Homemade Orange Candy – A Sweet Citrus Treat to Share Recipe
Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful sweet treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Made with real orange juice and zest, this chewy candy combines the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, crafted using simple ingredients like granulated sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin for a smooth texture. Perfect for sharing or gifting, this candy offers a refreshing twist on classic sweets and can be customized with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: about 36 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy Base
- 3 medium Oranges (zested and juiced for fresh flavor)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Gelatin
- 1/4 cup Water (divided)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional)
For Dusting (Optional)
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar
Instructions
- Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This will be the flavorful base of your candy.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, 1/4 cup water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture in your candy.
- Combine Mixtures: Once your syrup is simmering, add the bloomed gelatin to the saucepan, stirring until it fully dissolves. Mix in the orange zest and optional butter, then continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture 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 briefly before refrigerating for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight until fully set.
- Cut & Dust: After the candy has set, carefully remove it from the dish, cut into desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if you prefer to prevent sticking and add a sweet finish.
Notes
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
- If storing, wrap each piece individually to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.
Keywords: orange candy, homemade candy, citrus candy, chewy orange sweets, gelatin candy
