Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

If you have a soft spot for sweets that combine a burst of citrusy freshness with a satisfyingly chewy texture, you are going to fall head over heels for this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe. This delightful treat captures the vibrant essence of oranges, simmered to perfection and dressed in sparkly sugar, making it an irresistible snack or gift that sings with zesty goodness. Perfectly balancing sweet and tangy flavors, these candied orange peels offer a handcrafted charm that only a homemade recipe can deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to highlight the natural brightness and sweetness of the oranges while ensuring the candy’s perfect texture and dazzling appearance.

• 2 large oranges: Fresh and firm, these provide the essential citrus flavor and the peel for candying.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and later, for coating, giving that classic sugary crunch.
• 1 cup water: Creates the syrup base that gently cooks the orange peels into tenderness.
• 1/4 cup corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your candy remains smooth and glossy.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Granulated sugar for coating: Adds the final sweet touch and an enticing sparkle to each piece.

How to Make Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Begin by washing the oranges carefully to remove any residues or wax. Dry them thoroughly. Then, cut off the tops and bottoms and slice the oranges into quarters. Scoop out the juicy flesh, leaving you with just the bright orange peels to work with. This peeling step is key since the peel is what transforms into the candy we love.

Step 2: Cut the Peels into Strips

Next, slice those orange peels into thin strips about a quarter-inch wide. These elegant little strips are going to become your candied delights, so uniform size helps them cook evenly and present beautifully.

Step 3: Remove Bitterness from the Peels

Place the peel strips into a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer gently for 15 minutes. This blanching step is essential because it softens the peels and removes the natural bitterness, ensuring your candy tastes sweet and bright rather than sharp or overly tangy.

Step 4: Drain and Rinse

After simmering, drain the peels and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and refresh their texture. Set the strips aside, ready to soak up that luscious syrup in the next step.

Step 5: Make the Sugar Syrup

Using the same saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup is what will soak into the orange peels, turning them translucent and tender while infusing sweetness into every bite.

Step 6: Simmer the Peels in Syrup

Once the syrup is bubbling, add your orange peel strips. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the peels transform, becoming soft, translucent, and glowing with a sheer sugary coating.

Step 7: Add Vanilla Extract

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the half teaspoon of vanilla extract. This aromatic touch brightens the flavor, adding warmth and balancing the citrus notes beautifully as the candy cools.

Step 8: Dry the Candied Peels

Using a fork or slotted spoon, fish out the peels, letting excess syrup drip back into the pan. Lay them in a single layer on a wire rack or parchment-lined surface. Patience is your friend here; allow them to dry for 4 to 6 hours until they’re no longer sticky but perfectly tacky for sugar coating.

Step 9: Coat with Granulated Sugar

Finally, roll each strip in granulated sugar. This extra step adds a charming sparkle and a delightful crunch that makes every bite shimmer with sweetness while beautifully showcasing your handiwork.

Step 10: Store Your Orange Candy

Store these treasures in an airtight container at room temperature. They last beautifully, remaining soft and flavorful for days, perfect for snacking or gifting.

How to Serve Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle some candied orange strips over cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecakes for a tangy-sweet finishing touch. Their vivid color and glossy finish elevate desserts visually and add a burst of citrus joy with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these candied peels with a cheese board featuring creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and a handful of nuts. The citrusy sweetness contrasts beautifully with rich cheeses, enhancing your snack time or entertaining spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gift or party favor, wrap the orange candy in parchment paper tied with twine or place in decorated jars with personalized labels. You can even use them to garnish cocktails, adding a sweet, zesty twist to your favorite drinks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover candied orange peels keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they’re completely dry before storing to prevent stickiness or clumping.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is an option. Place the sugared peels in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Thaw at room temperature before use; the texture remains great.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this candy, but if you want to soften them slightly before serving, let them sit at room temperature or briefly warm them in a low oven for just a couple of minutes. Be careful to avoid melting the sugar coating.

FAQs

Can I use different citrus fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe highlights oranges, you can experiment with lemons, limes, or grapefruit peels for exciting flavor variations. Just adjust blanching times depending on the thickness of the peel.

Is it necessary to add corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the syrup smooth. If you prefer a corn syrup-free version, you can try substituting with honey or omitting it, but the texture and clarity of your candy may vary.

How long can I keep this orange candy?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your classic homemade orange candy will stay fresh and delicious for about two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing as detailed above.

Can I eat the orange flesh along with the candy?

The recipe uses the peel for candying, but you can certainly enjoy the orange flesh separately or save it for juices, salads, or other recipes. The flesh is not included in the candy since it would not hold up well during the cooking process.

What causes candied peel to become sticky?

If your candied orange peels stay sticky, it might mean they didn’t dry long enough before coating with sugar, or humidity is high. To fix this, give them extra drying time and store in a dry environment to maintain the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen projects that fills your home with incredible aromas and produces a treat worth sharing with everyone you love. Whether you’re indulging by yourself, sprinkling it on desserts, or gifting it to friends, every bite celebrates the sunny, zesty spirit of oranges. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a sweet tradition worth starting.

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