This Orange Pistachio Layered Cream Cheese Fudge is easy and flavorful. It features white and dark chocolate, salted pistachios, orange zest, and tangy cream cheese! You can substitute your favorite citrus fruit and nuts in this fast and simple recipe.
Ingredients
2 oz white chocolate, finely chopped, or white chocolate chips
2 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 oz (1/4 cup) butter, at room temperature
22 oz (5 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
Zest of two oranges
1 cup salted pistachios
Yield: 8-inch pan
Preparation
1. Prepare an 8x8-inch pan by lining it with foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place the white chocolate and unsweetened chocolate in separate small microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each individually, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating, until melted and smooth. Allow them to cool until they are room temperature but still fluid.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and orange zest. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is combined, then turn to medium until the mixture is silky smooth. Add the pistachios and stir them in by hand.
5. Scrape half of the fudge into a separate bowl. Add the melted white chocolate to one half of the fudge, and stir it in until well-incorporated. Add the melted unsweetened chocolate to the other half of the fudge, and stir until fully mixed in.
6. Spread the chocolate portion in the prepared pan, and smooth it into an even layer. Top it with the white chocolate portion, and spread that into an even layer as well.
7. Refrigerate the tray to set the fudge, for at least 2 hours. Once set, remove it from the pan using the foil as handles, and cut it into small 1-inch squares to serve. This fudge will get soft at room temperature, so it's best stored in the refrigerator and served chilled.