This Chocolate Orange Fudge is the perfect easy-to-make Christmas treat for the holidays! It comes together in minutes and is made with only 3 simple ingredients! A quick and easy microwave fudge recipe – no candy thermometer required!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
It’s almost Christmas!! I don’t know about you guys but I feel like December is being swallowed up right before my eyes and I’d better get my you-know-what in gear before it’s the 24th and I haven’t done any Christmas shopping or Christmas baking (insert scared face emoji here)! Thankfully, this Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Fudge will save the day, at least as far as my Christmas baking is concerned.
When it comes to Christmas, we’re actually pretty chilled out. We’re minimal on the gifts and parties and try to focus on giving more than receiving. But one thing I ALWAYS do is deliver homemade Christmas treats to our friends and neighbours. My favourite Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are always on the list of treats I make, as well as these delectable Whipped Shortbread Cookies. And this year, this Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Fudge has made the list!
Unlike most complicated fudge recipes that need to be boiled and measured with a candy thermometer, making fudge with sweetened condensed milk lets you cut through all the complicated steps and make delicious fudge in minutes with almost no effort at all!
Start with high-quality chocolate and real canned sweetened condensed milk. The better the ingredients, the tastier your fudge will be and the more easily it will come together. Avoid chocolate or sweetened condensed milk with a lot of additives and a long ingredients list. These added ingredients can cause the fudge to separate and can prevent it from having the perfect texture.
Finely chopping the chocolate allows for quicker and more even melting, whether you’re using the microwave or stovetop. Be sure to use baking chocolate that you chop yourself or baking chocolate discs meant for baking and melting. Avoid using chocolate chips.
Consistent heat is key. If you’re using a microwave, heat the mixture in short bursts at medium to low temperature and stir frequently to prevent overheating or hot spots. On the stovetop, a low and steady heat and using a non-stick saucepan will prevent the bottom from scorching.
Patience pays off! When mixing the hot sweetened condensed milk with your chocolate, do it gently with a silicone spatula, not a whisk, and mix patiently until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate is melted.
Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Leave an overhang to lift the fudge out once it’s set for easy slicing.
Setting time is crucial. Refrigerate your fudge until it’s completely set, which can take a couple of hours. Rushing this process can result in a fudgy, sticky mess and pieces of fudge that don’t keep their shape.
Here’s a trick for cutting cleanly: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest, cleanest squares.
This often happens if the sugar in the condensed milk recrystallizes. To avoid this, make sure to stir the mixture just enough to blend the ingredients, but not too much as to introduce excess sugar crystals.
If your fudge hasn’t set properly, it might need more time in the fridge. However, if it’s still soft after adequate chilling, it may be due to under-measured chocolate or over-measured condensed milk.
This can be the result of overcooking the chocolate and condensed milk mixture or using too much chocolate. Remember, gentle heat and accurate measurements are your friends.
If the fats seem to separate from the mixture, it can be due to overheating, overmixing, or using poor quality ingredients. Next time, reduce the heat and heat slowly. Be sure to mix until just combined.
Be sure your condensed milk is not past its expiry date as it can affect how the fudge sets. Also, check that you’ve used the correct ratio of ingredients.
When it comes to holiday baking fudge is a classic treat! We’ve shared so many holiday sweets and treats with you here on The Busy Baker – here are our readers’ favourites:
- Whipped Shortbread Holiday Cookies (Christmas)
- Earl Grey Cookies with Lemon Glaze (Shortbread Recipe)
- Oreo Fudge
- Peppermint White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Homemade Twix Bars)
- Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Fudge
And if you’re looking for more delicious holiday recipes, we have a FREE Guide to surviving the holidays with all the best tips, tricks and recipes for simple holiday meals. Sign up for FREE below:
And there’s more where that came from! Our Easy No Fail Holiday Meals Guide is available now in The Busy Baker Shop!
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY MEAL IDEAS AND RECIPES?
GET MY EASY NO-FAIL HOLIDAY MEALS E-COOKBOOK!
Here’s a list of the basic kitchen equipment you’ll need to make this delicious stovetop or microwave easy fudge recipe (paid links):
- a medium-sized pot, bonus if it’s non-stick
- measuring cups
- a chopping board
- a good knife for chopping
- a silicone spatula
- an 8-inch by 8-inch square baking pan
- parchment paper
- a microwave (optional, for the microwave version)
- a microwave-safe mixing bowl (optional, for the microwave version)
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy chocolate orange fudge (paid links):
- 500 grams semi-sweet chocolate (approximately 18 ounces)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
- zest of one orange optional
- orange slices for decorating optional
Time needed: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Follow these steps to make this easy fudge recipe!
- Prepare your pan.
Spray your square pan lightly and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Use medium-low heat.
In order to achieve the right texture, be sure to use medium-low or low heat.
- Stir gently.
Whisking the mixture will create air bubbles inside the fudge which will appear when you slice it. To avoid this, stir gently with a silicone spatula.
- Use high-quality chocolate.
The quality of your fudge largely depends on the quality of the chocolate you use. Choose a high-quality chocolate meant for baking, like baking chocolate or couverture chocolate, for best results.
- Refrigerate to set.
Set your fudge in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until set.
- Slice it into small pieces.
Fudge is a rich and indulgent treat so slice it into very small slices (a small square pan will give you 16 slices or more). Store the fudge in the fridge until ready to serve.
To make this recipe even easier, here’s how to make this Chocolate Orange Fudge recipe in the microwave:
- Add the sweetened condensed milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Chop the chocolate into very small pieces and set it aside.
- Microwave the sweetened condensed milk in 30 to 45 second increments at 50% power until it’s hot and very liquid. It should become very fluid.
- Add the chopped chocolate to the hot sweetened condensed milk along with the orange extract and stir gently with a silicone spatula. Try not to incorporate any air into the mixture – you simply want the chocolate to melt in the warm liquid.
- Once the chocolate has melted completely, pour it into the prepared pan and refrigerate to set.
What is in homemade fudge?
This recipe contains only 3 ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and orange extract.
What is the secret to good fudge?
The secret to good fudge is high-quality chocolate. Be sure to use chocolate meant for melting and baking for best results.
Can I make fudge without using a candy thermometer?
Yes! Our 3-ingredient recipe doesn’t require one. Just be sure to follow the cooking times and instructions closely.
Can I make fudge with milk chocolate?
We recommend making easy fudge with semi-sweet chocolate, not milk chocolate. The second ingredient in this recipe is sweetened condensed milk, so using a stronger chocolate is recommended.
How long does homemade fudge last?
Homemade fudge can last up to 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored longer if frozen.
Why did my homemade fudge separate?
If it separated, it’s likely because the mixture cooled too quickly, probably because the sweetened condensed milk wasn’t hot enough. It could also be that the chocolate used had additives or preservatives that prevent it from mixing well. Be sure to use high-quality chocolate so your fudge is smooth.
Should I add salt to homemade fudge?
Adding salt to homemade fudge is optional but adding a pinch or two of salt can enhance the flavour.
We hope you love this Chocolate Orange Fudge recipe as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favourite flavour of fudge for the holidays?
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Chocolate Orange Fudge
Recipe: Equipment
Recipe: Ingredients
- 500 grams semi-sweet chocolate (approximately 18 ounces)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
- zest of one orange optional
- orange slices for decorating optional
Recipe: Instructions
- Chop the chocolate finely and set it aside. Line an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Heat the sweetened condensed milk and orange extract (and orange zest, if you wish) in the microwave on 50% power for 30-45 second increments until it's hot.
- Alternatively, in a medium saucepan over medium low heat, heat the sweetened condensed milk until it's very warm (not boiling). Remove it from the heat.
- Add the chopped chocolate into the hot milk and stir gently with a silicone spatula until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is combined.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the lined pan, smoothing out the top.
- Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until completely set.
- Slice into small squares, garnish with some additional orange zest or orange slices (I like to dip my orange slices in sugar before garnishing) and serve.
Recipe: Notes
Storage Instructions
Store this fudge in an airtight container for up to one week.Freezer Instructions
This fudge freezes well and it can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
I love to bake and it’s confusing when I’m baking for a diabetic. Do you have yummy receipts too? Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Hi Cynthia, I’m not sure what you mean, but I don’t really share dessert recipes for diabetics. Feel free to check out any of my healthy recipes that would be great for someone with diabetes! 🙂
How much orange extract ? It doesn’t say. I want a hint of orange flavor so you know it’s there but not to over power the chocolate.
Depending on your preference you can use a few drops or up to 1/2 tsp.
Check out any low carb or keto websites.
How much orange extract is needed? Can i get a quantity please?
I’d suggest reading the instructions on the bottle of orange extract – some kinds call for only a few drops (because they’re orange essence, kind of like an essential oil), and some are like vanilla extract and you can add about 1/2 teaspoon. If you’re still not sure, taste a drop you’ll know right away how strong it is. It’s always a good idea to add a little, taste, and then add more if needed. Hope that helps!
If you’ve made this how much orange extract did you use????????
Add it to tour taste! Use a few drops, try it and decide if you want more or not. Happy baking! ☺️
What weight do you class as a small tin of condensed milk please?
14 oz or 397 gr