Homemade Orange Chews (Citrus Candy Squares)
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.
- 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
Scale
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.
Instructions
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.