Here’s a classic recipe for Old Fashioned Orange Candy that’s both tangy and sweet, perfect for those who love citrus-flavored treats with a nostalgic twist. This candy can be made in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular methods involves a hard candy or chewy jelly-like texture, often using orange juice, zest, and sugar to create a mouthwatering candy.
Old Fashioned Orange Candy Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Orange Candy:
- 2 large oranges (fresh, for juice and zest)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for extra tanginess)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- For the Coating (if making chewy or hard candies with sugar):
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Orange:
- Zest both oranges to collect the peel, being careful not to get too much of the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside.
- Juice the oranges to get about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Strain out any pulp if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Cook the Candy Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, water, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- For added tanginess, you can stir in citric acid, which will give the candy a more tart, classic citrus flavor.
- Test the Candy’s Consistency:
- To check the consistency, drop a small spoonful of the mixture onto a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then run your finger through the candy. If it holds its shape and doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s ready. If it’s still too liquid, simmer for a few more minutes.
- Shape the Candy:
- For chewy, jelly-like orange candies: Pour the mixture into a lined 8×8-inch baking dish or a silicone mold. Let it set for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator until firm. Once firm, cut it into small squares or desired shapes.
- For hard candies: If you prefer a traditional hard candy, pour the hot mixture into silicone candy molds (or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper). Let it cool completely until it hardens into a solid, crystallized form. This can take a few hours.
- Coat the Candies:
- Once the candies are set, you can coat them in granulated sugar for an extra crunch. To do so, lightly dust the candies in sugar or cornstarch to keep them from sticking together.
- Store and Enjoy:
- Store your Old Fashioned Orange Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve made a chewy version, be sure to keep them wrapped individually to prevent sticking.
This Old Fashioned Orange Candy is perfect for a nostalgic, citrusy treat with the bright, fresh flavor of oranges. You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding or reducing the amount of sugar and citric acid, depending on your preference.
Have you tried making this candy before, or is this something you’re excited to try out? Let me know what version you prefer!