Make your holidays brighter with Cran-Orange Spice Fudge! A creamy, citrus-spiced treat with cranberries and pecans, perfect for gifting and winter celebrations!
If you’ve been craving a holiday treat that feels bright and comforting at the same time, this Cran-Orange Spice Fudge is for you! I wanted something fresh and warm, without cinnamon, and that brought a little color and texture to the table. The mix of orange, cranberries, pecans, and winter spices does exactly that.
The flavor hits in layers. First the brightness of the orange, then the soft warmth from cardamom, nutmeg, and clove. The cranberries add little sweet and tart, and the pecans give a quiet crunch that keeps the fudge earthy and not too sweet. The white chocolate base pulls everything together and gives it a smooth, creamy finish.
It’s simple to make and sets up beautifully, which makes it a great option for easy gifting or adding to a dessert tray. Mostly though, it tastes like winter holidays in a way that feels calm and cozy, like hot chocolate in front of a fireplace. Here’s how to make it.
Brighten Your Season! Fudge Recipe: Cran-Orange Spice Fudge
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy16
servings325
kcal3
hoursA bright and cozy holiday fudge with orange, warm spices, cranberries, and pecans in a creamy white chocolate base. Simple to make and perfect for winter.
Ingredients
- Base
3 cups white chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Magic Line Butter Vanilla Emulsion, optional
1/4 teaspoon ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1 to 2 small pinches white pepper
- Mix Ins
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 to 2/3 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped, optional
Orange zest to taste, optional
Directions
- Prepare the pan
Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides so you can lift the fudge out easily later. - Melt the base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Alternatively, you can use a double-boiler to avoid scorching.
Stir slowly and consistently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Keep the heat low so the chocolate does not scorch.
* Alternative Method *
Place these ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Stir. Mixture will be very thick and sticky. Microwave on med-med/high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between, until everything is smooth and melted completely.
- Add flavor and spices
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the orange extract, vanilla extract, butter vanilla emulsion, ginger paste, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, allspice, and white pepper. If you are using orange zest, add that now to taste.
Taste a very small amount carefully. Adjust the orange or spices if needed, keeping the ginger subtle.
- Add cranberries and pecans
Fold in the dried cranberries and toasted pecans until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour and chill
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the fudge is completely set.
- Slice and store
Lift the fudge out of the pan and cut it into squares.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For a variation of this fudge, with no seeds or nuts for allergies, simply do not add mix-ins. It makes a wonderful spiced white chocolate fudge all on it’s own!
I hope this Cran-Orange Spice Fudge brings a little brightness to your winter days! It’s simple, cozy, and easy to share, whether you’re gifting it or keeping a batch in the fridge for yourself. If you try it, I’d love to know how it turns out for you in the comments below!
If you liked this recipe, share it with someone who could use a sweet winter treat!
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