Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks are a delightful treat combining zesty orange jelly with a rich chocolate coating. These sweet, tangy snacks are perfect for sharing or gifting and easy to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup water
• 1½ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for shine)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the orange juice, orange zest, and sugar over medium heat until steaming, but not boiling.
3. Step 3: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm orange mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Step 4: Pour the jelly mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small baking dish and chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
5. Step 5: Once set, remove the jelly from the pan and slice it into stick shapes using a sharp knife. Pat the sticks dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
6. Step 6: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter (if using) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
7. Step 7: Dip each orange stick halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper to set.
8. Step 8: Chill the dipped sticks until the chocolate is firm, then enjoy or package as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier flavor, swap orange juice with lemon or grapefruit juice.
• Use milk chocolate for a sweeter coating or dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.
• Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to the chocolate helps create a shiny, smooth finish.
• Serve these sticks with tea or include them on dessert trays for parties.

Storage

Store the chocolate orange sticks in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Keep them in a cool environment or the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To re-soften the chocolate slightly, let the sticks come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use powdered gelatin instead of sheets?

Yes, powdered gelatin works perfectly. Just sprinkle it over water to bloom as instructed, then add it to your warm mixture.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?

Store-bought orange juice without added preservatives or pulp works well, but fresh juice will give the best natural flavor.

Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 115 reviews

Delightfully tangy and sweet homemade chocolate orange sticks combine a luscious orange jelly center coated in smooth dark chocolate. These elegant treats are perfect for gifting or serving at dessert tables, offering a refreshing citrus flavor paired with rich chocolate.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 sticks 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Chocolate Coating:

• 1½ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for shine)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jelly: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the orange juice, zest, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is steaming. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm liquid and stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
2. Set the Jelly: Pour the jelly mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small baking dish. Refrigerate for about 4 hours or until it is completely firm and set.
3. Cut into Sticks: Once the jelly has set, carefully remove it from the pan and slice it into stick shapes using a sharp knife. Use a paper towel to gently pat the sticks dry and remove any excess moisture for better chocolate adherence.
4. Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips together with coconut oil or butter (if using) in a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water, stirring continuously until smooth. Alternatively, melt in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals to prevent burning.
5. Dip and Set: Dip each orange jelly stick halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, then place them on parchment paper to set. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating becomes firm and solid.

Notes

• Make Ahead: These candies can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in the refrigerator or a cool place to maintain freshness.
• Customizing the Flavor: Substitute orange juice and zest with lemon or grapefruit for a different citrus profile. Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste.
• Serving Suggestions: Perfect when served with tea, included on dessert trays, or elegantly wrapped in clear bags with ribbons as festive gifts.
• Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free.
• Storage Tips: Store finished chocolate orange sticks in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper at room temperature in a cool environment or refrigerated for up to 7 days.

Keywords: chocolate orange sticks, homemade candy, orange jelly, chocolate coating, citrus chocolate treats, no-bake dessert