Homemade Orange Candy – A Sweet Citrus Treat to Share Recipe

Introduction

This homemade orange candy is a delightful citrus treat bursting with fresh orange flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, it’s a sweet snack that captures the vibrant essence of fresh oranges.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest the outer peel of the oranges to capture the oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes to develop the candy’s chewy texture.
4. Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering syrup and stir until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and butter if using. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency.
5. Step 5: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Let it cool at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight until fully set.
6. Step 6: Once set, remove the candy from the dish, cut into desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar following package instructions.
• If you prefer a dairy-free candy, omit the butter without affecting the texture much.
• Use honey instead of corn syrup to prevent crystallization if desired, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
• Dust candies with a mix of confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of citric acid for a tart finish.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will last up to two weeks. If refrigerated, allow the candy to come to room temperature before serving for the best chewiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice from a bottle instead of fresh oranges?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but you can use bottled juice if necessary. Just make sure it is pure juice without added sugars or preservatives.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?

Dusting the cut pieces with confectioners’ sugar helps prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the dish before pouring the mixture or use parchment paper.

Homemade Orange Candy – A Sweet Citrus Treat to Share Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 85 reviews

Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful sweet citrus treat bursting with fresh orange flavor. Made from natural orange juice and zest, combined with sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, this candy offers a smooth, chewy texture with a vibrant aroma. It’s perfect for sharing or gifting, and can be customized with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 pieces 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Candy Base

• 3 medium Oranges (Use fresh oranges for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the candy mixture to perfection; no substitutions recommended)
• 1/2 cup Corn Syrup (Prevents crystallization for a smooth texture; can be replaced with honey if necessary)
• 1 tablespoon Gelatin (Gives structure and firmness to the candy; swap with agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
• 1/4 cup Water (Essential for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin; no substitutions needed)
• 1 tablespoon Butter (Enhances the flavor and texture; optional for a dairy-free version)

For Dusting (Optional)

• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Dust over the cut candy for a sweet finish and to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This will be the flavorful base of your candy!
2. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Bloom Gelatin: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that perfect chewy texture!
4. Combine Mixtures: Once your syrup is ready, add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and optional butter, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a honey-like consistency.
5. Set the Candy: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Allow it to cool at room temperature for a bit before refrigerating for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
6. Cut & Dust: After the candy has set, carefully remove it from the dish, cut it into your desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like.

Notes

• Use fresh oranges for best flavor and aroma; avoid bottled juice.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder according to package instructions.
• The butter is optional but adds a richer texture and flavor.
• Use confectioners’ sugar to dust the candy and prevent pieces from sticking together.
• Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Keywords: orange candy, homemade orange candy, citrus candy, chewy candy, gelatin candy, sweet treat