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Homemade Orange Candy

A bright, chewy treat with classic citrus flavor made from real oranges and agar-agar.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36 small candies
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 3 medium oranges zested and juiced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus extra for greasing pan
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Wash and dry the oranges, then finely zest them, avoiding the white pith.
  • Juice the oranges into a measuring cup, then strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp; you should have about 3/4 to 1 cup of juice.
  • Lightly grease an 8-inch square dish or similar small pan with butter and set it aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the agar-agar powder and water until completely smooth with no lumps; set aside.
  • In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and strained orange juice, and stir just until everything is evenly moistened.
  • Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy and slightly thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Whisk the agar-agar mixture once more, then slowly pour it into the hot orange syrup while whisking continuously to blend it in.
  • Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, deepens slightly in color, and leaves a clear line on the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the orange zest and butter until the butter melts and the candy mixture looks smooth and silky.
  • Quickly pour the hot candy into the prepared pan, then use a lightly buttered or oiled spatula to spread and smooth the top into an even layer.
  • Let the candy cool at room temperature, without disturbing, until fully set and firm yet chewy, about 1 to 2 hours.
  • Once set, loosen the edges with a small knife, turn the slab out onto a cutting board, and cut into bite-size squares with a sharp knife.
  • Place the confectioners sugar in a shallow bowl, then toss the candy pieces in the sugar to coat all sides and gently shake off any excess.
  • Arrange the finished candies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and let them air-dry for 2 to 3 hours before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest citrus flavor and avoid bottled juice.
- If your candy sets too firm, slightly reduce the agar-agar next time; if it is too soft, increase the agar-agar by 1/2 teaspoon.
- Store the candies in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If refrigerated, let the candies sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the texture can soften slightly.
Keyword bright citrus flavor, chewy citrus candy, homemade gummies, homemade orange candy, orange agar candy, Vegetarian