Description

This Classic Homemade Orange Candy combines the tangy sweetness of fresh oranges with the smooth, creamy texture of sweetened condensed milk. It's a simple yet sophisticated candy that works perfectly as a homemade gift or a personal treat to indulge in. Made from only a handful of ingredients, including fresh orange juice, butter, and a touch of vanilla, this candy strikes a wonderful balance of flavors and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.

Unlike store-bought candies filled with artificial flavors, this recipe uses all-natural ingredients to create a true orange experience in every bite. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a new snack or trying your hand at homemade candy making, this orange candy will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
• 2 large fresh oranges (for juice and zest)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• These ingredients will create a candy with a smooth texture, a pleasant citrus flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Preparation Method

1. Zest and Juice the Oranges:
Begin by zesting the oranges to collect the flavorful outer peel. Set the zest aside, as it will be used later in the candy. Then, juice the oranges until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Both the zest and juice will add incredible flavor to the candy, so make sure to reserve them for the next steps.

2. Prepare the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. During this time, the flavors will intensify, and the syrup will start to thicken slightly, creating a more concentrated orange taste.

3. Bloom the Gelatin:
While the syrup is simmering, prepare the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. This will allow the gelatin to soften and fully dissolve into the syrup. Once the gelatin has bloomed, add it to the simmering syrup and stir until completely dissolved.

4. Add Butter and Zest:
Next, add the butter and orange zest to the syrup. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. The butter will add richness and smoothness to the candy, while the zest will enhance the orange flavor with its fresh, citrusy notes.

5. Cool the Mixture:
Once the syrup reaches a honey-like consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This can take about 1-2 hours, but be patient—this step is essential to get the proper texture for your candy.

6. Set the Candy:
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into a lightly greased 8x8-inch dish or silicone candy molds. Spread it evenly, and let the candy set at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. After it has firmed up, place the dish in the refrigerator and allow the candy to chill for 4-6 hours or until completely firm.

7. Cut and Serve:
After the candy has set, remove it from the dish or molds. Using a sharp knife, cut the candy into small, bite-sized pieces. For an added touch, you can dust the candy with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking and to give it a clean, polished look.

Tips and Conclusion

Flavor Variation: If you love the flavor of orange but want to try a twist, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the syrup to intensify the citrus flavor.

Texture Adjustments: For a firmer candy, you can increase the amount of gelatin slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a softer candy, reduce the gelatin by a small amount.

Storage: Store the orange candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it to be a bit firmer. Keep the candy in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.

Making your own orange candy at home is an incredibly rewarding experience, and this recipe makes it so simple and enjoyable. The combination of fresh oranges, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of butter creates a candy that’s smooth, creamy, and packed with vibrant orange flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, serve it at a gathering, or give it as a gift, this candy will surely be a hit.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. The best part? You can adjust the flavor to your preference and enjoy a homemade treat that’s far better than anything store-bought.

Happy candy making!