Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares)

If you’ve ever wished for a candy that perfectly captures the bright, tangy flavor of fresh oranges with a satisfyingly chewy texture, look no further than these Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares). This nostalgic treat is bursting with real citrus zest and juice, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness that will brighten your day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring a sweet moment alone, these candy squares make for a charming homemade indulgence that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares) is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect chewy texture and vibrant citrus flavor. From fresh oranges to gelatin, these staples combine to deliver that melt-in-your-mouth citrus bliss.

• 3 medium Oranges: Use fresh oranges for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma that form the heart of your chews.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the candy mixture just right; no substitutions recommended to maintain texture.
• 1/2 cup Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth texture by preventing crystallization; honey can work as a substitute if needed.
• 1 tablespoon Gelatin: Gives the candy its chewy structure and firmness; agar-agar is a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• 1/4 cup Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and bloom the gelatin properly, essential for texture.
• 1 tablespoon Butter: Adds a touch of richness and silkiness to the candy; optional for a dairy-free treat.
• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Optional): Perfect for dusting the finished candies to keep them from sticking and add a sweet finish.

How to Make Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares)

Step 1: Zest and Juice Your Oranges

Begin by zesting the outer peel of three fresh oranges to capture those fragrant essential oils, which are key for that authentic citrus punch. Then, juice the oranges until you have about 3/4 cup of juice—the foundation of our flavorful candy base.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup

Combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and it starts to simmer. This careful heating infuses the syrup with citrus flavor while creating the right consistency.

Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” process is essential because it softens the gelatin, allowing it to mix smoothly and give your candy that perfect chewiness.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

When your syrup is simmering, stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s fully dissolved. Add the orange zest and, if you’re using it, the butter for an extra silky touch. Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens to a honey-like consistency that will set beautifully.

Step 5: Set the Candy

Pour the hot, thick orange mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Let it cool slightly at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step is key to allowing the candy to firm up just right.

Step 6: Cut and Dust

Once your Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares) are fully set, gently remove the candy from the dish and cut it into bite-sized squares. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like to give them a pretty, non-sticky finish and an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares)

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, sprinkle your candy squares with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or even a pinch of finely grated orange zest. These little touches highlight the fresh citrus flavor and make the treats look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Since these chews are a sweet treat on their own, pair them with light sides such as herbal tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. These refreshing beverages complement the vibrant orange flavor without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try wrapping each Homemade Orange Chew in a little piece of wax paper or placing them in decorative mini muffin liners to create an elegant candy display for gift-giving or parties. You can even stack them in a pretty jar or box tied with a bright ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares) fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them chewy and flavorful for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them whenever a sweet citrus craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to save your candy for longer, you can freeze the squares in a sealed bag or container. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if your Homemade Orange Chews feel a little firm, a few minutes at room temperature will soften them up nicely. Avoid heat sources that could melt or alter the candy’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits besides oranges?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights orange’s bright flavor, you can experiment with lemons or grapefruits. Just keep in mind each fruit’s acidity and sweetness will affect the final taste.

What if I want a vegetarian version of these chews?

You can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still give you delicious, chewy candy squares.

Is there a way to make these candies less sticky?

Dusting with confectioners’ sugar after cutting is the best way to prevent stickiness. Also, making sure the candy is fully set before cutting helps keep the edges neat and less tacky.

Can I omit the butter?

Yes, the butter is optional but adds richness and smoothness. Omitting it will yield a slightly firmer and less creamy candy but still delicious nonetheless.

How long do these homemade candies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Homemade Orange Chews can last up to a week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated. Just keep an eye out for any changes in texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares) is such a rewarding little kitchen adventure. They bring an irresistible burst of citrus sunshine with every bite and make wonderful gifts or party favors. If you’re looking for a sweet, chewy treat that’s brimming with fresh flavor and homemade love, these candy squares are a must-try. Dive in and enjoy the simple pleasure of crafting your own citrus candy delight!

Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares)

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Homemade Orange Candy is a nostalgic American dessert that combines fresh orange zest and juice with a sweet, chewy texture. This treat is perfect for sharing and offers a bright, citrusy flavor balanced by a smooth, gelatin-based candy base. With a simple preparation and a long cooling time, it’s an enjoyable homemade candy that delights with the natural aroma and sweetness of oranges.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pieces 1x
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Candy Base

• 3 medium Oranges – Use fresh oranges for maximum flavor and vibrant aroma.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the candy mixture to perfection; no substitutions recommended.
• 1/2 cup Corn Syrup – Prevents crystallization for a smooth texture; can be replaced with honey if necessary.
• 1 tablespoon Gelatin – Gives structure and firmness to the candy; swap with agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
• 1/4 cup Water – Essential for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin; no substitutions needed.
• 1 tablespoon Butter – Enhances the flavor and texture; optional for a dairy-free version.

For Dusting (Optional)

• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar – Dust over the cut candy for a sweet finish and to prevent sticking.

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Instructions

1. Zest & Juice Oranges: Start by zesting the outer peel of the oranges to capture their fragrant oils, then juice them until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. This will be the flavorful base of your candy!
2. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Bloom Gelatin: In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that perfect chewy texture!
4. Combine Mixtures: Once your syrup is ready, add the bloomed gelatin to the simmering mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the orange zest and optional butter, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a honey-like consistency.
5. Set the Candy: Pour the thickened mixture into a greased or lined 8×8-inch dish. Allow it to cool at room temperature for a bit before refrigerating for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
6. Cut & Dust: After the candy has set, carefully remove it from the dish, cut it into your desired pieces, and dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like.

Notes

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and aroma.
• Gelatin is essential for the chewy texture; for a vegetarian version, substitute agar-agar but note the texture may change.
• Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization; honey can be a substitute but may alter the texture slightly.
• The butter is optional and can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
• Make sure to let the candy set completely in the refrigerator for the best texture before cutting.
• Dusting with confectioners’ sugar helps prevent the candy pieces from sticking together.