When winter rolls around and you want something special , this Cranberrіes and оrange honey fudge is just the thing . It’s soft and creamy , and has a mix of tart berries and sweet citrus that makes you smile . Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this simple treat .
We put Cranberrіes and oranges into fudge because the sharp berry taste and the sweet orange juice play off each other so nice . Using hоney instead of sugar gives a warm flavor and it’s a bit healthier too , since hоney has good stuff like antioxidants . So this fudge feels like an indulgence without too much guilt .
History of Fudge
Fudge started in the late 1800s in the United States . A candy maker in Baltimore made a recipe with sugar , butter , and milk and called it “fudgy” . It was a hit right away , and people all over made their own versions .
Over time , cooks tried all kinds of flavors—from plain chocolate to nuts and fruits . Fruit fudges like Cranberrіes and оrange showed how creative home bakers could be . Today you see artisan shops selling fancy flavors that keep fudge popular all year long .
The Inspiration Behind Cranberry Orange Honey Fudge
This fudge came from wanting a festive treat with bright colors and bold tastes . The tart berries balance the sweet citrus perfectly , making each bite pop . It’s great for holiday parties or just a fun snack on a chilly day .
We chose hоney over white sugar because it gives a deeper flavor and helps the fudgе stay moist . Plus it adds some natural benefits that plain sugar doesn’t have .
Nutritional Benefits
Cranberrіes are packed with vitamin C and fiber . They fight inflammation and help you go to the bathroom easier . Oranges also have loads of vitamin C , plus potassium and folate that keep your body happy .
Honey is more than just sweet . It can soothe a sore throat and has antioxidants too . Using hоney keeps the fudgе soft and gives it a nice shine .
Ingredients
To make this Cranberry Orange Honey Fudge , you need:
- 200g cocoa butter or white chocolate
- 1 can sweetened condensed mіlk
- ½ cup hоney
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 оrange
- 2 tablespoon оrange juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
- Clear your counter and line a pan with parchment paper .
- Melt cocoa butter or chocolate in a double boiler or microwave , stirring every 20 seconds .
- Take it off the heat and stir in condensed mіlk and hоney until smooth .
- Fold in cranberries , оrange zest , and juice .
- Add salt and nuts if you like , then mix well .
- Pour into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula .
- Chill in fridge for 2–3 hours or until set , then cut into squares .
Tip: If your fudgе feels too soft , give it more time in the fridge or add a bit more chocolate . Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week .
Variations
You can swap nuts—try almonds or pistachios . Dried cherries or apricots work too if you want a different fruit twist . For vegan fudge , use plant-based condensed mіlk and dairy-free chocolate , and swap hоney for maple syrup .
Seasonal Appeal and Occasions
This fudge is perfect for holiday feasts , bake sales , or family picnics . Cut it into bite-sized pieces and put them in colorful liners for a pretty display . Wrapped in cellophane , it makes a nice homemade gift .
FAQs
What can I use instead of hоney? Maple syrup , agave nectar , or brown rice syrup work well .
Can I make this fudge vegan? Yes , just use plant-based condensed mіlk and dairy-free chocolate .
How long does it last? At room temperature in an airtight box , about one week . In the fridge , up to two weeks .
Can I freeze it? Sure . Wrap the pieces in plastic and freeze for up to three months .
Why is my fudgе soft? It might need more chill time or a bit more chocolate to firm up .
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Honey Fudge brings sweet , tart , and creamy all in one bite . Give this easy recipe a try and share it at your next get-together .
References
For more fudge ideas and nutrition info on berries , oranges , and hоney , check out trusted food blogs and cookbooks .
Cranberry Orange Honey Fudge
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 9x9 inch square baking dish
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
- 1 refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 unit zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and evaporated milk. Stir until well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the unsalted butter and honey. Continuously stir the mixture until the butter has melted and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours.
- Once completely cooled and set, remove the fudge from the dish using the parchment paper (if used) and cut it into 12 squares or pieces.
