Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Orange Candy is a bright, chewy treat bursting with classic citrus flavor. This nostalgic recipe fills your kitchen with the warm scent of fresh oranges, creating a sweet and sunny delight that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• 3 medium oranges
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon gelatin
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (optional for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the oranges thoroughly. Zest all three, avoiding the bitter white pith, then juice them to yield about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns clear and shiny. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let it bloom for several minutes until it swells into a thick, wobbly mixture.
4. Step 4: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the simmering syrup until dissolved. Add the orange zest and butter, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency.
5. Step 5: Prepare an 8×8-inch dish with a light grease or parchment lining. Pour the hot mixture in and spread evenly. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for several hours or overnight until fully set.
6. Step 6: Once set, turn the candy out onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or strips. Optionally, toss pieces in confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a soft coating.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• Try substituting lemons, limes, or grapefruit for different citrus variations.
• Add a drop of vanilla extract or a pinch of chili powder for unique flavor twists.
• Make sure the gelatin is fully bloomed and the syrup reaches a honey-like thickness to ensure proper setting.
• Dust candies with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and keep pieces separate.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated to maintain a chewy texture, and enjoy within one week. If dusted with confectioners’ sugar, the candies stay easier to handle and separate nicely.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why didn’t my candy set?

It may need more chilling time, or the gelatin was not fully bloomed. Also, ensure the syrup is cooked until it thickens to a honey-like consistency before pouring.

Can I make this candy without gelatin?

Gelatin is essential for the chewy texture and structure. Without it, the candy will not hold together properly.

Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: About 32 small pieces (depending on cut size) 1x

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Description

Homemade Orange Candy is a nostalgic, chewy treat bursting with bright citrus flavor from fresh orange zest and juice. This simple recipe combines common ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin to create soft, sweet, and pleasantly chewy candies that capture the essence of homemade goodness. Perfect for gifting or a delightful snack, these candies are coated optionally with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and make handling easier, offering a luscious homemade citrus candy experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Orange Candy

• 3 medium oranges (zested and juiced to yield about 3/4 cup juice)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon gelatin
• 1/4 cup water for syrup
• 1/4 cup cold water for gelatin blooming
• 1 tablespoon butter

For Coating (Optional)

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oranges: Wash the oranges thoroughly to ensure no wax or chemicals remain. Zest all three oranges carefully, avoiding the white pith to keep bitterness out of the candy. Then juice the oranges to obtain about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh orange juice, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes clear and shiny. Bring it to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, to meld the flavors smoothly.
3. Bloom the Gelatin: While the syrup heats, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for several minutes until it swells into a thick, wobbly gel-like mixture. This ensures smooth incorporation without clumps.
4. Add Gelatin and Flavorings: Once the syrup is simmering, stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved and the syrup turns silky. Add the freshly grated orange zest and the tablespoon of butter, stirring gently to melt the butter and reduce foam.
5. Cook Until Thickened: Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a honey-like consistency that slowly fills in when you drag a spoon through it. This thick texture is key for the candy to set properly.
6. Set the Candy: Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Pour the hot orange candy mixture evenly into the dish. Allow it to cool at room temperature briefly, then transfer to the refrigerator uncovered for several hours or overnight until fully set and firm but still flexible.
7. Cut and Coat: Once set, gently lift the candy from the dish onto a cutting board. Cut it into desired shapes—squares, strips, or any preferred form. If desired, toss the pieces in confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a delicate, sweet coating.
8. Serve and Store: Enjoy the candy immediately or store it in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator. The candy keeps well for up to one week, maintaining its chewy texture and fresh citrus flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the gelatin is fully bloomed to avoid clumps and ensure proper setting of the candy.
• Fresh orange juice is essential for the vibrant flavor; bottled juice can be used if necessary but yields a less fresh taste.
• Cooking the syrup to the right consistency (thick, honey-like) is critical for the candy to set properly.
• If candy feels sticky, dusting generously with confectioners’ sugar helps to reduce tackiness.
• The candy can be flavored with variations such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice, or enhanced with vanilla or chili powder for unique twists.
• Store candies refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain texture and freshness up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange candy, homemade candy, citrus candy, chewy candy, gelatin candy, orange zest candy, classic candy recipe