Old fashioned orange candies are a timeless treat that brings nostalgia to those who remember the simpler, flavorful sweets from earlier times. These candies are bursting with citrusy goodness, balanced by a sweet and tangy taste that is both refreshing and indulgent. Made using natural orange flavors, they stand out for their vibrant color, soft texture, and distinctive aroma. If you’ve ever been curious about making these candies at home, you’re in for a real treat. The process involves infusing orange juice and zest with sugar, creating a soft yet firm candy that is perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. This recipe is easy to follow, and with a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic candy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, Old Fashioned Orange Candy is a delightful option. Let’s explore the steps to bring this timeless candy to life!
Ingredients
To make Old Fashioned Orange Candy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Fresh oranges (for juice and zest) – 2 large
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Corn syrup – 1/4 cup
- Water – 1/2 cup
- Butter – 1 tablespoon
- Gelatin (unflavored) – 1 packet
- Orange extract – 1 teaspoon (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Confectioners’ sugar – for dusting (optional, to prevent sticking)
- A pinch of salt – to balance the sweetness
Preparation
To begin making your Old Fashioned Orange Candy, start by preparing the oranges. First, zest the oranges, ensuring you only take the outermost layer of the peel to avoid bitterness. Once zesting is complete, juice the oranges until you have approximately 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Set both the zest and juice aside for later.
Next, in a medium-sized saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer. Once simmering, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to concentrate the orange flavor and create a syrupy consistency.
While the mixture is simmering, prepare the gelatin. In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and allow it to bloom for about 5 minutes. Once the gelatin has softened, add it to the simmering orange syrup and stir until completely dissolved.
Once the gelatin has fully dissolved, add the orange zest and butter to the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it does not burn. The mixture should thicken to a honey-like consistency.
Now, carefully pour the candy mixture into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish or a candy mold. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for about 1-2 hours, then refrigerate it for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to set completely.
After the candy has set, remove it from the dish or mold and cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can dust the pieces with confectioners’ sugar to prevent them from sticking together. Serve and enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Orange Candy
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the Sugar Mixture: When boiling the orange juice and sugar mixture, avoid overheating or letting it cook too long, as it can cause the sugar to crystallize or burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Always keep an eye on it and use a medium heat setting to ensure it doesn’t go too far.
- Not Blooming the Gelatin Properly: Gelatin needs to bloom before it’s added to the hot mixture. If you skip this step, it may not dissolve correctly, leaving you with a gritty texture in the candy. Ensure you allow the gelatin to sit in cold water for 5 minutes to soften before adding it to the hot syrup.
- Incorrect Setting Time: Don’t rush the cooling and setting process. Allow the mixture to fully cool before refrigerating it. If it’s not given enough time to set, the candy will not firm up properly and may be too soft to cut into pieces.
- Skipping the Butter: Butter not only adds a nice smooth texture to the candy but also helps prevent it from becoming too hard. If you skip this step, your candy might end up being overly firm and not as pleasant to eat.
- Not Using Fresh Oranges: While you can use store-bought orange juice in a pinch, fresh oranges provide a natural, vibrant flavor that cannot be replicated. Using fresh oranges will give your candy the best taste and aroma.
Ingredient Alternatives
If you want to make some substitutions or variations to the Old Fashioned Orange Candy recipe, here are a few options:
- Citrus Variations: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can substitute the oranges with lemons, grapefruits, or even a combination of citrus fruits for a tangier twist. Lemon zest and juice can work especially well if you enjoy a more tart candy.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a healthier version, you can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly, but they can add a unique touch to the candy. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times as necessary.
- Gelatin Substitutes: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative to gelatin, agar-agar is an excellent choice. It can be used in place of gelatin, but you may need to adjust the quantity as agar sets firmer and faster than gelatin. Follow the instructions on the agar-agar package for the correct substitution.
- Orange Extract: If fresh oranges are not available, you can use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice and zest. However, fresh juice will always yield the best flavor, so use this substitute only if you’re in a pinch.
- Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, you can replace butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or margarine. These will still provide the necessary fat content and smooth texture to the candy.
Tips and Tricks
- Using Fresh Oranges: Always use fresh, ripe oranges for the best flavor. The zest is especially important for giving the candy its citrusy aroma, so don’t skip this step.
- Proper Cooling: Ensure that you allow the candy mixture to cool fully before refrigerating. This will help it set evenly and prevent air bubbles from forming in the candy.
- Non-Stick Surface: If you don’t want the candy to stick, lightly dust the pieces with powdered sugar or cornstarch after cutting them into shapes. This gives them a nice finish and prevents any sticky mess.
- Testing the Consistency: To test if the candy mixture has thickened properly, drop a small spoonful into a bowl of cold water. If it firms up within a few seconds and you can roll it into a ball, it’s ready to pour into your mold or baking dish.
- Candy Mold: If you have a silicone candy mold, it’s perfect for creating neat, uniform shapes. Just be sure to grease it lightly or dust it with powdered sugar to make sure the candy comes out easily.
Suggestions
- Serving Ideas: Old Fashioned Orange Candy is perfect as a standalone treat, but you can also pair it with other desserts. Serve it alongside chocolate truffles, as part of a dessert platter, or even wrap it as a homemade gift for friends and family. It’s also a wonderful addition to holiday or celebration tables.
- Storage: Store your homemade candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer a firmer candy, refrigerating it will help preserve its texture. Just make sure to keep it in a dry place to avoid moisture and stickiness.
- Adding Texture: For a bit of crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, into the candy mixture before setting it. This will create a delightful contrast between the smooth candy and the nutty crunch.
FAQ
- How long will it take for the candy to set?
It typically takes about 4-6 hours for the candy to set completely in the fridge. For best results, leave it overnight to ensure it’s firm enough to cut into pieces. - Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes! Old Fashioned Orange Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect for preparing in advance for holidays, special events, or as a gift. - Why did my candy turn out too soft?
If your candy is too soft, it may not have been cooked long enough to reach the correct consistency. Make sure to bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer it for the right amount of time. You can also try adding a bit more gelatin to achieve a firmer texture. - Can I use a different flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors. Try substituting the orange juice with lemon or lime juice, or add a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Orange Candy is a delicious and nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With fresh oranges, a few simple ingredients, and some patience, you can create a candy that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying on your own. This homemade version beats store-bought candies with its fresh, natural flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, you can customize it with alternative ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a fun project, this candy will surely be a hit. So why not give it a try and bring a little citrus sunshine to your kitchen
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Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Zest the oranges to collect the outer peel and set it aside. Juice the oranges until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh juice. Set both the zest and juice aside for later use.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, water, sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Mixture: Allow the syrup to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to concentrate the orange flavor. The mixture should begin to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. After the gelatin has softened, add it to the simmering orange syrup and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add Butter and Zest: Add the butter and orange zest to the syrup and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
- Cool the Mixture: Once the mixture has thickened to a honey-like consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
- Pour and Set: Pour the cooled mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch dish or silicone candy molds. Allow it to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once the candy has set, remove it from the dish or molds. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. For extra flair, dust the pieces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Orange Candy