Name: Dark Chocolate Orange Caramel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mix); 1/4 cup almond flour (or oat flour); 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional); Pinch of salt

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Dark Chocolate Orange Caramel Bites are my kind of indulgence—rich, decadent, and just the right balance of bitter, sweet, and citrusy. Each bite is filled with silky orange-infused caramel, wrapped in a glossy dark chocolate shell, and topped with a sparkling sugared orange garnish. They’re bite-sized treats that look elegant but are surprisingly fun to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these little bites combine deep, velvety chocolate with bright, zesty orange. The gooey caramel center feels luxurious, and the sugared orange topping makes them look festive enough for holidays or special occasions. They’re perfect for gifting, for serving at parties, or for keeping in the fridge when I need a little sweet pick-me-up. Dark Chocolate Orange Caramel Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped or chips)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon orange zest
Pinch of salt
Candied orange peel or sugared orange slices (for topping)

Directions

Prepare the Chocolate Shells
I melt half of the dark chocolate gently using a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second bursts. I spoon a little into silicone candy molds or mini cupcake liners, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides. I chill for 10 minutes to set.
Make the Orange Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, I add the sugar and let it melt and turn a deep amber color, swirling occasionally. I carefully whisk in the butter, then slowly pour in the cream, orange juice, zest, and salt (it bubbles vigorously). I stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly until thick but pourable.
Fill the Bites
I spoon about a teaspoon of caramel into each chocolate shell. I chill again for 5–10 minutes until the caramel firms slightly.
Seal with Chocolate
I melt the remaining chocolate and spoon it over the caramel to cover completely. I smooth the tops and chill until firm.
Garnish and Serve
Once set, I pop the bites out of the molds and top them with sugared orange peel or candy before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 small bites. It takes 20 minutes to prep and about 1 hour total with chilling.

Variations

Sometimes I use milk chocolate for a sweeter bite or white chocolate for a striking contrast. I’ve also added a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the caramel for a more grown-up treat. For a nutty twist, I sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top instead of orange candy.

storage/reheating

I store these bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They taste best slightly chilled but soften nicely at room temperature. They also freeze well—up to 2 months—though I garnish them fresh after thawing to keep the candy crisp. Dark Chocolate Orange Caramel Bites

FAQs

Can I make these without a candy mold?

Yes, I’ve used mini cupcake liners on a baking sheet before and they worked great.

How do I stop the chocolate from blooming (getting white streaks)?

I make sure to melt the chocolate gently and avoid moisture. If I want extra shine, I temper the chocolate, but for home treats I usually skip that step.

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, I keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. I gently rewarm it until pourable before filling.

What kind of dark chocolate works best?

I like 70% cocoa—it’s rich but not too bitter. I avoid chocolate chips with stabilizers if I want a smoother shell.

Are these good for gifting?

Definitely. I package them in small boxes or bags, and they look (and taste) like something from a fancy chocolate shop.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Orange Caramel Bites are the perfect mix of indulgent and refreshing, with gooey citrus caramel hidden inside a rich chocolate shell. They’re elegant yet approachable, making them just as great for holiday trays as they are for a quiet night at home. Once I make them, they never last long.