Introduction

Homemade orange candy is a delightful treat that captures the bright, fresh flavors of citrus in a sweet, chewy form. Perfect for sharing or gifting, this candy offers a burst of natural orange aroma with every bite.

The image shows a tray filled with square-shaped orange jelly candies coated with white sugar crystals, giving them a textured, sugary surface. Scattered among the candies are round slices of fresh orange, showing the juicy, bright orange interior contrasted by the light yellow rind. A woman's hand is gently holding one of the orange slices at the bottom left corner, adding a human element. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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.)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (Dust over the cut candy for a sweet finish and to prevent sticking.)

Instructions

Step 1: Zest 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.
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 fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This step is important for the candy’s chewy texture.
Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering syrup, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and optional butter, then continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency.
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 to 6 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.
Step 6: Once set, carefully remove the candy from the dish, cut into desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a sweet finish.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian alternative, replace gelatin with agar-agar and adjust setting times accordingly.
If you prefer a dairy-free candy, omit the butter or substitute with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the right consistency before adding gelatin.
Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the orange flavor.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep pieces separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To enjoy, let refrigerated candy come to room temperature for the best texture, or warm slightly before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a white tray filled with orange gummy candies. There are two types of gummies: one type is cube-shaped with a rough sugar coating, giving them a grainy texture, and they are stacked in the middle and right side of the tray. The other type is smooth, shiny, and round, scattered mostly on the left side of the tray and one on top in the middle. At the top edge of the tray, there are four orange slices with bright, translucent flesh and a white rind. A woman's hand is gently holding one of the sugar-coated cube gummies at the bottom right corner. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of oranges?

Yes, you can substitute with lemons, limes, or grapefruits for a different citrus twist. Adjust sugar levels based on the fruit’s tartness.

How do I know when the candy is fully set?

The candy will firm up after refrigeration for several hours or overnight. It should be firm to the touch but still chewy, not sticky or overly soft.