Name: Classic Homemade Orange Candy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3–4 oranges); 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Orange food coloring (optional); Powdered sugar or granulated sugar, for coating

Zesty, chewy, and delightfully sweet, this classic homemade orange candy brings back all the charm of old-fashioned sweets with a burst of real citrus flavor. Made from scratch using fresh orange juice and zest, each bite delivers a bright, nostalgic taste without a trace of artificial flavoring. Whether I’m packaging it for holiday gifts or snacking on a few pieces with tea, this candy is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)

2 tablespoons orange zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange food coloring (optional)

Powdered sugar or granulated sugar, for coating

Directions

I start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and giving it a light grease.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, I combine the orange juice, zest, sugar, salt, corn syrup, and water.

I place it over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves.

Then I attach a candy thermometer to the pan and let the mixture cook without stirring until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).

I take it off the heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring if I want a more vibrant orange look.

I pour the hot candy into the prepared dish and let it sit undisturbed at room temperature for 2–3 hours.

Once it’s firm, I lift the candy slab out and cut it into small squares using a sharp knife or greased scissors.

Finally, I toss the pieces in powdered or granulated sugar to keep them from sticking.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Cooling Time: 2–3 hours

Total Time: About 3 hours

Servings: 25–30 small pieces

Calories: Approximately 70 kcal per piece

Variations

I sometimes add a touch of lemon zest along with the orange for a slightly more complex citrus profile.

For a spiced version, I mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon or clove after removing from heat.

Swapping orange food coloring for natural beet powder or turmeric gives a subtle hue without artificial dyes.

For a sugar-free coating, I roll the pieces in finely shredded unsweetened coconut instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature, where it stays fresh and chewy for up to 2 weeks. To keep pieces from sticking, I layer them between parchment or wax paper. There’s no need to reheat these, but if they get too firm, I let them sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

How do I know when the candy reaches the right temperature?

I use a candy thermometer and wait until it hits exactly 250°F, the hard ball stage. It’s key for getting the perfect chewy texture.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, I’ve used bottled juice—just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar or preservatives.

What can I do if I don’t have corn syrup?

I’ve substituted it with honey or golden syrup in the past, but the texture may change slightly. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization.

Why do I need to coat the candy in sugar?

The sugar coating keeps the pieces from sticking together and adds a little extra texture. I’ve tried both powdered and granulated sugar, and both work great.

Can I freeze the orange candy?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the texture can become grainy when thawed. It’s best kept in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

This classic homemade orange candy is a nostalgic treat I keep coming back to—bright, citrusy, and made with love. Whether I’m giving it as a gift or indulging in a few pieces myself, it always satisfies my craving for something sweet and old-fashioned. Making candy from scratch might seem intimidating, but this recipe makes it easy and fun. Give it a try—I think it might become a new favorite in your kitchen too.

📖 Recipe:

Classic Homemade Orange Candy

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 25–30 small pieces
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Zesty, chewy, and sweet, this classic homemade orange candy is made with real citrus juice and zest for an old-fashioned treat that’s full of nostalgic flavor and charm—perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.