra tips, see Broma Bakery’s Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Fudge recipe. Enjoy making and sharing this sweet, festive fudge!