Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamsicle fudge! It’s like biting into summer sunshine wrapped in a sweet, creamy cloud of vanilla and orange bliss. Seriously, the moment you take a bite, you’re transported back to those carefree childhood days of enjoying a frozen creamsicle on a hot afternoon. I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hot summer, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s so easy to whip up, and the flavor combination is just divine! Trust me, once you taste this fudge, you’ll be hooked. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or just indulging in by yourself while binge-watching your favorite show. So, let’s dive into making this delightful treat together!
Ingredients for Creamsicle Fudge
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of delicious creamsicle fudge. These ingredients come together to make a treat that’s both sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion!
- 2 cups white chocolate chips: This is the base of your fudge, giving it that creamy, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds richness and helps create that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a splash to enhance the flavors and add a lovely depth to your fudge.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best if you can manage it! This is what gives your fudge that zesty orange flavor.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: For that extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor that really brings the fudge to life.
How to Prepare Creamsicle Fudge
Making creamsicle fudge is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every moment of it! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious fudge ready to chill in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will help you lift the fudge out easily later on. You’ll thank me for this!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Set it over low heat. Stir the mixture continuously until everything is melted and smooth. This should take about 5 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
- Once the chocolate is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Pour the luscious mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Don’t worry about it being perfect; it’ll taste amazing regardless!
- Now comes the hard part: you need to refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until it’s set. I know, the waiting is tough, but it’s totally worth it!
- Once it’s firm, take it out of the fridge, lift it out using the parchment paper, and cut it into squares. Go ahead and indulge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have delicious fudge without any fuss.
- The delightful combination of sweet vanilla and zesty orange will brighten your day.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, or just keeping all to yourself for a little indulgence.
- This fudge is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of summer days and frozen creamsicles.
- It’s a no-bake recipe, so you won’t have to worry about turning on the oven.
- Great for making ahead of time—just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success with Creamsicle Fudge
To make sure your creamsicle fudge turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use quality white chocolate: The better the white chocolate chips, the creamier and more flavorful your fudge will be. I love using brands that have real cocoa butter for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Don’t rush the melting process: Keep the heat low and stir consistently. If you melt the chocolate too quickly, it can seize up, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Adjust the orange flavor: If you’re a fan of a stronger orange taste, feel free to add a bit more orange zest or juice. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so add gradually!
- Line your dish properly: Make sure to leave some parchment paper hanging over the sides of your baking dish. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
- Let it chill long enough: I know it’s tempting to dig in early, but waiting for at least 2 hours is key for the fudge to set properly. You’ll be rewarded with perfectly cut squares!
- Store it right: Keep your leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. It’s so good, it won’t last long anyway!
Nutritional Information for Creamsicle Fudge
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each square of this delightful creamsicle fudge. Keep in mind that these values are just estimates, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
This sweet treat is definitely a delicious indulgence, but hey, a little sweetness is good for the soul, right? Enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!
FAQ about Creamsicle Fudge
Got questions about making that dreamy creamsicle fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you get the most out of this delicious treat.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
While you can use dark chocolate, it will change the flavor profile quite a bit! The classic creamsicle vibe comes from the sweetness of white chocolate, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go for it. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
How long does the fudge last?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, your creamsicle fudge should last about a week. But let’s be honest, it probably won’t stick around that long—it’s just too delicious!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! If you want a bit of crunch, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add a lovely texture. You can also mix in mini marshmallows or even some crushed graham crackers for a fun twist!
What can I use if I don’t have orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with another citrus juice like lemon or even pineapple juice for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly, but you’ll still end up with something tasty!
Can I freeze creamsicle fudge?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container before popping it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. It’s like having a sweet surprise waiting for you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious creamsicle fudge fresh and ready for whenever your sweet tooth strikes! Storing your fudge properly is super important, and luckily, it’s really easy to do.
First off, make sure to let your fudge cool completely after cutting it into squares. Once it’s all set, you’ll want to transfer those little squares into an airtight container. This will keep them from drying out and help maintain that creamy texture. I like to separate layers of fudge with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking, but it’s not strictly necessary.
When stored in the fridge, your creamsicle fudge will stay fresh for about a week—if it lasts that long! Just remember to keep it covered, and it’ll be good to go whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Now, if you find yourself with leftover fudge (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), you can freeze it for later enjoyment. Simply wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can stash them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just take out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. No reheating necessary—just enjoy that creamy, dreamy taste straight from the fridge!
Print
Creamsicle Fudge: 5 Steps to Pure Summer Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamsicle fudge is a sweet treat that combines the flavors of orange and vanilla.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For a stronger orange flavor, add more orange zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: creamsicle fudge, orange fudge, dessert recipes
