The Art of Traditional Orange Hard Candy Perfection

Sugar Syrup Mastery

Master the technique of cooking sugar syrup to perfect hard crack stage temperature.

Flavor Integration Excellence

Learn the skill of properly incorporating extracts and zest for maximum flavor impact.

Color Achievement Perfection

Perfect the method of achieving vibrant orange color without affecting candy clarity.

Temperature Control Technique

Master the art of precise temperature monitoring for consistent candy texture results.

Molding and Shaping Strategy

Learn optimal techniques for creating perfectly shaped individual candy pieces.

Old-Fashioned Candy Making Mastery Secrets for Perfect Orange Hard Candy

Temperature Precision: Use reliable candy thermometer and monitor closely - hard crack stage is crucial.

Humidity Control: Avoid making candy on humid days as moisture affects final texture.

Safety First: Hot sugar mixture is extremely dangerous - work carefully and keep children away.

Color Timing: Add coloring after removing from heat to prevent color changes from high temperature.

Flavor Balance: Start with less extract and add more if needed - flavoring can be adjusted to taste.

Storage Success: Proper storage prevents sticking and maintains crisp texture for months.

Traditional Old-Fashioned Orange Hard Candy with Natural Citrus Flavor

Name: Traditional Old-Fashioned Orange Hard Candy with Natural Citrus Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 48 pieces
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Sugar Base:; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2/3 cup light corn syrup; 2/3 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; For the Orange Flavor:; 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest; 1 teaspoon orange extract; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Color:; Orange food coloring (gel preferred); Yellow food coloring (optional); For the Finishing:; Powdered sugar for dusting; Cooking spray; For Enhanced Flavor:; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1/8 teaspoon orange oil (optional); For the Molds:; Candy molds or baking sheet; Parchment paper; For Special Equipment:; Candy thermometer; Heavy-bottomed saucepan; Wooden spoon; Measuring cups; For Storage:; Airtight containers; Wax paper; Small candy bags

Classic old-fashioned orange hard candy featuring vibrant citrus flavor, beautiful amber color, and satisfying crunch. This nostalgic confection captures the essence of traditional candy-making with real orange zest, pure cane sugar, and time-honored techniques that create perfectly clear, intensely flavored hard candies. These handcrafted sweets deliver the pure, concentrated taste of fresh oranges in every piece, bringing back memories of old-time candy shops and homemade treats that delighted generations with their simple yet perfect combination of sweetness and bright citrus flavor.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Sugar Base:

2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup light corn syrup

2/3 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Orange Flavor:

1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

1 teaspoon orange extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Color:

Orange food coloring (gel preferred)

Yellow food coloring (optional)

For the Finishing:

Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking spray

For Enhanced Flavor:

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1/8 teaspoon orange oil (optional)

For the Molds:

Candy molds or baking sheet

Parchment paper

For Special Equipment:

Candy thermometer

Heavy-bottomed saucepan

Wooden spoon

Measuring cups

For Storage:

Airtight containers

Wax paper

Small candy bags

For Safety:

Oven mitts

Pot holders

Clean kitchen towels

Instructions

Prepare candy molds by spraying lightly with cooking spray or line baking sheet with parchment.

Attach candy thermometer to heavy-bottomed saucepan before starting cooking process.

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in saucepan.

Stir mixture gently until sugar dissolves completely over medium heat.

Stop stirring once mixture begins boiling to prevent crystallization.

Cook sugar mixture without stirring until thermometer reads 300°F (hard crack stage).

Remove saucepan immediately from heat when temperature is reached.

Wait 30 seconds for bubbling to subside before adding flavorings.

Quickly stir in orange zest, orange extract, and vanilla extract.

Add orange food coloring drop by drop until desired color achieved.

Add yellow coloring if deeper orange color is preferred.

Stir in fresh orange juice and orange oil if using.

Working quickly, pour hot candy mixture into prepared molds.

If using baking sheet, pour and spread evenly with wooden spoon.

Allow candy to cool completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Remove cooled candies from molds or break sheet candy into pieces.

Dust lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Store finished candies in airtight containers between wax paper layers.

Keep candies in cool, dry place away from humidity.

Package in small bags for gifts or individual servings.

Label with date and store up to 3 months properly sealed.

Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Traditional Old-Fashioned Orange Hard Candy with Natural Citrus Flavor

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Traditional Orange Hard Candy Perfection

Traditional Old-Fashioned Orange Hard Candy with Natural Citrus Flavor

Ingredients

Instructions