Bright, zesty, and delightfully chewy, these homemade Orange Slice Candies are a nostalgic treat that's perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your sweet tooth. Crafted with a simple blend of granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and orange extract, these candies capture the vibrant essence of fresh oranges, enhanced with a touch of food coloring for that signature hue. Achieving the perfect texture requires reaching the hard crack stage on a candy thermometer, ensuring a professional-quality finish. Each slice is delicately coated in sparkling sugar for added texture and visual appeal. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few pantry staples, this recipe yields up to 40 delectable pieces that are ideal for sharing, decorating dessert platters, or enjoying as a sweet midday indulgence. Whether wrapped as a gift or kept for your own enjoyment, these Orange Slice Candies are a homemade treat worth savoring.
Prepare a 9x9-inch pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 cup of water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium-high and insert a candy thermometer into the mixture. Cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This may take around 20–25 minutes. Be careful as the mixture will be extremely hot.
Once the mixture has reached 300°F, immediately remove it from the heat and stir in the orange extract and orange food coloring. Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer with a heat-resistant spatula or by gently tilting the pan.
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature for about 1–2 hours, or until it is firm and set.
Once the candy is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut the candy into small slice shapes resembling orange wedges.
Coat each candy slice lightly with granulated sugar for a sparkly finish. Shake off any excess sugar.
Store the orange slice candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For gifting, wrap them individually in wax paper or cellophane for a professional touch.
Serving size | 1013.9 grams (1013.9g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2647 |
Total Fat 0.00g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 0.00g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 42mg | 2% |
Total Carbohydrate 690.00g | 251% |
Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
Total Sugars 688.40g | |
Protein 0.00g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 16mg | 1% |
Iron 0mg | 1% |
Potassium 2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories