Old Fashioned Orange Candy Recipe

Sweet & Tangy 3-Ingredient Orange Candy Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet citrus lovers, this easy 3-ingredient orange candy recipe might just become your new favorite kitchen adventure.

Zesty oranges bring magic to simple confectionery crafting.

Homemade treats always taste better when you create them with minimal ingredients.

Minimal effort combines with maximum flavor in this delightful sweet creation.

Professional chefs understand that simplicity often delivers the most spectacular results.

Minimal kitchen skills work perfectly for crafting these bright, tangy candies.

You can whip up this delectable treat in less than thirty minutes and impress everyone with your culinary prowess.

Orange Candy With Just 3 Ingredients That’s Bright and Sweet

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up delightful orange candies with minimal effort and ingredients.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Create a tasty treat in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in a simple recipe that teaches basic cooking skills while creating delicious results.
  • Budget-Friendly Treat: Use affordable ingredients to make a homemade candy that costs pennies compared to store-bought options.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Orange Candy

Fruit Base:
  • Fresh Orange Juice: Provides the primary citrus flavor and natural sweetness for the candy.
  • Sugar, Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, chewy texture and helps set the candy with a glossy finish. Choose granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness and cornstarch for proper binding.
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures easy removal of candy from the mold or tray. A neutral vegetable oil works best for this purpose.

Making 3-Ingredient Orange Candy Quickly

Step 1: Whisk Fresh Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and combine these tasty components:
  • Fresh orange juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch

Blend everything together until the sugar and cornstarch completely dissolve into the vibrant orange liquid.

Step 2: Transform Liquid into Candy

Place the saucepan on medium heat.

Stir the mixture constantly to prevent any stubborn lumps from forming.

Watch the liquid transform and thicken over 5-7 minutes.

You’ll notice the mixture becoming glossy and syrup-like, signaling it’s ready for the next stage.

Step 3: Pour and Shape

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Let the mixture cool slightly for a few moments.

Carefully pour the warm candy mixture into a lightly greased rectangular tray or silicone mold.

Make sure the surface is even and smooth.

Step 4: Solidify and Chill

Allow the candy to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

This helps it start setting.

Then transfer the tray to the refrigerator and let it chill for 1-2 hours until completely firm and solid.

Step 5: Cut and Celebrate

Once the candy is fully set, slice it into small bite-sized squares.

If using a silicone mold, gently pop out the candies.

Your zesty, sweet orange treats are ready to enjoy!

Candy Making Made Easy: Orange Treat Tips in 3 Steps

  • Add a few drops of orange extract to enhance the citrusy taste and make the candy more vibrant and aromatic.
  • Stir constantly while cooking to ensure smooth, even texture and avoid grainy candy formation.
  • Adjust cornstarch quantity slightly to control the candy's softness or firmness according to your preference.
  • Sprinkle some finely grated orange zest into the mixture for extra citrus punch and interesting texture.
  • Keep candies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

How to Store Orange Candy

  • Store leftover orange candies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer candies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Keep candies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for 2-3 days maximum, ensuring they remain sealed in a container.
  • Wrap individual candies in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Avoid microwaving or direct heat. Let frozen or refrigerated candies sit at room temperature to soften naturally for the best texture and flavor.

Orange Candy Serving Ideas

  • Savor Sweet Orange Candy Pairings
  • Craft a Citrus Tea Experience: Brew a light jasmine or Earl Grey tea to complement the candy's orange notes, creating a refreshing palate-cleansing combination that enhances the candy's bright flavor.
  • Match with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt, allowing the tangy orange candy to cut through the richness and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Elevate Dessert Presentation: Pair with dark chocolate truffles or white chocolate shavings to create a sophisticated flavor profile that balances the candy's sweetness with rich, deep undertones.
  • Create Cocktail Magic: Mix a simple orange-infused vodka or prosecco cocktail that echoes the candy's citrus essence, transforming your sweet treat into an elegant adult dessert experience.

Orange Candy with Sweet Flavor Variants

  • Zesty Lemon Swap: Replace orange juice with fresh lemon juice for a tangy, bright candy variation that packs a citrusy punch.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar to create a diabetic-friendly treat with reduced calories.
  • Vegan Fruit Delight: Substitute cornstarch with agar-agar powder for a plant-based candy option that maintains the same smooth texture and consistency.
  • Spiced Citrus Blend: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the mixture for an extra warming flavor profile that elevates the traditional orange candy.

FAQs

  • Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice works as a convenient alternative. Just ensure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugars.

  • How long will these orange candies last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these candies can keep for about 1-2 weeks. Keep them away from direct heat and moisture.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the mixture and gives the candy its chewy texture. Without it, the candy won’t set properly and will remain liquid.

  • Can I make these candies without sugar?

Sugar is essential for creating the candy’s structure and sweetness. While alternative sweeteners might work, they could significantly change the texture and final result.

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Old Fashioned Orange Candy Recipe

Easy 3-Ingredient Orange Candy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sweet citrus magic comes alive in this simple Orange Candy recipe, bringing zesty sunshine to your kitchen. Minimal ingredients and quick preparation ensure delightful homemade treats you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 large oranges)
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Thickening Agent:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Whisk freshly squeezed orange juice with granulated sugar and cornstarch in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly without any dry powder clumps.
  2. Position the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly as the mixture gradually warms and transforms from liquid to a slightly thickening syrup.
  3. Continue cooking and stirring, watching the consistency evolve from watery to a glossy, dense texture that coats the back of a spoon, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
  4. Once the mixture reaches a jam-like thickness and develops a translucent sheen, immediately remove from heat to prevent scorching.
  5. Carefully transfer the molten liquid into a lightly greased rectangular pan or silicone mold, tilting gently to create an even surface.
  6. Allow the candy to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 40 minutes, permitting natural cooling and initial setting.
  7. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours until the candy achieves a firm, sliceable consistency.
  8. Extract the candy from the mold and slice into bite-sized cubes or geometric shapes using a sharp knife.
  9. Store the orange candies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

  • Select fresh, high-quality oranges to maximize flavor intensity and natural sweetness in your candy.
  • Experiment with different citrus varieties like tangerines or blood oranges for unique taste variations.
  • Prevent sugar crystallization by stirring consistently and maintaining steady medium heat during cooking process.
  • Use a non-stick saucepan or well-greased surface to ensure easy candy removal and smooth texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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