Description

Delight in these vibrant and tangy Orange Jelly Candies made with just four simple ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe combines freshly squeezed sour orange juice, sugar, and agar agar to create a chewy, refreshing treat that's perfect for a light snack or party favor. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet and decorative touch, these candies offer a deliciously natural citrus flavor without any artificial additives.

Ingredients

Orange Jelly Candy Ingredients

1 cup sour orange juice, no pulp (preferably freshly squeezed)
1 cup sugar
1/4 oz agar agar powder (7 grams)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Orange or yellow food coloring (optional, a few drops)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together the sugar, sour orange juice, and agar agar powder. If desired, add a few drops of orange or yellow food coloring to enhance the color of the jelly mixture.
Boil the Mixture: Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue stirring and cooking the mixture for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Chill the Jelly: Pour the hot jelly mixture evenly into a 10x10-inch rimmed pan lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate for about 2 hours until fully set and firm.
Sprinkle Powdered Sugar: After chilling, cover one edge of the jelly with a 1/2 inch wide strip of parchment paper, leaving the other areas exposed. Sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over the exposed jelly surface to create a decorative white swirl effect.
Loosen and Cut: Dip a sharp knife into warm water to warm it up, then carefully run the knife around the edges of the jelly to loosen it from the pan. Cut the jelly into two equal blocks by slicing through the center.
Roll the Jelly: Roll each jelly block tightly into a log shape. Be sure to keep the powdered sugar away from the edges where the parchment paper was placed, as the sugar helps the roll stick together on that side. Use the exposed end to securely seal the roll.
Slice and Serve: Cut each jelly roll into 1/2-inch thick pieces to form bite-sized candies. Arrange on a plate and serve as a sweet and tangy treat.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed sour orange juice for the best flavor and natural tartness.
Agar agar is a vegetarian-friendly gelatin substitute derived from seaweed, readily available in many groceries and health food stores.
Adjust sweetness depending on your taste by altering sugar amounts slightly.
The powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also prevents the jelly rolls from sticking together.
Store leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Food coloring is optional but enhances the visual appeal of the jelly candies.