Orange Dreamsicle Fudge is a decadent, smooth, and flavorful treat that embodies the essence of a classic summer dessert – the creamy and refreshing Orange Creamsicle. This candy-like treat combines the richness of white chocolate with a burst of tangy orange, creating a perfectly balanced bite of sweetness and citrus. Whether you’re planning to indulge in this sweet treat on a cozy evening or sharing it at a holiday party, Orange Dreamsicle Fudge brings joy to any occasion.
PrintOrange Dreamsicle Fudge
🍊🍬 Craving something sweet and citrusy? This Orange Dreamsicle Fudge is your perfect treat! 😋✨ With a luscious, creamy texture and a refreshing orange flavor, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. 🧡 Perfect for any occasion, this dreamy fudge will bring sunshine to your day, no matter the weather! 🌞🍊
#OrangeFudge #DreamsicleDelight #CitrusGoodness #FudgeAddict #SweetCitrus #CreamyIndulgence #OrangeMagic #DessertInspo #TropicalTreats #FudgeLovers 🍊🍬✨
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup heavy cream – for richness
- 3 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – for smoothness
- 7 oz marshmallow cream – for a fluffy texture
- 2 cups white chocolate chips – for the base flavor
- 3 teaspoons orange extract – for a citrusy aroma
- Orange food coloring (up to 10 drops) – for the signature swirl
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease the pan lightly with a little butter or cooking spray, and then line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the fudge once it’s set. The parchment paper should overhang on all sides, which will help you lift the fudge out of the pan when it’s ready.
Step 2: Cook the Base Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the butter has melted, and the sugar has dissolved completely. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring regularly, until it reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer. This temperature is referred to as the “softball stage” in candy making, and it’s the key to achieving the perfect consistency for your fudge. Be patient during this step, as the mixture will need to reach this specific temperature to form the ideal texture once it cools.
Step 3: Add Marshmallow Cream and White Chocolate Chips
Once the mixture has reached the right temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Both ingredients will melt into the mixture, creating a rich and creamy base for your fudge. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and all the white chocolate chips have melted.
Step 4: Divide the Mixture
Now, it’s time to separate the base mixture for the signature swirls of orange and white. Pour 1 cup of the fudge mixture into a separate bowl. To the remaining mixture in the saucepan, add 3 teaspoons of orange extract and orange food coloring. Stir well to incorporate the extract and color, creating the vibrant orange layer of the fudge.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Next, pour the orange-colored fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the white fudge mixture on top of the orange fudge. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the white fudge into the orange fudge. The goal is to create a marbled effect that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Be gentle while swirling to avoid overmixing – the marbling is part of the charm of this fudge.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 2 hours. During this time, the fudge will firm up, allowing you to cut it into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it at room temperature for a few hours, but the fridge works best to speed up the setting process.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Orange Dreamsicle Fudge makes a fantastic gift, whether wrapped in cellophane or placed in a decorative box. It’s also perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family. This fudge pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee or tea, offering a delightful contrast between the sweet, citrusy fudge and the richness of a hot drink.
- If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this fudge is incredibly addictive), you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, be sure to wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
The beauty of this fudge lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in its aesthetic appeal. Its vibrant orange swirls mixed with smooth, creamy white chocolate make it a visually stunning confection. This makes it a fantastic choice for parties, holiday gatherings, or any event where you want to impress your guests with both the flavor and look of your homemade treats.
What Makes Orange Dreamsicle Fudge So Special?
When you think of indulgence, fudge is often one of the first things that come to mind. It’s sweet, it’s creamy, and it melts in your mouth. But, the best part about fudge is its versatility. From chocolate to caramel to fruit-infused variations, there’s a flavor of fudge to suit every taste.
Orange Dreamsicle Fudge is a particular treat because it merges two of the most beloved dessert flavors: white chocolate and orange. Together, they create a smooth, velvety fudge that melts in your mouth while offering a refreshing citrusy zing. The vibrant orange color from the food coloring makes this treat not just a delight to taste, but a visual spectacle as well.
Another reason this fudge stands out is its no-bake nature. Most fudge recipes require you to cook the mixture, often using a candy thermometer to ensure the perfect texture. But with this recipe, there’s no need for precise temperature control or tricky techniques. The ease of preparation is one of the reasons this Orange Dreamsicle Fudge has become a go-to for many. All you need is a bit of patience while it cools, and you’re left with a deliciously simple yet impressive treat.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Making the perfect batch of Orange Dreamsicle Fudge begins with gathering a handful of high-quality ingredients. While this recipe doesn’t require anything overly complicated, each ingredient contributes to the fudge’s smoothness, sweetness, and rich flavor. Let’s break down each one:
- Heavy Cream (2/3 cup): Heavy cream is the secret to creating a silky smooth texture in the fudge. The richness it provides helps bind all the ingredients together, ensuring that the fudge sets perfectly. The cream also helps to give the fudge a luxurious mouthfeel that makes each bite a heavenly experience.
- Granulated Sugar (3 cups): The sugar in this recipe is essential for sweetness. Sugar not only provides the necessary sweetness but also contributes to the fudge’s structure. The sugar dissolves into the heavy cream and butter, allowing for a smooth, creamy texture once cooled.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, melted): Butter adds richness to the fudge, giving it a smooth, velvety consistency. The melted butter mixes seamlessly with the sugar and cream to form the base of the fudge. Using unsalted butter ensures that the fudge doesn’t become overly salty, allowing the sweet and citrusy flavors to shine.
- Marshmallow Cream (7 oz): Marshmallow cream is often used in fudge recipes to give it that fluffy texture and to help the mixture firm up once cooled. It creates a light and airy quality that balances out the richness of the cream and butter.
- White Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The white chocolate is the star of the show in this recipe. It provides the fudge with its sweet, creamy, and slightly milky flavor. When paired with orange extract, the white chocolate acts as the perfect base for the citrus notes to shine through.
- Orange Extract (3 teaspoons): Orange extract is used to infuse the fudge with that unmistakable citrus aroma and flavor. This extract is the key to transforming this fudge from a simple white chocolate fudge into the bright, zesty Orange Dreamsicle variety. It gives the fudge a natural and refreshing orange flavor that balances out the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Orange Food Coloring (up to 10 drops): Orange food coloring is not essential for flavor, but it’s perfect for giving the fudge that signature swirled look. A few drops of food coloring are all you need to create that beautiful orange hue that makes this treat so visually stunning.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create a batch of Orange Dreamsicle Fudge that will make you the star of any party or holiday gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Orange Dreamsicle Fudge
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of making this irresistible fudge. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making fudge from scratch – this recipe is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease the pan lightly with a little butter or cooking spray, and then line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the fudge once it’s set. The parchment paper should overhang on all sides, which will help you lift the fudge out of the pan when it’s ready.
Step 2: Cook the Base Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the butter has melted, and the sugar has dissolved completely. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring regularly, until it reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer. This temperature is referred to as the “softball stage” in candy making, and it’s the key to achieving the perfect consistency for your fudge. Be patient during this step, as the mixture will need to reach this specific temperature to form the ideal texture once it cools.
Step 3: Add Marshmallow Cream and White Chocolate Chips
Once the mixture has reached the right temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Both ingredients will melt into the mixture, creating a rich and creamy base for your fudge. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and all the white chocolate chips have melted.
Step 4: Divide the Mixture
Now, it’s time to separate the base mixture for the signature swirls of orange and white. Pour 1 cup of the fudge mixture into a separate bowl. To the remaining mixture in the saucepan, add 3 teaspoons of orange extract and orange food coloring. Stir well to incorporate the extract and color, creating the vibrant orange layer of the fudge.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Next, pour the orange-colored fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the white fudge mixture on top of the orange fudge. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the white fudge into the orange fudge. The goal is to create a marbled effect that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Be gentle while swirling to avoid overmixing – the marbling is part of the charm of this fudge.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 2 hours. During this time, the fudge will firm up, allowing you to cut it into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it at room temperature for a few hours, but the fridge works best to speed up the setting process.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Orange Dreamsicle Fudge makes a fantastic gift, whether wrapped in cellophane or placed in a decorative box. It’s also perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your family. This fudge pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee or tea, offering a delightful contrast between the sweet, citrusy fudge and the richness of a hot drink.
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this fudge is incredibly addictive), you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, be sure to wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
Orange Dreamsicle Fudge is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of citrus and creamy white chocolate. With its vibrant orange color, its smooth texture, and its unforgettable flavor, it’s a treat that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet moment, this fudge is sure to be a hit.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself to a batch of this creamy, citrusy delight. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so wonderfully delicious.