Homemade orange candy: a burst of sunshine in every bite! There’s something truly special about creating your own treats, and this recipe for homemade orange candy brings back cherished memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma alone—bright citrus mingling with warm sugar—is enough to transport me back to simpler times. I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience the joy of making delightful homemade orange candy.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This homemade orange candy Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying treat. These candied orange sweets are bursting with fresh orange flavor, making them an irresistible snack or a thoughtful homemade gift. Making this homemade orange candy from scratch is surprisingly easy and produces a result that is far superior to store bought versions. The bright, tangy taste and soft, chewy texture will leave you wanting more! Not to mention, the process of making them is truly therapeutic. Have you tried my incredibly easy Homemade Egg Bites recipe? It’s another guaranteed hit you’ll love to treat yourself to!
Ingredients Needed for This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Oranges: 3 large, preferably navel oranges (for juicing & zest)
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups, plus more for coating.
- Water: 1 cup.
- Light Corn Syrup: 1/4 cup (prevents crystallization).
- Orange Extract: 1 teaspoon (optional, for intensified flavor).
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (optional, for a different coating).
How to Make This homemade orange candy Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Oranges: Wash and thoroughly dry the oranges. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest in wide strips, avoiding the white pith as much as possible. Then, juice the oranges. Aim for about 1 cup of fresh orange juice.
- 2. Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, light corn syrup, and fresh orange juice.
- 3. Cook the Zest: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the orange zest strips. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the zest becomes translucent and the syrup thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 4. Strain and Cool: Carefully remove the zest strips from the syrup using a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack lined with parchment paper to cool and dry. Reserve the syrup, if desired, for other uses like flavoring drinks or desserts.
- 5. Coat (optional): Once the zest strips are cooled but still slightly tacky, toss them in granulated sugar or powdered sugar to coat evenly. I love the slightly gritty texture from the sugar coating.
- 6. Dry Completely: Allow the coated orange candy to dry completely on the wire rack for several hours or overnight. This step is crucial for preventing stickiness.
- 7. Store: Store the homemade orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
This process creates beautiful, translucent candied orange sweets. Making Homemade Blackberry Pie is also rewarding and easier than you might think!
How to Serve This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Enjoy them as a sweet and tangy snack.
- Add them to charcuterie boards for a citrusy touch.
- Use them as a garnish for cakes, cupcakes, or cocktails.
- Incorporate them into homemade trail mix for a burst of flavor.
- Package them in small jars as thoughtful homemade gifts.
How to Store This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Refrigeration: Not recommended, as it can cause them to become sticky.
- Freezing: Freezing is not ideal as it can alter the texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are completely dry before storing to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed juice and zest offer the best flavor.
- Avoid the Pith: Carefully remove only the colored part of the orange zest to avoid bitterness from the white pith.
- Simmer Gently: Simmering the zest slowly ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allow the candied orange sweets to dry completely to prevent stickiness during storage.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon or cardamom to the syrup for added complexity.
Did you know that I can also show you how to bake a Classic Homemade Pizza? So much fun!
Helpful Notes for This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Orange Variety: Navel oranges are a great choice due to their thick skin and vibrant flavor.
- Corn Syrup Substitute: If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- Reserved Syrup: Don’t throw away the reserved orange syrup! Use it to sweeten iced tea, drizzle over pancakes, or as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
Variation of This homemade orange candy Recipe
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip the dried candied orange sweets into melted dark or milk chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Spicy Candied Oranges: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the syrup for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Other Citrus Fruits: Use this method to candy other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits.
What ingredients do I need to make homemade orange candy?
You’ll typically need sugar, orange juice, orange zest, corn syrup (optional), and sometimes a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Specific quantities will depend on the recipe you choose.
How do I store homemade orange candy?
Store your homemade orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a layer of wax paper between pieces can prevent them from sticking together. They typically last for a week or two if stored properly.
Can I use different citrus fruits for this candy recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits to create different flavored candies. Adjust the sugar level to balance the acidity of the fruit juice you’re using.
How do I keep my homemade orange candy from being sticky?
Ensuring the candy reaches the correct hard-crack stage temperature is crucial. Also, store the candy in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent moisture absorption.
Conclusion
Making homemade orange candy is a delightful experience that yields a truly special treat. The bright, citrusy flavor of these candied orange sweets is sure to brighten your day. Give this homemade orange candy recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!
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Homemade Orange Candy: Easy Recipe for Bursting Flavor!
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Description
Homemade orange candy is easy to make from scratch. Candied orange sweets, great for snacking, garnishing desserts, or gifting.
Ingredients
- 3 large oranges (navel oranges recommended)
- 2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Wash and dry the oranges. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest, being careful to avoid the white pith. Juice the oranges to yield about 1 cup of fresh juice.
- 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and orange juice.
- 3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the orange zest strips.
- 4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 60 minutes, or until the zest becomes translucent and the syrup thickens.
- 5. Remove zest strips with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment lined wire rack to cool and dry. Reserve remaining syrup.
- 6. Once cooled and slightly tacky, toss zest strips into granulated or powdered sugar to coat.
- 7. Let the coated orange candies dry completely on the wire rack for several hours or overnight. This prevents sticking.
- 8. Store candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade candy, orange, candied, citrus, dessert