Description
This Old Fashioned Orange Candy recipe is a nostalgic treat that brings back the sweet, citrusy flavors of childhood. With a bright orange hue and a delightful chewiness, these candies are perfect for the holidays, special occasions, or just as a sweet homemade gift. Simple to make and bursting with orange flavor, this recipe is a charming way to add a bit of vintage flair to your candy-making adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1–1/4 cups sugar, divided
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (6 ounces) fruit pectin
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 5 drops each: red and yellow liquid food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Pectin Solution: In a medium saucepan, combine fruit pectin, water, and baking soda. The mixture may foam up, which is normal.
- Create Sugar Syrup: In a separate large saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and the light corn syrup. Cook over high heat for about 4 minutes, or until the pectin mixture stops foaming and the sugar mixture comes to a full boil, stirring often.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the pectin mixture to the boiling sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Cook for another minute, continuing to stir.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the orange extract and food coloring.
- Set the Candy: Pour the mixture immediately into the prepared pan. Let it stand at room temperature for at least 3 hours or overnight until the candy is cool and firm.
- Coat and Cut: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sugar onto a large piece of wax paper. Turn the candy out onto the sugar-coated wax paper. Cut the candy into 3/4-inch cubes, dipping your knife in hot water as needed to prevent sticking.
- Final Coating: Roll the candy cubes in the sugar until evenly coated. Place the coated cubes on a wire rack to dry overnight.
- Store: Once dried, store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different citrus extracts like lemon or lime to create a variety of flavors.
- Cutting Tips: Dip your knife in hot water between cuts to make slicing through the candy easier.
- Storage: These candies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making them perfect for advance preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g