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Old Fashioned Orange Candy

Old Fashioned Orange Candy

Old Fashioned Orange Candy is a timeless homemade confection that perfectly balances sweet and tangy citrus flavors with a nostalgic, comforting warmth. Made from simple pantry ingredients like granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and butter, this chewy candy delivers a delightful orange essence with a smooth texture and vibrant color. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat, it brings back fond memories and brightens any day with each bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup or glucose
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: a few drops orange food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Juice fresh oranges and zest their skin. Measure sugar, water, corn syrup, and butter precisely to ensure perfect candy consistency.
  2. Combine Sugar and Liquids: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely. Avoid stirring once mixture begins to boil to prevent crystallization.
  3. Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer and heat the mixture until it reaches 235°F to 240°F (soft ball stage), ensuring a chewy yet firm texture.
  4. Add Orange Flavor and Butter: Remove from heat and quickly stir in fresh orange juice, orange zest, butter, and optional food coloring. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  5. Pour and Cool: Transfer the mixture to a greased or parchment-lined pan, spreading evenly. Let it cool at room temperature until firm but pliable.
  6. Cut and Wrap: Once set, cut into small bite-sized pieces. Wrap individually if desired for gifting or storage to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate temperature control.
  • Do not stir the sugar syrup once boiling starts to avoid crystallization.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhance flavor significantly over bottled alternatives.
  • Work quickly after cooking to ensure even texture and shape.
  • Adjust sugar amount to suit your preferred sweetness and orange variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: Old Fashioned Orange Candy, homemade orange candy, classic orange candy, citrus candy, chewy orange candy, nostalgic candy, candy recipe