Homemade Orange Candy – A Sweet Citrus Treat to Share Recipe
Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful sweet treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a smooth, chewy texture. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, combined with sugar and gelatin to create a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. This candy is a great homemade gift or a special snack to enjoy with family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: About 40 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy/Sweets
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium Oranges (fresh, for zest and juice)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Gelatin
- 1/4 cup Water (to dissolve gelatin)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional)
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)
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 should take 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 for a bit 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 if you like.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and vibrant aroma.
- Corn syrup prevents crystallization; honey can be used as a substitute but may alter texture.
- Gelatin can be replaced with agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
- Butter is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Ensure the candy is fully set before cutting to avoid sticky pieces.
- Store candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Keywords: orange candy, homemade candy, citrus candy, sweet treat, gelatin candy, orange zest
