Introduction

Homemade Orange Candy is a delightful sweet treat bursting with fresh citrus flavor. This chewy, fragrant candy is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special indulgence. Easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, it’s a great way to brighten your day with the taste of sunshine.

The image shows a close-up of bright orange jelly cubes dusted with white sugar crystals, arranged closely on a white plate with a white marbled surface visible at the side. Interspersed between the jelly cubes are fresh orange slices, showing their vibrant juicy interiors with a detailed pattern of segments. At the bottom left corner, a woman's hand is holding one of the orange slices, adding a touch of interaction to the image. The jelly cubes have a soft texture, with the sugar giving them a sparkling effect, while the orange slices bring freshness and shine to the composition. The colors range from deep translucent orange in the jelly to the fresh bright orange and yellow of the fruit slices. 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; agar-agar can be used 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)
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dusting and preventing sticking)

Instructions

Step 1: Zest the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils. Then juice the oranges until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This will be the base of your candy.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This ensures a perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering syrup, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and butter if using. Continue to cook for another 5 to 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 to 6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Step 6: Once set, carefully remove the candy from the dish. Cut it into your desired shapes and dust with confectioners’ sugar to finish and prevent sticking.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar, but adjust the quantity and blooming method as agar-agar sets differently.
If you prefer a dairy-free candy, simply omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Use freshly zested and juiced oranges for the most vibrant flavor and natural aroma.
Dusting with confectioners’ sugar not only adds sweetness but also keeps the candy pieces from sticking together.

Storage

Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If refrigerated, allow the candy to come to room temperature before serving for the best chewy texture. Avoid storing in humid environments to maintain firmness.

How to Serve

A silver tray filled with many soft, square-shaped orange jelly cubes covered lightly in white sugar powder, placed over a white marbled surface. Scattered among the jelly cubes are several bright orange halved oranges showing their juicy segments. A woman's hand is gently holding one of the halved oranges in the lower left corner of the image. The overall look is fresh and vibrant with the contrast of the sugar powder and the glossy orange fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of oranges?

Yes, you can try lemons, limes, or grapefruits for a different citrus flavor. Keep in mind the sweetness and acidity will vary, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the candy smooth, but you can substitute it with honey. The texture may be slightly different, and the flavor will be a bit richer.