Velvety Orange Dreamsicle Fudge Recipe

Silky Orange Dreamsicle Fudge Recipe: Sweet Childhood Nostalgia

Sweet and creamy orange dreamsicle fudge captures childhood memories in a single bite.

This nostalgic treat blends tangy orange zest with smooth, rich cream.

Dessert lovers will adore the vibrant citrus notes dancing through each decadent square.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create a magical confection that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

A hint of vanilla softens the bright orange flavor, creating perfect balance.

Colors of sunshine and cream swirl together in this irresistible confection.

You’ll find this fudge disappears faster than you can slice it, so be prepared to make a double batch.

Chill and Set This Citrus-Inspired Fudge

  • Prep the Baking Canvas

Line a square pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your dreamy fudge adventure.

  • Melt the

Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and orange gelatin in a saucepan. Gently heat and stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, vibrant liquid.

  • Enhance the Flavor

Stir in vanilla extract, giving your fudge a delightful aromatic boost that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Create Your Fudge Masterpiece

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a gorgeous orange-hued canvas.

  • Chill and Solidify

Tuck the pan into the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing the fudge to set and develop its perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Remove the fudge from the refrigerator, lift it out using the parchment paper, and cut into bite-sized squares of pure citrusy bliss.

Add Your Own Twist to the Fudge Mix

  • Stir ingredients constantly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
  • Prepare fudge up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
  • Replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Experiment with different gelatin flavors like raspberry or strawberry to create unique color and taste variations.
  • Let children help sprinkle extra orange zest or decorative sprinkles on top for a personalized touch.

Serving Tips That Make It Stand Out on Dessert Tables

  • Tropical Party Platter: Arrange orange dreamsicle fudge squares on a colorful ceramic platter with fresh orange slices and mint leaves for a vibrant summer dessert presentation.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these fudge squares with vanilla bean coffee or mimosas during weekend brunch gatherings, creating a delightful citrusy dessert experience.
  • Gifting Delight: Package fudge pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbons, perfect for homemade food gifts or party favors that showcase your culinary creativity.
  • Kids' Dessert Adventure: Create fun fudge bite-sized shapes using small cookie cutters, making these treats more interactive and exciting for children's parties or after-school snacks.

Keep Your Fudge Firm and Flavorful in Storage

  • Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sticking when stored in the refrigerator.
  • Keep fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Layer fudge squares between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, allowing easy thawing at room temperature when craving a sweet treat.
  • Always store orange dreamsicle fudge in the coldest part of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate citrus and vanilla flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of gelatin mix for this recipe?

You can experiment with other flavors like strawberry or lime, but orange provides the classic dreamsicle taste that makes this fudge unique.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this fudge?

No, you just need a medium saucepan, spatula, 8×8-inch baking dish, and basic measuring tools. It’s a simple recipe for home cooks.

  • Is this fudge suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains dairy products like sweetened condensed milk and butter, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

  • How long will this fudge stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Orange Dreamsicle Fudge will remain fresh for up to one week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 236 kcal

Servings: 17

What You’ll Need for Orange Dreamsicle Fudge

For Base and Creamy Texture:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Provides smooth, rich foundation for the fudge, choose high-quality chips for best melting and flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates rich, velvety consistency and adds natural sweetness to balance the orange tang.
  • Butter: Enhances creaminess and helps ingredients blend seamlessly, select unsalted for precise flavor control.
For Bright Citrus Flavor:
  • Orange Gelatin Mix: Delivers vibrant orange color and authentic dreamsicle zesty taste, pick a reputable brand for intense flavor.
For Depth and Aromatic Enhancement:
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile with warm, subtle undertones, use pure extract for most authentic taste.
For Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy fudge removal and clean cutting, select non-stick variety for smooth release.

Tools That Get the Texture Just Right

  • 8-inch baking dish: Perfect square pan for creating uniform fudge.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Medium saucepan: Ideal for melting chocolate and ingredients smoothly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread fudge evenly and scrape sides of pan.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for cutting fudge into clean, neat squares.
Print
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Velvety Orange Dreamsicle Fudge Recipe

Velvety Orange Dreamsicle Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Creamy Orange Dreamsicle Fudge delivers a nostalgic dessert combining tangy citrus and sweet vanilla. Cool summer memories emerge with each silky square, inviting chocolate fans to savor this classic flavor combination.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 box (3 oz / 85 g) orange-flavored gelatin mix (Jell-O)
  • 1 tsp orange extract (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Orange food coloring (optional, for swirled effect)
  • White food coloring (optional, for swirled effect)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.
  2. Melting Process: In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and orange gelatin mix over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, creating a vibrant orange-hued base.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and swirl in vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence and create a harmonious flavor profile throughout the fudge.
  4. Setting and Chilling: Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the fudge sets completely and achieves a firm, sliceable consistency.
  5. Serving Preparation: Once fully chilled, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper, and slice into neat, bite-sized squares using a sharp knife, revealing the luscious orange-infused interior and presenting a delectable, eye-catching dessert.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning: Maintain low to medium heat while melting ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid scorching the chocolate and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Gelatin Intensity: Adjust orange gelatin quantity to control flavor strength; start with less and gradually increase for personalized taste preference.
  • Chilling Precision: Refrigerate exactly 2-3 hours for optimal texture; over-chilling can make fudge too hard, while under-chilling leaves it too soft.
  • Storage Strategy: Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment layers, keeping it refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 236
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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