Introduction

Homemade Orange Candy offers a delightful burst of citrus flavor wrapped in a chewy, sweet treat. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this candy captures the fresh aroma of oranges in every bite.

The image shows a tray filled with bright orange, sugar-coated jelly cubes, each having a soft and slightly translucent texture. Scattered among the cubes are several halves of fresh oranges, showing their juicy, vibrant interiors with a natural shine. A woman's hand is gently holding one of the orange halves at the bottom left corner, adding a human touch to the scene. The tray is set on a white marbled surface that provides a clean and elegant background, highlighting the rich colors of the jellies and oranges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium Oranges (fresh for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (no substitutions recommended)
1/2 cup Corn Syrup (prevents crystallization; can be replaced with honey if necessary)
1 tablespoon Gelatin (gives structure and firmness; swap with agar-agar for a vegetarian option)
1/4 cup Water (for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin)
1 tablespoon Butter (optional; enhances flavor and texture, omit for dairy-free version)
1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Zest the outer peel of the oranges to capture fragrant oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering syrup, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and optional butter, then cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency.
Step 5: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Let it cool at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Step 6: Once set, remove the candy from the dish, cut into pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

Drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin, adjusting blooming and dissolving steps accordingly.
Wrap each piece individually to keep candy fresh when storing.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When refrigerated, let the candy come to room temperature before eating for the best texture. Wrapped pieces maintain freshness longer and prevent sticking.

How to Serve

A close-up of a tray filled with square-shaped orange jelly candies covered in white sugar crystals, arranged in a scattered way. Around the candies, several orange halves show a bright, juicy texture with visible segments. In the foreground, a woman's hand holds one of the vibrant orange halves, adding a fresh and natural element to the scene. The tray is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor and aroma, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind the candy’s taste may be less vibrant.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?

Dust the cut pieces with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Wrapping each piece individually also helps maintain texture and prevents them from clumping.