Rich & Creamy Chocolate Orange Fudge: The Ultimate Homemade Holiday Treat
Discover the magic of old-fashioned confectionery with our incredible Chocolate Orange Fudge recipe! This delightful treat is made from scratch, boasting the vibrant tang of fresh orange zest perfectly balanced with the sweet, indulgent richness of chocolate chips and the silky texture of marshmallow fluff. These luscious fudge squares are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite, making them an absolute must-have for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you crave something truly extraordinary.
Are you searching for an orange chocolate fudge recipe that promises unparalleled creaminess and zero graininess? Look no further! You’ve landed in the perfect place. This recipe masterfully combines the classic pairing of chocolate and orange, creating a sweet confection that is both bright and decadent. The refreshing citrus notes of orange perfectly cut through the deep, luxurious flavor of chocolate, resulting in a harmonious and utterly addictive combination that will leave everyone reaching for more. Prepare to impress your taste buds and your guests with this exceptional homemade fudge.
There’s something undeniably special about old-fashioned fudge, especially during the festive holiday season. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and generosity, making it a cherished annual tradition in my kitchen. For the foundation of this exquisite chocolate orange fudge, I’ve used my trusted Never Fail Fudge recipe, which guarantees a consistent, smooth texture every time. To this perfect base, I’ve folded in the delicate yet distinct aroma and flavor of fresh orange zest. The result is a beautifully nuanced orange flavoring – subtle enough not to overpower the rich chocolate, yet present enough to provide that delightful citrus lift.
For those who desire a more pronounced orange “punch,” a simple adjustment can elevate the citrus intensity. I highly recommend stirring in a teaspoon of high-quality orange extract along with the fresh zest. This will amplify the vibrant orange flavor, transforming the fudge into an even bolder citrus-chocolate experience, tailored perfectly to your preference.
Creating homemade fudge squares, much like baking Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies or Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies, brings back a flood of wonderful childhood memories. These classic sweet treats were often reserved for the special magic of the holiday season, transforming our kitchen into a hub of festive activity and delightful aromas. Spending entire days baking alongside my mom, meticulously decorating sugar cookies together, and sharing laughter over bowls of frosting are moments I will forever cherish. This chocolate orange fudge recipe aims to recreate that heartwarming, nostalgic experience, inviting you to create your own cherished memories with loved ones.
WHY THIS HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE RECIPE IS A MUST-TRY
- Effortlessly Easy: You might be surprised by how straightforward this homemade fudge recipe truly is! Designed for simplicity, it involves just a few easy-to-follow steps, allowing you to whip up a batch of this incredibly flavorful chocolate orange fudge in no time. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, promising a delicious result without the fuss.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Prepare for a symphony of flavors! This fudge marries the creamy richness of butter, sugar, and heavy cream with the airy sweetness of marshmallow fluff, then introduces the deep notes of quality chocolate and the bright, aromatic essence of fresh orange zest. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a truly divine taste experience that’s impossible to resist. You’ll definitely want to make an extra batch, as it disappears quickly!
- Perfectly Sweet Indulgence: Whenever a craving for something sweet and deeply satisfying hits, this chocolate orange fudge is your answer. It offers a balanced sweetness that isn’t cloying, allowing the nuanced chocolate and vibrant orange flavors to shine through beautifully. Serve it as a delightful dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sophisticated after-dinner treat – it’s perfect for any moment you desire a luxurious, sweet escape.
- An Ideal Gift for Any Occasion: Beyond being a phenomenal personal indulgence, this old-fashioned fudge is also a thoughtful and impressive gift. Package these delightful squares in charming festive holiday bags, elegant tin dessert boxes, or simple cellophane wrappers tied with a ribbon. It’s a wonderful option for housewarming presents, a delicious contribution to holiday parties and potlucks, or simply as a token of appreciation for friends and family. Its homemade charm and irresistible flavor make it a truly memorable gift.
KEY INGREDIENTS FOR THIS OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE
To create this wonderfully creamy and flavorful chocolate orange fudge, you’ll need a selection of simple yet essential ingredients that work together to achieve its signature texture and taste:
Butter: A full stick of butter is crucial for this recipe. It contributes to the fudge’s rich flavor and smooth texture, ensuring it melts delightfully in your mouth. You can use either salted or unsalted butter; just adjust any added salt in the recipe if using salted butter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar forms the sweet foundation of our fudge. When simmered with butter and cream, it creates a luscious syrup that, combined with other ingredients, sets into that perfect fudge consistency.
Milk: A touch of any dairy milk helps to achieve the ideal liquid balance and creamy finish. Feel free to use your preferred milk variety, from whole to skim.
Heavy Cream: This is a non-negotiable for truly creamy fudge! Heavy cream is essential for providing the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that prevents graininess and elevates the overall texture of the fudge. It ensures a velvety smooth experience with every bite.
Marshmallow Fluff: The marshmallow fluff is the secret ingredient that gives this fudge its incredibly soft, creamy, and non-grainy texture. It helps stabilize the mixture and provides a delightful airy quality. You can easily find store-bought marshmallow fluff in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, or for a homemade touch, you can melt regular marshmallows over low heat until smooth.
Chocolate Chips: I personally prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, as I find their flavor profile to be richer and more balanced against the sweetness. However, if you have a sweeter tooth or prefer a milder chocolate flavor, milk chocolate chips are a fantastic alternative. You could even experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa experience.
Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest is where the magic of the citrus flavor truly comes alive. It infuses the chocolate fudge with a bright, aromatic, and bold citrus note that perfectly complements the chocolate without being overwhelming. For an even more intense orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract along with the zest – it’s a simple trick to pack a bigger citrus punch!
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY ORANGE CHOCOLATE FUDGE STEP-BY-STEP
Crafting the best homemade fudge you’ll ever taste is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few fundamental steps. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, guaranteeing a delicious outcome that you will absolutely adore. Let’s dive into the process!
PREPARE & HEAT INGREDIENTS
Begin by preparing your baking dish. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that there’s an overhang on the sides – this will make it incredibly easy to lift the set fudge out later. Lightly butter the parchment paper for extra non-stick insurance. Once prepared, set this pan aside.
Next, in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Place the saucepan over low to medium-low heat. It’s crucial to stir these ingredients frequently to prevent them from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Keep a close watch on the mixture as it heats. The goal is for the cream mixture to reach a temperature of 236 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as the “medium softball stage” in candy making. Using a reliable candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Once it hits the target temperature, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat to stop the cooking process.
INCORPORATE CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE
Immediately after removing the hot syrup from the heat, add the entire container of marshmallow fluff to the saucepan. Follow this by adding your chosen chocolate chips. Stir these ingredients vigorously and continuously until both the marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is wonderfully smooth and uniform. Ensure there are no lumps of chocolate or marshmallow remaining.
Once the fudge base is perfectly smooth, it’s time for the star flavor: the orange! Add the fresh orange zest to the mixture. If you opted for additional orange extract to boost the citrus notes, now is the moment to stir it in as well. Mix thoroughly to ensure the orange flavor is evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
CHILL AND ENJOY
Carefully spread the warm, delicious fudge mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to ensure it reaches all corners and has a smooth top. Once spread, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill. Allow it to cool and set for at least two hours, or until the fudge is completely firm. The chilling process is crucial for achieving the perfect sliceable texture.
Once the fudge is firmly set, gently lift it out of the pan by grasping the overhanging edges of the parchment paper. Place the entire slab of fudge onto a clean cutting board. Carefully peel away and discard the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into small, uniform squares. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for serving and sharing!
To maintain its freshness and creamy texture, store any leftover chocolate orange fudge in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place, or for extended freshness, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator. This fudge also freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for making ahead. Simply transfer squares to a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to four months. Enjoy this delightful homemade treat!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If this irresistible chocolate orange fudge recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to save it for future baking adventures. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily find it whenever that fudge craving strikes or when you’re planning your next holiday baking session!
EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, fold in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or cashews just before spreading the fudge into the pan. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fudge.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: This fudge is perfect for making ahead! Once completely set and cut into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe airtight bag or container. It will keep perfectly in the freezer for up to four months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever a craving hits.
- Enhance with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top of the fudge just after it’s spread into the pan adds a sophisticated touch. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a delicious sweet and salty contrast that makes the fudge even more addictive.
- White Chocolate Variation: For a delightful twist, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. You’ll create a stunning White Chocolate Orange Fudge that is equally delicious and visually appealing, especially for festive occasions.
- Chocolate Bar Alternative: No chocolate chips on hand? No problem! You can easily use high-quality chopped chocolate bars as a substitute. Just ensure they are finely chopped to melt smoothly into the hot mixture.
- Temperature is Key: Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the sugar mixture reaches precisely 236 degrees F (medium softball stage). This precision is vital for the fudge to set correctly and achieve its creamy, non-grainy texture. Don’t eyeball it!
- Stirring Prevents Scorching: When heating the butter, sugar, milk, and cream, stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. This ensures an even cook and prevents off-flavors.
- Quick Setting: While two hours is the minimum, allowing the fudge to chill longer, even overnight, often results in an even firmer and easier-to-cut fudge.
- Clean Cuts: For perfectly neat squares, use a large, sharp knife. You can even run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent sticking and achieve cleaner edges.
MORE FUDGE RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE TO EXPLORE
If you’ve fallen in love with the art of fudge making, or simply enjoy indulging in these sweet, creamy delights, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic fudge recipes from our collection that we think you’ll absolutely adore:
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
- Grinch Fudge
- Mint Fudge
- Eggnog Fudge
- Caramel, Toffee, and Pecan Fudge
- Candy Bar Fudge
Today marks an exciting #CandyFudgeFavorites Day, and I’m thrilled to be collaborating with a wonderful group of fellow food blogging buddies to bring you an array of delightful new recipes! This special event was thoughtfully organized by my friend, Jennifer, who manages the fantastic blogs Take Two Tapas and Leftovers Then Breakfast! Be sure to explore all the incredible recipes shared by our talented community, listed at the very bottom of this post.
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and inspiration, let’s get into the kitchen and make some truly spectacular Chocolate Orange Fudge! 
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Print Recipe
Chocolate Orange Fudge
Equipment
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Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
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Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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Candy Thermometer
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Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (any dairy milk)
- 1 stick butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 7 ounce container marshmallow fluff
- 1 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
- 4 teaspoons fresh orange zest
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange extract for stronger flavor
Instructions
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Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal. Lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, milk, and heavy cream. Heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Using a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture reaches exactly 236 degrees F (medium-soft ball stage). Immediately remove from heat once the temperature is reached.
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Stir in the marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips into the hot mixture. Stir vigorously and continuously until both are completely melted and the fudge is perfectly smooth with no lumps.
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Fold in the fresh orange zest. If using, also add 1 teaspoon of orange extract at this stage for a more intense orange flavor. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
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Promptly spread the warm fudge mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until it is completely firm and set. This allows the fudge to achieve its ideal texture.
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Once set, remove the fudge from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Peel off the paper and place the fudge slab on a cutting board. Cut into small, uniform squares using a sharp knife. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place or the refrigerator. Fudge can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!
Nutrition
Welcome to #CandyFudgeFavorites Day, a delightful event hosted by Jennifer from Take Two Tapas! We’re diving headfirst into the festive spirit, celebrating the cherished holiday tradition of crafting delicious homemade candy and fudge!
Join me and my fellow talented bloggers as we joyfully share our absolute favorite holiday candy and fudge recipes today. I’m certain you’ll rediscover some beloved classics, and I sincerely hope you find many exciting new treats to add to your holiday repertoire!
- Rocky Road Fudge from Jennifer at Take Two Tapas
- Crockpot Peanut Clusters from Jennifer at Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Chocolate Orange Fudge- from Michaela at An Affair From The Heart (That’s this recipe!)
- Champagne Truffles from Kathleen at The Fresh Cooky
- Candied Bacon from Kathy from Lemon Blossoms
- Slow Cooker Fudge from Ashley at Cheese Curd In Paradise
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Almond Fudge from Julie at Hostess at Heart
- Rocky Road Clusters from Kathryn at Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Sponge Candy from Inger at Art of Natural Living
- Bourbon Bacon Buckeyes from Terri at Our Good Life
- Honeycomb Candy from Jennifer at Jen Around the World
- Haystacks from Ellen at Family Around the Table
- Peppermint Pretzels from Rebecca at Devour Dinner
- Chocolate Almond Cranberry Clusters from Nicole at Daily Dish Recipes
- Turtle Fudge from Heather at Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Ube Coconut Truffles from Sue at Palatable Pastime
- Christmas Gum Drop Nougat Candy from Amy at Savory Moments
- Coconut Balls from Sheila at Life Love and Good Food
- Milk Chocolate Fudge from Radha at Magical Ingredients