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.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 40 small pieces 1x
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Juice fresh oranges and zest their skin. Measure sugar, water, corn syrup, and butter precisely to ensure perfect candy consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 10g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Old Fashioned Orange Candy, homemade orange candy, classic orange candy, citrus candy, chewy orange candy, nostalgic candy, candy recipe