Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

Introduction

Homemade orange candy is a delightful citrus treat that captures the bright, zesty flavor of fresh oranges in a sweet, chewy candy. It’s a perfect homemade gift or a special indulgence to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 3 medium oranges (fresh for maximum flavor and aroma)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup (can be replaced with honey if necessary)
• 1 tablespoon gelatin (swap with agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for a dairy-free version)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils, then juice the oranges until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
4. Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering syrup mixture, stirring until completely dissolved.
5. Step 5: Stir in the orange zest and optional butter. Continue cooking the mixture for another 5 to 10 minutes, until it thickens to a honey-like consistency.
6. Step 6: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Let it cool at room temperature for a short time, then refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight until fully set.
7. Step 7: Once set, remove the candy from the dish, cut into pieces, and optionally dust with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a sweet finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace gelatin with agar-agar, but note the texture will be slightly different.
• Use honey instead of corn syrup for a natural alternative, though the texture may vary.
• Dust the candy with cornstarch instead of confectioners’ sugar to avoid extra sweetness.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the candy base to enhance the orange flavor.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If dusted with confectioners’ sugar, keep it dry to prevent the sugar from melting. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a month and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a warm spot if the candy becomes too firm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange juice from concentrate instead of fresh oranges?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but you can use concentrate in a pinch. Just be sure to use unsweetened concentrate and adjust the sugar accordingly.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?

Dusting the cut pieces with confectioners’ sugar or cornstarch helps prevent sticking. Also, store the candy in a well-ventilated container to avoid moisture buildup.

Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (includes cooling and setting time)
• Yield: About 36 pieces (depending on size of cuts) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful citrus treat that combines the fresh zest and juice of oranges with sugar and gelatin for a chewy, flavorful candy. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a smooth, firm texture that can be easily dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a lovely finish. Ideal for sharing or gifting, this candy brings a burst of fresh orange essence in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Candy Base

• 3 medium Oranges (fresh for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (sweetens the candy mixture perfectly)
• 1/2 cup Corn Syrup (prevents crystallization for smooth texture)
• 1 tablespoon Gelatin (provides structure and firmness to candy)
• 1/4 cup Water (for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin)
• 1 tablespoon Butter (optional, enhances flavor and texture)

For Dusting (Optional)

• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (to dust over the cut candy and prevent sticking)

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Instructions

1. Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting the outer peel of the oranges carefully to capture their fragrant oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This fresh juice forms the flavorful base of the candy.
2. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to simmer, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Bloom Gelatin: In a separate mixing bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to soften the gelatin for perfect chewy texture in the candy.
4. Combine Mixtures: Once the syrup is simmering, add the bloomed gelatin to the saucepan, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and the optional butter. Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a consistency similar to honey.
5. Set the Candy: Pour the thickened orange mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Let it cool at room temperature for a short while and then refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or preferably overnight until the candy is fully set and firm to the touch.
6. Cut & Dust: Once set, carefully remove the candy from the dish. Using a sharp knife, cut it into your desired shapes and sizes. Optionally, dust the pieces with confectioners’ sugar to create a sweet finish and to prevent them from sticking together.

Notes

• Use fresh oranges for best flavor and aroma; processed juices won’t replicate the same depth.
• Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth texture; you can substitute with honey but the texture might vary slightly.
• For a vegetarian alternative, replace gelatin with agar-agar powder following appropriate setting instructions.
• The optional butter adds richness but can be omitted for a dairy-free candy.
• Dusting the finished candy with confectioners’ sugar is recommended to keep pieces from sticking and add a pleasant outer touch.
• Store the candies in an airtight container, preferably refrigerated, to maintain freshness and texture.

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

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