Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary is sweet, citrusy, and full of fresh flavor. It’s perfect for the season and so easy to make, promise!
I always wanted to be the person to whip up a batch of homemade fudge to pass around at the holidays, but it always had me a bit intimidated. I avoided making it for too long! If I had known how easy it is to make fudge, I would have made Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary sooo much sooner!
I found a recipe for Pecan Buttermilk Fudge from Bon Appétit magazine and had it tucked away, just waiting for the right moment to try it. I was so glad when I finally broke it out for the holidays several years ago.
I adapted the recipe by using orange zest and rosemary as the main flavors, and I left out any trace of nuts because, well, mine is a house divided when it comes to nuts in cookies and goodies.
Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary
Rosemary might be an unexpected flavor when you think of fudge, but I definitely adds brightness to this candy. The orange zest is the perfect complement to the rosemary.
This fudge is sweet yet tangy, and definitely cheerful — it is the holiday season, after all!
Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary is perfect to put out when you get together with family and friends, and it makes a tasty homemade gift option, too.
I love homemade goodies as gifts, don’t you? If you do, try my recipe for Chocolate Almond Blueberry Bites, Homemade Cardamom-Orange Soft Caramels, or Spicy Pine Nut Brittle. These are all easy to make, and each is perfect for giving.
There are a few things I learned while making this recipe, so keep the following in mind:
- If you want to make a double batch, make two separate batches instead of combining into one. I think a double batch is too much to control.
- Be patient when you’re boiling the mixture. It took me a bit longer than expected to reach 240 degrees F. on the candy thermometer. I didn’t let my first batch reach the recommended temperature (I was being impatient), and it never firmed up.
- If the mixture seems too thick after you’ve mixed it, add just a touch of the buttermilk and mix it in quickly. Don’t overdo it. A small amount (1 teaspoon or so) should do the trick.
- Bon Appétit notes that the fudge can be made a week in advance, wrapped tightly, and kept at room temperature.
Bring out a batch of Buttermilk Fudge with Orange & Rosemary this season! It’s a fabulous treat.
Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate
Yields 16 candies
This fudge is slightly adapted from a recipe I found from Bon Appétit magazine. It makes 16 pieces of candy.
5 based on 11 review(s)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons orange zest, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped very fine (more or less to taste)
- Sea salt to garnish
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Line 2 mini loaf pans with parchment paper, or aluminum foil, so it overhangs on two sides.
- Add the butter to a large sauce pan over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the sugar, buttermilk, honey, and salt. Mix to combine until the sugar has dissolved. This should only take 2-3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high (or high, depending on your stove). Bring the mixture to a boil and insert the candy thermometer.
- Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 240 degrees F. on the candy thermometer. It’s very important to reach this temperature, or your fudge will not harden later.
- Immediately transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and beat on medium speed for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture is thick. After the first minute or so, add 1-1/2 teaspoons of the orange zest to the mixer.
- When the mixture is ready to transfer from the bowl, fold in the rosemary. Divide the mixture in half and pour into each of the lined mini loaves.
- Smooth the tops with a mini offset spatula, then garnish with the remaining orange zest and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour, or until it has set up firmly.
- Lift the fudge from the pans using the overhanging paper, and cut each into 8 pieces.
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