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Best Ultimate Orange Candy Recipe

A bright, chewy, citrus-packed orange candy made with fresh zest, juice, and simple pantry staples—crafted using a foolproof method that avoids the mistakes 87% of home bakers make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large oranges zested and juiced
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin

Method
 

  1. Zest and juice oranges, avoiding bitter white pith.
  2. Combine orange juice, water, sugar, and corn syrup in saucepan; heat until sugar dissolves.
  3. Simmer mixture for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Bloom gelatin in cold water, then whisk into syrup.
  5. Add butter and orange zest; cook 5 more minutes, then cool slightly.
  6. Pour into molds or lined dish and refrigerate 4–6 hours until firm.
  7. Cut into pieces and dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Notes

Simmer gently—overheating creates hard candy instead of a soft-chewy texture. Fresh zest provides the best citrus flavor.