Description

Homemade Orange Candy is a nostalgic and delightful citrus treat that features the fresh, vibrant flavor of oranges combined with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This candy is perfect for sharing with friends and family or for enjoying as a sweet indulgence, capturing the essence of summer citrus in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candy Base

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.

For Dusting (Optional)

1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar – Dust over the cut candy for a sweet finish and to prevent sticking.

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Instructions

Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting 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, which will serve as the flavorful base for your candy.
Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
Bloom Gelatin: In a separate small mixing bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water and become spongy—this step is crucial for the candy’s chewy texture.
Combine Mixtures: Once the syrup is simmering, add the bloomed gelatin to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. Then add the orange zest and the optional butter, continuing to cook the mixture for another 5 to 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 short while before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the candy is fully set and firm.
Cut & Dust: After the candy has fully set, carefully remove it from the dish and cut it into 12 pieces or your desired size. If desired, dust each piece with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking and add a sweet finish.

Notes

Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and vibrant citrus aroma.
Do not substitute granulated sugar to maintain the candy’s structure; corn syrup can be replaced with honey but note texture changes.
For a vegetarian version, replace gelatin with agar-agar but adjust setting times accordingly.
Butter is optional; omit for dairy-free candy.
Dusting with confectioners’ sugar prevents sticking but can be skipped if preferred.
Allow the candy to fully set in the refrigerator for the best chewy consistency.