The Irresistible Old Fashioned Orange Candy Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet memories of childhood burst through with this nostalgic old fashioned orange candy recipe that captures the essence of classic confectionery.

Tangy citrus notes dance alongside sugary crystals, creating a delightful treat that transports you back in time.

Generations have cherished these simple yet magical orange candies that melt on your tongue.

Crafted with just a few basic ingredients, this recipe brings pure joy to any dessert table.

The process is straightforward, requiring minimal culinary skill but delivering maximum flavor.

Rich orange zest and pure sugar combine to produce a delectable confection that sparkles with homemade charm.

You’ll fall in love with these bright, sunshine-colored treats that promise to become a new family favorite.

What’s to Love About Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Recreate a classic candy that brings back sweet memories of traditional homemade confections with simple ingredients.
• Learn an impressive technique that transforms basic pantry items into a beautiful, glossy orange-flavored hard candy without advanced culinary training.
• Whip up a delightful homemade candy in just a few steps, requiring minimal equipment and delivering maximum satisfaction with vibrant orange flavor.
• Experiment with different extracts, colors, and shapes to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for gifts or special celebrations.

All the Ingredients for Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Sugar: The primary sweetening agent that provides the base for the candy's structure and taste.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy texture in the candy.
• Water: Essential liquid that dissolves the sugar and helps create the candy's initial consistency.

• Orange Zest: Provides fresh, intense citrus flavor and aromatic notes to the candy.
• Orange Extract: Enhances the orange flavor with a concentrated citrus essence.

• Cream of Tartar, Food Coloring: Stabilizes the sugar mixture and adds visual appeal to the candy.
• Parchment Paper, Oil: Ensures easy release and prevents the candy from sticking to the baking sheet.

Equipment for Making Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Heavy Saucepan: Essential for precise sugar cooking and handling high temperatures.
• Candy Thermometer: Critical for monitoring exact temperature during hard-crack stage.
• Baking Sheet: Necessary for spreading and cooling the candy mixture.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy candy removal.
• Heat-Resistant Spatula: Helps spread hot candy evenly without melting.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for initial stirring and combining ingredients.
• Hammer or Spoon: Used for breaking cooled candy into bite-sized pieces.

Directions for Classic Old Fashioned Orange Candy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Ensure the surface is completely covered and smooth for easy candy spreading.

Step 2: Create Sweet Syrup Base

• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water
• Cream of tartar

Stir ingredients over medium heat until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes transparent and smooth.

Step 3: Boil to Precise Temperature

Crank up the heat to medium-high.

Allow the mixture to bubble without stirring until it reaches the hard-crack stage between 300°F and 310°F.

This process typically takes 7-10 minutes.

Use a candy thermometer for precise monitoring.

Step 4: Infuse Vibrant Flavors

Remove the saucepan from heat.

• Fresh orange zest
• Orange extract
• Orange food coloring (optional)

Stir gently to distribute flavors evenly throughout the candy mixture.

Step 5: Spread Molten Mixture

Pour the hot candy onto the prepared baking sheet.

Use a heat-resistant silicone spatula to spread the mixture into an ultra-thin, even layer.

Work quickly before the candy begins to set.

Step 6: Transform Into Delicate Pieces

Let the candy cool completely at room temperature.

Once hardened, tap gently with a kitchen hammer or the back of a sturdy spoon to break into irregular, bite-sized fragments.

Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Handy Advice for Sweet Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Use a clean pastry brush dipped in water to wash down sugar crystals from the pan's sides during initial heating to ensure smooth candy.
• Wear long sleeves and use oven mitts when handling the hot syrup to avoid potential burns from splattering sugar mixture.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer positioned in the center of the pan without touching the bottom for precise hard-crack stage reading.
• Add fresh orange zest just before pouring for a more vibrant, intense citrus taste that doesn't burn during cooking.
• Tap candy gently with a hammer or spoon handle on a cutting board covered with parchment paper to create uniform, clean-edged pieces without shattering.

Fun Variations for Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Citrus Medley Candy: Replace orange zest and extract with a blend of lemon, lime, and grapefruit zests for a tangy, multi-citrus flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute part of the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Spiced Orange Brittle: Add ground cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a warm, spicy-sweet orange candy experience.
• Herbal Infusion Candy: Incorporate fresh mint leaves or lavender during the cooking process for an aromatic, sophisticated orange candy variation.

Ideas for Serving Old Fashioned Orange Candy

• Zesty Candy Companion: Pair this vibrant orange candy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert contrast.
• Citrus Cocktail Garnish: Crush the candy into small fragments and use as a sparkling rim decoration for summer cocktails or mocktails.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the broken candy pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbons for a homemade, delightful present that showcases your culinary creativity.
• Tea Time Topper: Sprinkle candy shards over hot tea or use as a sweet stirrer to add a burst of orange flavor and elegant crunch.

How to Store Old Fashioned Orange Candy Properly

• Store leftover orange candy in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Store in a sealed container away from humidity and direct sunlight. Place silica gel packets to absorb moisture and maintain crispness.
• Use a food dehydrator or place candies near a fan to remove excess moisture, helping preserve their crunchy texture for longer storage.

FAQs

• How do I know when the candy has reached the hard-crack stage?

Use a candy thermometer to check that the mixture has reached exactly 300F to 310F. At this temperature, a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water will immediately harden into brittle, breakable threads.

• Why do I need cream of tartar in this recipe?

Cream of tartar helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth and clear candy texture. It stabilizes the sugar syrup and prevents it from becoming grainy during cooking.

• Can I use different flavors instead of orange?

Absolutely! You can substitute orange zest and extract with other flavor combinations like lemon, peppermint, or vanilla. Just ensure you use extracts and zests that can withstand high temperatures.

Old Fashioned Orange Candy Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy old fashioned orange candy delights dessert enthusiasts with its nostalgic charm. Homemade treats blend citrusy zest and sugary perfection, offering you a delectable journey through classic confectionery memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Sweet Components:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water

Flavor and Enhancement Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup orange zest (finely grated)
• 2 teaspoons orange extract
• Few drops of orange food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper and lightly coating with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a heavy saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves.
3. Gradually increase heat to medium-high, allowing the mixture to boil without stirring. Monitor closely until the liquid reaches 300F to 310F, which typically takes 7-10 minutes.
4. Immediately remove from heat source. Gently incorporate orange zest, orange extract, and optional food coloring, ensuring even distribution.
5. Carefully transfer the molten mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula to spread evenly into a thin, uniform layer.
6. Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.
7. Once solidified, fracture the candy into irregular pieces by tapping with a hammer or the back of a sturdy spoon, creating rustic, bite-sized segments.

Notes

• Precision Matters Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately hit the hard-crack stage, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing sugar crystallization.
• Flavor Enhancement Consider using fresh orange zest for a more vibrant, authentic citrus taste that elevates the candy’s natural brightness.
• Safety First Work carefully when handling hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area and use long-handled utensils.
• Dietary Adaptations For a natural coloring option, replace artificial food coloring with a few drops of natural orange or carrot juice to maintain the classic orange hue while keeping the recipe more wholesome.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 118
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg