There are few things as captivating as making a sweet treat from scratch, and this Homemade Orange Candy Recipe delivers zest and sunshine in every bite. Imagine taking vibrant orange slices and transforming them into jeweled, translucent candies that glisten with natural citrus flavor. It’s a delightful combination of simple ingredients, a bit of kitchen magic, and patience — and the result is something to share, gift, or simply savor yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or just starting out, you’ll quickly see why this recipe is a joyful staple in my kitchen, perfect for brightening up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen staples are required for this recipe, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect Homemade Orange Candy Recipe. From the natural tartness of the oranges to the glossy sweetness from sugar, these ingredients come together beautifully to make every bite special.
- Fresh oranges or tangelos: Choose 3 small, firm, and brightly colored fruit for the best flavor and appearance. Their natural oils give the candy a fragrant aroma.
- Granulated sugar: You’ll need 3 cups; this not only sweetens the candy but also creates the luscious syrup that candies the oranges.
- Water: Combine 3 cups of water with sugar to make a simple syrup that penetrates and preserves every slice.
- Optional garnishes: Use extra sugar for coating, or dip in melted chocolate and a pinch of flaky salt for a gourmet finish.
How to Make Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Oranges
Start by grabbing your sharpest knife or a mandoline, and slice the oranges into ¼-inch thick rounds. Uniformity here will help all the slices cook evenly, so take your time! Be sure to remove any seeds as you go, since seedless slices make for a more polished candy.
Step 2: Prepare the Simple Syrup
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and the water. Place over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves. As the liquid starts to boil, you’ll notice the syrup turning beautifully clear—this is the base that transforms your citrus slices into candies.
Step 3: Simmer the Orange Slices
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and carefully add orange slices in a single layer. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, turning the slices every now and then so each side soaks up the sweet syrup. You’ll know they’re done when the peels look translucent and the slices are beautifully glossy.
Step 4: Dry the Candy
With tongs, gently lift the candied orange slices out of the syrup, letting the excess drip away. Arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack, making sure they don’t touch. Let them dry at room temperature, uncovered, for 24 to 48 hours—this is where patience pays off! The slices will become tacky yet set, perfect for snacking or decorating.
Step 5: Optional Finishing Touches
If you love a sparkling, frosted look, roll the dried slices gently in extra sugar. For a decadent twist, dip half of each slice in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt before the chocolate sets. These extra touches really elevate your Homemade Orange Candy Recipe to something special.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
Garnishes
A dazzling treat like this deserves some embellishment! Dust your Homemade Orange Candy Recipe with a bit of extra sugar for shimmer, or garnish with thin strips of lemon zest for extra punch. If dipping in chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt or finely chopped pistachio adds beautiful color and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your orange candies with something creamy or slightly tart: think vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a platter of fresh berries. These combinations balance the sweetness of your Homemade Orange Candy Recipe and make for an elegant dessert board or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your candies in a glass jar tied with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, or scatter them over cakes and cupcakes for a stunning natural decoration. You can even chop them up and add to scones, muffins, or holiday breads for a pop of color and citrus flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your candies are dry and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully chewy for up to two weeks—perfect for snacking, gifting, or whenever you’re craving a sweet citrus bite.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, pop your Homemade Orange Candy Recipe pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zippered freezer bag with parchment between layers. When properly stored, the candies maintain their texture and flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
Though these candies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if they’ve stiffened a bit, you can refresh them by letting them sit out at room temp for a few minutes. Skip the microwave—gentle air exposure is all they need to become chewy again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of citrus besides oranges?
Absolutely! Lemons, limes, or even blood oranges produce beautiful candies with their own unique flavors and hues. Just follow the same procedure for exceptional results every time.
How do I avoid bitterness from the peel?
The slow simmer in sugar syrup helps soften and sweeten the peel, but if bitterness is a concern, blanch the orange slices briefly in boiling water before candying. This quick step mellows out the flavor without compromising texture.
Is it necessary to dry the candies for 24–48 hours?
Yes, drying is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy, tacky candy texture. Shorter drying times will leave them sticky and less stable, so let patience work its magic for the best Homemade Orange Candy Recipe result.
Can I reuse the leftover syrup?
Definitely! The syrup left after simmering your oranges is infused with bright citrus flavor. Drizzle it over pancakes, mix into cocktails, or stir it into iced tea—don’t let it go to waste!
How thick should my orange slices be?
Aim for about ¼-inch thickness. Too thin, and the slices may fall apart during simmering; too thick, and the candying process takes much longer. Consistency is key for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Homemade Orange Candy Recipe. It’s one of those kitchen projects that feels just as rewarding to make as it is to eat, and the results are nothing short of magical. Every sparkling slice is a burst of citrusy joy—so grab some fresh oranges and let your creativity shine!
Print
Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 25 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering, Drying
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of Homemade Orange Candy. This simple recipe transforms fresh oranges into a delectable treat that is perfect for snacking or gifting. With a chewy texture and intense citrus flavor, these candies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Candy:
- 3 small oranges or tangelos, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Slice Oranges: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges into ¼-inch rounds.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil.
- Cook Oranges: Reduce heat to a simmer. Add orange slices in a single layer. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peel is translucent.
- Dry Candies: Remove slices and place them on a wire rack. Let them dry uncovered at room temperature for 24–48 hours until tacky but set.
- Optional Finishes: For variation, roll the candies in sugar for a frosted look or dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 ounce)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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