These Homemade Orange Jelly Candies are a sweet, tangy treat made from fresh orange juice and sugar. The perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, these candies are easy to make and a delightful addition to any dessert table. The process involves making a syrup, thickening it with cornflour, and then setting the mixture into jelly-like candies. After chilling, the candies are coated in sugar for an extra burst of sweetness.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Chilling Time: 6 hours (overnight for best results)
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Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 25 minutes
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Yield: About 20-25 pieces (depending on size)
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Cuisine: Dessert, Candies
Full List of Ingredients
For the Orange Jelly Candies:
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1 cup fresh orange juice (250 ml)
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1 cup sugar (200 g)
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3/4 cup corn flour (120 g)
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1/2 teaspoon citric acid
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20 g butter
For Coating:
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Additional sugar (for coating the candies)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
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Start by squeezing fresh orange juice to ensure it’s freshly prepared and free from pulp. Measure out the required amount.
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In a separate bowl, mix the corn flour with a small amount of the orange juice to create a smooth slurry.
2. Make the Syrup:
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In a saucepan, combine the remaining fresh orange juice, sugar, and citric acid. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Thicken the Mixture:
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Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and add the corn flour slurry to the saucepan. Stir continuously for about 10 minutes, ensuring the mixture thickens and does not form lumps.
4. Add the Butter:
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After the mixture thickens, add the butter to the saucepan. Continue to stir until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Set the Jelly:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat once the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it into a shallow dish or a candy mold.
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Place the dish or mold in the fridge to set. Leave it to chill overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to allow the jelly to firm up properly.
6. Cut and Coat the Candies:
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Once the jelly has fully set, remove it from the fridge. Cut it into small squares or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
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Roll each piece of candy in sugar until fully coated.
7. Store and Serve:
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Store the coated jelly candies in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 1 week.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 60 per piece
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Fat: 1g
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Saturated Fat: 0g
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Cholesterol: 5mg
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Sodium: 5mg
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugars: 14g
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Protein: 0g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Jelly candies, or “jellies,” have been a favorite treat for centuries, often made using fruit juices, sugar, and gelatin. This orange jelly candy recipe is a variation of traditional fruit jellies but uses corn flour (cornstarch) as a thickening agent, providing a chewy texture. Orange-flavored jellies are particularly popular in regions where oranges are abundant, and they bring a refreshing citrus flavor to sweet candy.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Fresh and Fruity: The fresh orange juice gives the candy a natural, vibrant citrus flavor.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment.
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Customizable: You can experiment with different fruit juices or add flavors such as lemon, lime, or even a touch of vanilla.
Health Benefits
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Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and skin health.
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Butter provides some healthy fats, which are important for energy and nutrient absorption.
Serving Suggestions
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As a Sweet Snack: These candies are a great addition to your afternoon tea or as a sweet snack for guests.
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As a Party Favor: Packaged in small bags or boxes, these candies make a lovely homemade party favor.
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With Ice Cream: Pair the jellies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Rush the Setting Time: Be sure to let the jelly cool and set in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
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Use Fresh Orange Juice: For a more authentic flavor, avoid using store-bought juice and opt for freshly squeezed oranges.
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Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your candies a little sweeter, feel free to add more sugar to taste.
Variations to Try
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Different Fruits: Try using other fruit juices, such as lemon, lime, or berry juice, to create a variety of jellies.
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Add Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup mixture for a spiced twist.
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Use Honey: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Conclusion
These Homemade Orange Jelly Candies are an easy and refreshing treat that you can make with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of tangy orange flavor and sweet sugar makes them a delightful candy for any occasion. They are the perfect homemade snack for citrus lovers or anyone who enjoys a chewy, fruity candy.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I use other fruit juices instead of orange juice?
Yes, you can substitute the orange juice with lemon, lime, or any other fruit juice of your choice.
2. How do I store the jellies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Can I make these candies vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute.
4. How long will the jelly candies last?
They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
5. Can I use gelatin instead of corn flour?
Yes, you can use gelatin, but you will need to adjust the quantities and preparation method accordingly.
6. Can I freeze these jelly candies?
It’s best to refrigerate them. Freezing may alter the texture of the jelly.
7. How do I make the jelly candies firmer?
To make the candies firmer, you can reduce the amount of water or increase the corn flour slightly.
8. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use honey or another sweetener as a substitute for sugar.
9. Can I use fresh or dried herbs in the candies?
You can add a small amount of dried herbs such as mint for an interesting twist, but keep it minimal to avoid overpowering the flavor.
10. Can I add food coloring?
Yes, you can add food coloring to make the candies more vibrant, especially if using a mix of different fruits.