Orange Penuche

Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy orange-flavored penuche fudge infused with chopped nuts and grated orange rind, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Grated rind of 1 orange

Instructions

  1. Cook the sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk to the firm ball stage (240°F). Remove from heat.
  2. Add butter, chopped nuts, vanilla, and grated orange rind to the mixture.
  3. Beat until creamy.
  4. Pour into an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
  5. Mark into squares once set.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely while cooking the sugars and evaporated milk. If you want a unique flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the orange rind. You could also substitute the nuts with your choice of dried fruit for a different texture and taste, similar to what you might find in Homemade Nut Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Orange Penuche is delightful on its own but can also be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, try garnishing it with additional grated orange zest or pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Low Fat Fluffy Pancakes for a sweet brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Orange Penuche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out. To enjoy it later, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Penuche contains roughly 98 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

98 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 3.4g 4% DV
Carbs 13.6g 5% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 3.7g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 16.7mg 1% DV
Potassium 95.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 22.7mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.9mcg
Vitamin C 4mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 12.1mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chopped nuts with any variety you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Just ensure they are chopped finely to mix well into the Penuche. This allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

What should I do if my candy mixture doesn't set?

If your Penuche doesn't set, it may not have reached the firm ball stage during cooking. You can reheat the mixture gently while stirring and cook it to the proper temperature again. Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into a greased pan and refrigerate it to help it firm up.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the evaporated milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the right consistency, but it will still yield a delicious treat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →