Orange Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge

This orange chocolate Macadamia nut fudge combines the rich, decadent flavor of semi-sweet chocolate fudge with the fresh, crisp flavor of orange zest. Chopped Macadamia nuts are folded into the fudge for a crunch that complements this seasonal treat in the best way possible. This fudge recipe is a unique and delicious addition to your holiday cookie tray. Christmas is only a few weeks away so let’s get cooking!

That crunch though…

Macadamia nuts bring the crunch. The nuttiest, tastiest crush there is. I rough chop the nuts in this recipe because chopping them into fine pieces wouldn’t give us that BIG crunch factor but keeping them whole can be a bit much. My suggestion is to chop them roughly into halves to get the best of both worlds. This method gives us the perfect amount of fudge/nut ratio in each bite.

That citrusy orange flavor

This recipe uses the zest of a half of an orange or orange extract. If you choose to use the orange zest, be careful to avoid the white pith under the peel. The pith is bitter and will add an unpleasant taste to the Orange Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge. You’ll want to remove as much moisture as possible from the zest before adding it to the fudge. Once you’ve zested your oranges, squeeze the zest with a paper towel or kitchen towel. I allow mine to sit out for 20 minutes or so before I adding it into the fudge.

You can find orange extract in the spice section of your local grocery store. The extract comes in a bottle similar to vanilla extract.

Trader Joe’s does it again

If you’re fortunate enough to live close to a Trader Joes, be sure to stock up on their dried and sweetened orange slices. You can find them in the nuts/dried fruit section. They’re one of my absolute favorite TJ finds! I use them in my holiday tea, cocktails and on charcuterie boards. I even snack on them right out of the bag.

Chop the slices and add a piece to the top of each piece of fudge before refrigerating it. This ingredient adds extra orange flavor and makes the presentation extra special.

Ingredients in Orange Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge

3 cups semi sweet or dark chocolate chips

14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

zest of 1/2 orange or 1 teaspoon orange extract – This can be found in the spice section of your grocery store or it can be ordered online.

1 cup Macadamia nuts, chopped roughly into halves

Dried sweetened orange slices or candied peel for garnish (optional). If you live close to Trader Joes, they sell these amazing dry sweetened orange slices during the holiday season. When I go I buy about a bazillion packages of them and use them in all sorts of fun drinks and desserts. I even pop one in my morning tea for a subtle kick of orange flavor. For this recipe, I cut them into small pieces and use them as a garnish.

How to make Orange Chocolate Macadamia Nut Fudge

Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Add the condensed milk, chocolate chips and orange zest or orange extract to a medium sauce pan and stir to combine. Heat on low until combined and thoroughly melted, continuing to stir while it heats. Add the macadamia nuts and orange zest and stir to combine.

Pour into the prepared pan.

Place the optional orange garnish on top of the fudge and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours before cutting and serving. Store in the fridge up to one week.

Variations of Orange Chocolate Macadamia Fudge

• Add dried cranberries for even more festive color and flavor. The combination of orange and cranberry is so festive and delicious!
• Swap out semi sweet chocolate for dark, milk or even white chocolate chips.

Looking for other ideas for that holiday cookie exchange? Here’s what we’re cooking up this season!

• Chocolate Covered Cranberry Snowball Cookies
• Cake Bite Snowballs
• Chocolate Dipped Holiday Sprinkle Butter Cookies
• The Very Best Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookies