Orange Dreamsicle Fudge is one of those treats folks start asking about whenever the weather warms up.
I mean, who doesn’t wanna bite into a creamy, citrusy square that brings back good memories? Last summer, I nearly drove myself mad hunting for a no-fuss recipe because store-bought just didn’t hit the spot.
Trust me, once you get this orange dreamsicle fudge right, it’s like you’re the neighborhood fudge wizard. If you’re after quick fudge ideas, you might want to check out this easy dessert collection, too.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Fudge
Let’s get straight into it: whipping up this fudge is honestly easier than parallel parking on an empty street (and I am not a great parker). You’ll need white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, a splash of orange extract, and a tiny bit of orange food coloring.
First, you melt the white chips and condensed milk (low heat, please, microwaves work if you’re careful). Once smooth, take half that mixture and add a few drops of the orange stuff—both extract and color. Swirl the two mixtures together in your lined pan. Looks so pretty you’ll have trouble waiting.
I remember my niece’s eyes popping wide the first time we swirled these – she said it looked like a sunset in a pan. Then, let that pan chill out in the fridge for at least three hours, though overnight’s best if you can manage it (I can’t usually wait that long!). Cut into squares once set. And honestly, that’s really it.
“I doubted it’d taste like those orange push-pops from the ice cream truck, but wow—one bite and I was seven years old again! So creamy and dreamy.”
orange dreamsicle fudge
Tips for Making Easy Creamsicle Fudge
So, let’s be real – you can totally mess this up if you rush or ignore the details, and you’ll end up smushing fudge sadness instead of serving up joy. Here’s a batch of little tricks from my own kitchen flops and wins:
- Don’t skimp on the orange extract. More is not always better, but too little and nobody even tastes it.
- I found that lining your pan with parchment paper makes removing the fudge about twelve times easier.
- Stir like your happiness depends on it, especially when melting things together, so you avoid any funky burnt flavors.
- If you want a little extra zing, add in some zest from a real orange—trust me, it wakes up everything.
Once you’ve nailed these, you’ll have the best orange dreamsicle fudge on the block.
orange dreamsicle fudge
What Size Pan Should I Use for Fudge?
Okay, no one wants fudge squares the thickness of a magazine, right? I stick with an 8×8-inch square pan for this orange dreamsicle fudge. The height turns out just right, and you don’t end up with wafer-thin sad pieces.
Any bigger, and you won’t get that glorious chewy middle layer; smaller pans make things way too thick, like you’re eating candy bricks. If you want bite-sized chunks, just cut smaller squares. But the 8×8 is the golden ticket pan for me.
One thing to avoid: those disposable tinfoil pans. They can bend on you, and then your fudge ends up uneven. I learned that the hard way at a friend’s Fourth-of-July cookout; my fudge squares looked like wobbly Legos. Stick to glass or quality nonstick.
orange dreamsicle fudge
How Do I Prepare the Pan for Fudge?
You’d think just pouring the fudge mixture into the pan would be fine…but that’s a no. Always line your pan with parchment paper or wax paper before anything else. Give a little edge for easy lifting.
For bonus points, spray the paper with some nonstick oil. It saves your arms later, promise.
I usually crumple the paper first – it fits better that way and stays in place. Your future self will thank you when you just lift the entire block out like a magician pulling a tablecloth. No sticky scrape-fest, no broken-up chunks.
orange dreamsicle fudge
How to Store Fudge
Don’t just leave the orange dreamsicle fudge out on the counter, unless you wanna eat rocks tomorrow.
After you’ve carved out your squares, stash them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll last for up to a week, but they taste best at room temp, so take out what you’ll eat ahead of time.
If you made a huge batch or are saving some for a sweet craving next month—freeze it! Just wrap well in wax paper and toss in a zip-top bag. I’ve snuck chunks straight from the freezer and, yes, they were still totally delicious.
Want more ways to treat yourself like a five-star fudge chef? I totally recommend this CREAMSICLE FUDGE: 4-ingredient orange creamsicle fudge for another easy take, especially if you’re all about quick fixes and pantry staples.
Seriously, once you get comfortable making orange dreamsicle fudge, it’s kinda addictive. Try playing with the recipe, maybe throw in a handful of mini marshmallows or even swirl in some real orange juice.
Fudge life’s all about experimenting—and probably a few happy kitchen accidents.
orange dreamsicle fudge
Print
Orange Dreamsicle Fudge
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, citrusy fudge that brings back nostalgic memories of summer with its delightful orange flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Divide the mixture in half and add a few drops of orange extract and food coloring to one half.
- In a lined 8×8-inch square pan, swirl the two mixtures together.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours before cutting into squares.
Notes
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and consider adding orange zest for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg