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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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