Homemade Orange Candy – A Sweet Citrus Treat to Share Recipe
Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful, sweet citrus treat made from fresh oranges, sugar, and gelatin, offering a chewy texture with vibrant orange flavor. Perfect for sharing or gifting, this candy combines the juicy essence of oranges with a smooth, firm consistency, finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 3 medium Oranges (Use fresh oranges for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma.)
Sweeteners
- 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 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Dust over the cut candy for a sweet finish and to prevent sticking.)
Binding & Others
- 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.)
Instructions
- 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!
- 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 process usually takes about 5 minutes.
- 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!
- 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.
- Set the Candy: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Allow it to cool at room temperature briefly before refrigerating for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
- Cut & Dust: After the candy has set, carefully remove it from the dish, cut it into your desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and aroma.
- Corn syrup prevents crystallization; substitute with honey if necessary.
- Butter is optional, omit for a dairy-free version.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar.
- Allow the candy to fully set overnight for optimal texture.
- Store candy in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Keywords: orange candy, homemade candy, citrus candy, chewy candy, gelatin candy, sweet treats
