Chocolate Orange Cranberry Fudge Recipe: Zesty Holiday Truffle Bars

This Chocolate Orange Cranberry Fudge is an easy, festive treat perfect for the holidays and for gift giving. With just a few simple ingredients you can make a rich, chocolatey fudge brightened by orange and studded with cranberries and pecans.

Some flavor combinations become favorites you return to again and again. For me, chocolate and orange are one of those pairings. I have fond memories of orange-flavored chocolate from childhood, sometimes with nuts mixed in, and that inspired this fudge. I added dried cranberries because they’re a seasonal favorite and complement the orange and chocolate beautifully. Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and deepen the texture.

I first made this fudge a while ago and held off sharing it until the season felt right. Orange and chocolate make a festive duo, and this fudge is an easy way to bring those flavors together for holiday gatherings or homemade gifts. Wrap pieces in small bags for a thoughtful present—who doesn’t love receiving chocolate?

Fudge recipes are popular during the holidays because they’re quick, adaptable, and make great gifts. Swap or add mix-ins to suit your taste, but this chocolate orange cranberry version strikes a lovely balance of creamy chocolate, bright citrus, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans.

Method

Line an 8×8-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhanging edges for easy removal. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick spray and set the pan aside.

Place a pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine.

Continue stirring until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the orange zest and orange extract, then remove from heat.

Fold in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.

Pour the warm mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle additional orange zest and a few extra dried cranberries on the surface for presentation, if desired. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until fully set.

When the fudge has set, lift it from the pan using the foil overhang and cut into squares.

Store the fudge in the refrigerator. It will stay firm and should keep for 2–3 weeks when refrigerated, though it rarely lasts that long!

*You can leave the fudge at room temperature for short periods, but refrigeration keeps it firmer and helps it last longer.

Ingredients

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 3/4 teaspoon orange extract
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter and chocolate chips.
3. Pour in the condensed milk and stir until everything is combined.
4. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, then stir in orange zest and orange extract.
5. Remove from heat and fold in chopped pecans and dried cranberries.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and garnish with extra zest and cranberries if desired.
7. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until set, then cut into squares.
8. Store refrigerated for up to 2–3 weeks.

Chocolate Orange Cranberry Fudge