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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
