Made in microwave this delicious cheat's chocolate orange fudge takes only a few short minutes to make and t is far easier than fudge made the traditonal way!
Fudge, fudge, glorious, fudge! I adore fudge, it's probably safe to say that it's one of my favourite types of confectionary, and Chocolate Orange Fudge is certainly no exception; soft, sweet and ... fudgy 🙂
While making fudge the traditional way is rewarding sometimes you just don't want all the faff of boiling sugar thermometers and frantic beating.
Step forward this recipe made in the microwave. It's ideal when you are a little short on time or just feeling a bit on the lazier side.
I must admit I was a little sceptical at first, after all, heating chocolate and sugar in a microwave just didn't seem to sit right in my mind. Sugar and chocolate are so sensitive to heat that they can easily burn (don't I just know it!) and the chocolate seize.
However, having seen a few references on the internet describing this method, I decided there must be some method to the apparent madness 🙂 and decided to give it a try!
And you know what, it worked a treat! There was no need for a sugar thermometer. No need for a quality pan either. Just a microwave, a suitable container and 10 minutes!
I used two types of chocolate in the mixture, milk and plain. I believe the plain chocolate helps this type of fudge to firm up a little more given its higher proportion of cocoa solids, but given that I'm not a massive fan of plain chocolate I introduced some milk chocolate to the mixture as well.
The combination was delicious, still being sweet and delivering a good hit of chocolatey-ness. Not wanting to go off-piste with the flavours I added some orange extract to the hot fudge mixture to create a classic flavour combo. If you enjoy Terry's Chocolate Orange, you're certainly going to love this fudge!
It's citrusy, rich, silky, sweet and indulgent! Very indulgent! The fudge was shared amongst neighbours, friends and family and everyone loved it, many of them asking for the recipe!
The fudge is oh so perfect to parcel up as small sweet gifts at Christmas time. Being a lover of baking, I just love to make small edible gifts at that time of year. Parcelled in cute cellophane bags and tied with a festive ribbon, it's lovely to share a few of these delicious pieces of confectionary.
This quantity easily filled 8 small cellophane bags (6 pieces each) leaving a few leftovers as cook's perks.. Alternatively, why not pile them high on a pretty plate for those mingling Christmas and New Year celebrations.
If you want to have a go making fudge the traditional way try my Traditional Vanilla Fudge recipe. Or for a cheats chocolate fudge not made in the microwave try this Easy Chocolate fudge on Recipes Made Easy
📖 Recipe
Cheat's chocolate orange fudge
Equipment
- microwave safe container with lid at least 1.5L (2 ½ pts) capacity
- 20cm (8in) square cake tin
- baking parchment
- cling film
Ingredients
- 395 g (14oz) tin condensed milk
- 200 g (7oz) dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 200 g (7oz) milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 60 g (2½oz) butter, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon orange extract
Instructions
- Lightly grease and line a 20cm (8in) square shallow cake tin.
- Pour 395g (14oz) tin condensed milk into in the microwavable container. Then add 200g (7oz) chopped dark chocolate, 200g (7oz) chopped milk chocolate, and 60g (2½ oz) diced butter, to the container (do not stir).
- Place the lid onto the container and cook in the microwave on full power for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir.
- Return the container covered to the microwave and cook for a further minute. Stir again then repeat twice more, so that the fudge has had 4 minutes in the microwave.
- Now repeat stirring well after every 30 seconds. For another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is starting to bubble around the edges of the container.
- Then cook the fudge in the microwave for two more 30 second periods, stirring well between each.
- Remove the container from the microwave and stir well. You will notice a thin layer of melted butter on the surface of the fudge. Set aside for 5 - 10 minutes to cool slightly.
- Once the fudge mixture has cooled slightly, add ½ teaspoon orange extract. Stir it in thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and silky at this stage, and the melted butter should be incorporated following the thorough mixing.
- Carefully pour the fudge into the tin (remember, it will still be very hot). Use the back of a metal spoon to coax it into the corners and level the top. Set aside to cool.
- Once cool enough, cover with cling film and place into the fridge place into the fridge for a couple of hours, or over night, to firm up. Remove from the fridge and use a sharp knife to slice into pieces.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Avoid using plastic containers to make the fudge as they can not take the high temperature that the fudge reaches.
- Remember the fudge is very hot once it has been in the microwave for a few minutes so avoid licking the spoon!
- Due to the different powers of microwaves, some will take longer than others to reach the 'bubble stage'. Ours took 6 minutes.
- During the last two 30, second cooking periods be aware that the fudge will rise and may risk knocking off the lid. Be vigilant, and if it looks as though the lid may become displaced stop the microwave immediately, remove the container, stir the mixture thoroughly and then return it with the lid for the remaining cooking time.
Andrea says
Can’t wait to try it. I love chocolate in orange together.
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Hope you enjoy
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
Oh yes please! I'm a sucker for anything chocolate orange!
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Who isnt 😉
Helen Backhouse says
How long does this fudge keep for please
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
The fudge will last about 2 weeks at room temperature in an air tight container and about a month if refrigerated
Clare says
Hi! Do you use any particular chocolate for this recipe? Can you use Cadbury’s or does it need to be cooking chocolate? Sorry, bit of a novice! ?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Hi Clare, Yes you can use Cadbury's chocolate or any other chocolate to make this recipe. Just remember for the dark chocolate the higher the cocoa solid content the more rich and intense the flavour. So if you are not a fan of very dark chocolate you may prefer it made with Cadbury's Bournville which is about 52% cocoa solid than one with a 70% or higher cocoa solid. Nothing wrong with being a novice we have to start somewhere so Good luck and i hope you like the fudge when you have made it.
JD says
Hi, if you don't have a container with a lid would clingfilm work?
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
Yes cling film would be fine, so long as you vent for steam to escape. As you need to stir the mixture during the cooking time I would suggest that you cover the bowl with clong film leaving enough room for you to insert the spoon and stir without having to remove the cling film. Hope this helps Jacqui
Cuddle Fairy says
Ooo I bet your homemade fudge is amazing! You have some great tips here, thank you for those! x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
🙂 Like not liking the spoon 😉 it's something I'm likely to do and given how hot the fudge is, it's worth mentioning how unwise it would be 🙂 It was really delicious - very rich obviously given all of the chocolate and condensed milk - but they really went down a treat.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Random Musings says
This is my sort of recipe! easy and simple. I've never attempted fudge because it's something that seems like a lot of messing around, but this way is tempting! Love the chocolate orange combo 🙂 #holidayrecipelinky
Debbie
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
This is so incredibly easy to make, and it rewards you with delicious confectionary which can be parcelled up as little gifts ... that's if you can bare to be parted from it! 😉
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
I love anything that combines chocolate and orange! I once tried to make fudge and it was a complete disaster and I have never tried again. But, I think I will have to try this one! It will be pinned to my to try board xx
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
It's so frustrating when it doesn't work isn't it...I'm determined to master the traditional method though! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did if you get chance to try it.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Honest mum says
Two of my favourite flavours, this looks delicious and husband adores fudge too. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Can't beat chocolate orange can you - it's so classic,
Thanks for popping by Vicki, and of course for hosting,
Angela x
Kerry Cooks says
I love microwave fudge! In fact I made some chocolate reindeer malteser fudge last week! Thanks for entering this week's festive food friday!
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Ooh, chocolate reindeer malteser fudge! Sounds good! I'm totally sold on microwave fudge, I can't get over how easy it is!
Thanks for popping by Kerry, and of course for hosting,
Angela x
Rebecca U says
this looks fab. Would make a great gift. I like how you've styled your photos too #tastytuesday
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
It really does Rebecca, who wouldn't be happy to receive some homemade fudge! Thank you for your kind comments 🙂
Angela x
Vicki Montague says
This looks incredible!!! I can almost feel it in my mouth. I must go and get some lunch 😉
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Hahaha 🙂 It's dangerous reading everybody's delicious sweet recipes when you're hungry isn't it? 🙂
Thanks for popping by Vicki,
Angela x
mumjd says
Haven't tried fudge in the microwave. Have tried melting chocolate that way and found it tends to overcook and spoil. Wondering if I could be brave enough to try making microwave fudge #FestiveFoodFriday
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I was dubious too Mumjd, but it really did work. I'd certainly recommend stirring the mixture frequently though as I've suggested in the method, and keep a look out for the bubbles around the edge. I'd imagine (though I may well be wrong) that because the chocolate is being melted into something (ie the condensed milk)it's structure is some how altered and is therefore less likely to seize and spoil.
Do let me know how you get on if you give it a go.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Charlotte Oates says
I was intrigued to see if you'd used actual chocolate orange or regular chocolate and orange extract. I attempted some baking with a chocolate orange the other day and it was a disaster, it seized very quickly and ended up in the bin - what a waste.
This fudge sounds so yummy - we love chocolate orange in my house so this would go down very well.
Thanks for mentioning my Baileys truffles too x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
It's so frustrating when that happens isn't it. I must admit I've had my fair share of disappointments too - though I guess we learn so much from those occasions 🙂
It really was yummy - very rich so one or two pieces was sufficient at any one time. I had considered using chocolate Orange for this fudge, but I decided to use regular chocolate with separate extract so I could add as much of the flavour as I wanted. I was really pleased with how well the orange flavour came through.
You're welcome Charlotte, they looked and sounded really lovely 🙂
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Martin @ The Why Chef says
Making this today! Will report back! 😀
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Hope you enjoy it Martin 🙂 Do tweet me an image if you get chance.
Thanks for popping by,
Angela x
Martin @ The Why Chef says
Started off by slicing off my fingernail while chopping the chocolate, then thought I'd burnt it, then did EXACTLY what you told me not to and licked the spoon (I knew I would!)... but the fudge is excellent! I thought it was too soft at first, but fresh from the fridge it's fantastic! Just need to make another batch as this lot didn't last past the weekend, let alone Christmas Day!!
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Hahaha, I had to pass on the warning about licking the spoon Martin as I did it and almost burnt my tongue - so I figured if I did it, then somebody else would 🙂
It's delicious isn't it, it does have a nice firmness straight from the fridge but I find the orange flavour is more noticeable when it's not quite as cold.
Hope you shared the fudge out Martin 😉
Angela x
Cate Bell says
This looks so delicious! x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Thank you Cate,
Angela x
Eb Gargano / Easy Peasy Foodie says
This looks so yummy, Angela. Love your warning about not licking the spoon - that's just the sort of thing I would do!! 🙂 Eb x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Hahaha, you're not the only one Eb - it was hot 😉
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x