Description
These homemade chocolate orange sticks are a delightful blend of zesty citrus jelly coated in smooth dark chocolate. Perfect as a festive treat, they offer a chewy, rich texture packed with nostalgic flavors reminiscent of classic store-bought sweets. Ideal for holidays, gifting, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orange Jelly:
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup water
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1½ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jelly: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the orange juice, zest, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Add the bloomed gelatin to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved.
- Set the Jelly: Pour the orange mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small baking dish. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cut into Sticks: Once the jelly is firm, remove it carefully from the pan and slice into stick shapes using a sharp knife. Pat each stick lightly with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture, preparing them for coating.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and optional coconut oil or butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt the mixture over simmering water using a double boiler method or heat in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Dip and Set: Dip each orange jelly stick halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Place the dipped sticks on parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens and sets completely.
Notes
- Make Ahead: These candies can be prepared up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator or a cool place.
- Customizing the Flavor: Substitute orange juice with lemon or grapefruit juice for a tangy variation. Use milk chocolate if a sweeter taste is preferred.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside tea or as part of a dessert tray. They also make charming holiday gifts when wrapped in clear bags with a ribbon.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free chocolate to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Storage Tips: Store the sticks in an airtight container between parchment layers at room temperature in a cool environment or refrigerate for up to 7 days.