Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Making classic homemade orange candy is a delightful way to capture the bright flavor of oranges in a sweet treat. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also offers a fun way to enjoy citrus. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or a gift, these homemade candies are sure to please everyone. You can enjoy them on their own or use them to add a special touch to cakes and desserts.

How to Make Classic Homemade Orange Candy

Ingredients:

• 3 small oranges or tangelos (about 18–20 slices)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 cups water

Directions:

1. Slice the oranges into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the orange slices in a single layer. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peel becomes translucent.
4. Remove the slices from the syrup with tongs and arrange them on a wire rack. Let them dry uncovered at room temperature for 24–48 hours until they are tacky but set.
5. Optional: For a frosted finish, roll the slices in sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Orange Candy

You can serve classic homemade orange candy in a variety of ways. Enjoy them as a sweet snack, or use them as a decorative addition to your dessert plates. They pair well with nuts and chocolates, making them perfect for a dessert platter. You can also chop them up and sprinkle them over ice cream or yogurt for a zesty flair.

How to Store Classic Homemade Orange Candy

To keep your orange candy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the slices are fully dried and not sticking together. If you live in a humid climate, you can keep them in the refrigerator to prevent sticking, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Classic Homemade Orange Candy

• Use thin-skinned oranges or tangelos for a more flavorful candy.
• Make sure to simmer gently to avoid burning the syrup.
• Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or ginger to the syrup for extra flavor.
• Consider using chocolate that has a higher cocoa content for a richer taste.

Variation

You can try making this recipe with other citrus fruits such as lemons or grapefruits for a different flavor. The process is similar, but keep in mind that lemons may require a little more sugar to balance the tartness.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought orange slices instead of fresh?
   While you can use store-bought slices, fresh oranges provide a better flavor and a more enjoyable texture.

2. How long do these candies last?
   Properly stored, homemade orange candy can last up to two weeks at room temperature or longer in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the orange candy?
   Yes, you can freeze the orange candy. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Classic Homemade Orange Candy

A delightful and simple recipe to make homemade orange candy that captures the bright flavor of oranges in a sweet treat, perfect for snacks, desserts, or gifts.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 20 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 50

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 small small oranges or tangelos (about 18–20 slices) Use thin-skinned varieties for better flavor.
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 cups water

Method

 

Preparation

1. Slice the oranges into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline.

Cooking

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil.
2. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the orange slices in a single layer. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peel becomes translucent.

Drying

1. Remove the slices from the syrup with tongs and arrange them on a wire rack. Let them dry uncovered at room temperature for 24–48 hours until they are tacky but set.

Optional Finishing Touch

1. For a frosted finish, roll the slices in sugar, or dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Notes

To keep your orange candy fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If in a humid climate, store in the refrigerator but allow coming to room temperature before serving. Thin-skinned oranges or tangelos are recommended for better flavor. Experiment with spices for extra flavor.