Ingredients 

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)

• 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup honey or light corn syrup

• 2½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)

• 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice (enhances flavor)

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

 Instructions

1️⃣ Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until thick.

2️⃣ Heat the Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

• Orange juice

• Orange zest

• 1 cup sugar

• Honey (or corn syrup)

Stir gently until sugar dissolves (do not boil hard).

3️⃣ Add Gelatin

Remove from heat. Stir in bloomed gelatin and lemon juice until completely dissolved.

4️⃣ Pour & Set

• Lightly grease an 8×8 pan or line with parchment.

• Pour mixture evenly into pan.

• Refrigerate 3–4 hours (or until fully firm).

5️⃣ Cut & Coat

• Remove from pan and cut into wedges or squares.

• Toss each piece in granulated sugar to coat.

• Let sit at room temperature 1–2 hours to develop slightly firmer exterior.

 Description Notes

• Texture: Soft, chewy, slightly bouncy.

• Flavor: Bright citrus, lightly sweet, not artificial tasting.

• Color: Natural soft orange (add a drop of natural food coloring if you prefer brighter color).

• Storage: Airtight container at room temp up to 1 week; refrigerate for 2 weeks.

Tips for Success

✔ Use freshly squeezed juice for best flavor
✔ Don’t boil after adding gelatin (it weakens it)
✔ For firmer candy, add ½ tablespoon extra gelatin
✔ For less sweetness, reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons
✔ Roll in superfine sugar for delicate coating

 Servings

• Makes about 30–36 small candies

• Serving size: 5–6 pieces

• Serves approximately 6 people

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 170

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Sugar: 35g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 0g

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sodium: 5mg

Values vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Benefits

While still a treat, this homemade version offers:

• ✔ Real orange juice (contains vitamin C)

• ✔ No artificial preservatives

• ✔ No synthetic flavoring (unless added)

• ✔ Gelatin provides small amounts of collagen protein

 Q & A

Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A: Yes, but fresh juice gives brighter flavor.

Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes — substitute gelatin with agar-agar (use about 2 teaspoons powder; boil briefly to activate).

Q: Why are my candies sticky?
A: They may need more drying time or slightly more gelatin.

Q: Can I use molds instead of a pan?
A: Absolutely! Silicone molds work beautifully.

Q: Can I make other flavors?
A: Yes! Substitute juice (lemon, lime, grapefruit, berry purée).