Begin by rounding up all your ingredients. Having everything close at hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll need that softened cream cheese for the base, so take it out of the fridge ahead of time.

Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. I recommend using an electric mixer here. It really helps to break down the cream cheese and makes it fluffier. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can use a spatula or a fork—just know it will take more elbow grease.

Slowly add the undiluted orange juice concentrate to the bowl. Start mixing on low speed to avoid splattering. Gradually increase to a medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step adds the essence of orange that we’re after.

Next, introduce the orange marmalade to your mixture. It creates a wonderful sweetness that’s characteristic of the famous dip. Keep mixing until everything is well blended—around a minute should do.

Now, it’s time for that zesty goodness. Add the fresh orange zest—oh, that aroma! Make a mental note to taste the mixture. A quick taste will tell you if you need to add honey for sweetness. If your tastebuds are dancing, just the zest is fine.

Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you blend. This ensures that every bit of mixture is combined. If using vanilla extract, incorporate it now. Continue mixing for another minute until you get a creamy, dreamy dip.

Transfer the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Once chilled, scoop it out and serve it alongside your favorite chips, vegetables, or even drizzled over grilled meats. Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors that’ll have everyone raving.