🍊 Orange Slice Candies (Classic Jelly Candy)
Makes: about 30–40 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4–6 hours
🧾 Ingredients
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1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (strained)
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1 tbsp orange zest (optional, for stronger flavor)
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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3 tbsp unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)
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1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (60 ml) water
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Extra sugar for coating
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Bloom the gelatin
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Pour orange juice into a saucepan.
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Sprinkle gelatin over the juice.
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Let sit 5–10 minutes to bloom (absorb liquid).
2️⃣ Cook the mixture
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Add sugar, lemon juice, zest, and water.
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Heat on low, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely.
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Do not boil—just heat until smooth and fully dissolved.
3️⃣ Set the candy
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Pour mixture into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan.
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Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate 4–6 hours (until firm).
4️⃣ Cut & coat
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Remove from pan and cut into small wedges or squares.
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Toss each piece in granulated sugar.
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Let sit uncovered 1–2 hours to slightly dry and form a sugary crust.
🍬 Tips for Perfect Texture
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For firmer slices, add ½ tbsp extra gelatin.
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For brighter color, add a few drops of natural orange food coloring.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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🍋 Lemon slice candies
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🍓 Strawberry jelly candies
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🍭 Sour sugar-coated version
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🧊 A no-gelatin (pectin-based) version