Chocolate Orange Fudge

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Traditional fudge consists of copious amounts of sugar, butter and some sort of milk or cream. I’m sure many of us will have overindulged in rather large amounts of sugar over the Christmas period (as one does!), so this variation can make you feel almost virtuous.

My version uses dates, which I do adore on their own, but I wanted to create something different with them. I had been given some Medjool dates, which are known as the fruit of kings due to their caramel taste and soft chewy texture, that I wanted to use. However, this recipe works well with any kind of date.

You can also adapt this recipe too!

CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE

Joanne Iceton
A decadent but virtuous morsel
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Loaf tin or silicone mould/s I used a divided silicone tray. If using a loaf tin, it is best to line it with greaseproof paper
  • Scales
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Microwave or a bowl to nest over a pan of boiling water to melt the chocolate

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g Medjool dates*, pittted see notes below if using other dates
  • 130 g Nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 Large orange, zested keep the rest of the orange to eat or juice
  • 150 g Dark chocolate** chopped, then melted
  • 1 tsp coconut oil optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the dates, nut butter, salt and grated zest of half of the orange to a food processor, blending until smooth and starts to become 'fudge' like. It will start to come away from the sides.
  • Press the mixture into the lined loaf tin or silicone mould. Pop in the freezer for up to an hour.
  • Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl in short bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave. Alternatively, pour boiling water in a pan and rest a bowl over the top (the bowl should not sit in the water). Add the chopped chocolate and keep stirring until it is melted. I like to add a teaspoon of coconut oil to chocolate before I melt it, just to make it more glossy and prevent it seizing, but don't worry if you don't have any, it will still melt fine.
  • Pour the melted chocolate over the set 'fudge', sprinle over the remaining orange zest and pop back in the fridge to set (about 10 - 15 mins). Cut into squares if you have not used individual moulds.
  • This fudge needs to be stored in the fridge and will last about 5 days

Notes

*If using normal dates, soak them in boiling water for 20 mins and drain before blending. Medjool dates tend to be softer but can be quite expensive. 
**If vegan, ensure your dark chocolate does not contain milk solids. Most do not, but please do check.
Alternative Flavours:
Omit the orange zest and add a tsp of vanilla extract to the date mixture before blending.
Omit the orange zest and add a heaped tsp ground ginger and 1 tsp cinnamon to make gingerbread fudge.

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Nutritional Benefits:

Dates, like figs, are one of the oldest cultivated fruits. As they ripen, they turn brown and wrinkle up as they dry out.

They are rich in antioxidants which help to prevent many chronic diseases, rich in fibre that helps to maintain good gut microbiome, thus reducing the risk of certain long-term health conditions.

Dates are a source of many bone-friendly minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. They are also a source of vitamin K which is also needed for healthy, strong bones as well as aiding blood clotting.

They are packed with powerful plant compounds called polyphenols, that may aid in preventing vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.

Peanut butter is a valuable protein source and also contains heart healthy monounsaturated fats.

These treats use dark chocolate which contains more of the beneficial cocoa solids. Cocoa solids are full of antioxidant flavonoids which help to ‘mop up’ free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause inflammation, ageing, chronic disease and some cancers. Cocoa is also a source of phenylethylamine which stimulates the feel good endorphins and may even help to boost serotonin production (low serotonin levels are associated with depression and anxiety).