Orange slice candies

🍊 Orange Slice Candies (Classic Jelly Candy)

Makes: about 30–40 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4–6 hours

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice (strained)

• 1 tbsp orange zest (optional, for stronger flavor)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)

• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) water

• Extra sugar for coating

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Bloom the gelatin

1. Pour orange juice into a saucepan.

2. Sprinkle gelatin over the juice.

3. Let sit 5–10 minutes to bloom (absorb liquid).

2️⃣ Cook the mixture

1. Add sugar, lemon juice, zest, and water.

2. Heat on low, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves completely.

3. Do not boil—just heat until smooth and fully dissolved.

3️⃣ Set the candy

1. Pour mixture into a lightly greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan.

2. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate 4–6 hours (until firm).

4️⃣ Cut & coat

1. Remove from pan and cut into small wedges or squares.

2. Toss each piece in granulated sugar.

3. Let sit uncovered 1–2 hours to slightly dry and form a sugary crust.

🍬 Tips for Perfect Texture

• For firmer slices, add ½ tbsp extra gelatin.

• For brighter color, add a few drops of natural orange food coloring.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

If you’d like, I can also give you:

• 🍋 Lemon slice candies

• 🍓 Strawberry jelly candies

• 🍭 Sour sugar-coated version

• 🧊 A no-gelatin (pectin-based) version