Orange Candy

Servings: 32 Difficulty: Intermediate
Classic homemade fudge with bright orange zest and crunchy black walnuts
Orange Candy recipe image

This rich, creamy orange candy delivers a perfect balance of sweet caramelized sugar and bright citrus notes. Made with evaporated skim milk for a lighter texture, it features fragrant orange peel and crunchy black walnuts for added depth. The result is a dense, melt-in-your-mouth treat that holds its shape beautifully. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or a special dessert after dinner, this recipe brings old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples and requires no special equipment beyond a heavy skillet and a candy thermometer.

Orange Candy

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 32 Calories: 717.0

Description

This rich, creamy orange candy delivers a perfect balance of sweet caramelized sugar and bright citrus notes. Made with evaporated skim milk for a lighter texture, it features fragrant orange peel and crunchy black walnuts for added depth. The result is a dense, melt-in-your-mouth treat that holds its shape beautifully. Ideal for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or a special dessert after dinner, this recipe brings old-fashioned charm to your kitchen. It&# 226;ÂÂs surprisingly simple to make with pantry staples and requires no special equipment beyond a heavy skillet and a candy thermometer.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place 1 cup of sugar into a heavy skillet and stir slowly with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugar melts and caramelizes to a golden brown color.
  2. Carefully add the water and stir until the caramelized sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of sugar, evaporated milk, and salt.
  4. Place the skillet over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (236ðF (113ðC)).
  6. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm without stirring.
  7. Stir in the grated orange peel and chopped black walnuts.
  8. Beat the mixture vigorously until it loses its gloss and holds its shape when dropped from a spoon.
  9. Pour the candy into a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
  10. Cool until completely set, then cut into squares before the candy becomes too firm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 32


Amount Per Serving
Calories 717.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 27.0mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 183.0g61%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 183.0g
Protein 2.0g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. Avoid using orange juice concentrate or dried peel.

A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct soft ball stage. If you don't have one, test by dropping a small amount of mixture into cold water; it should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.

Black walnuts provide a distinct, rich flavor. You can substitute English walnuts if black walnuts are unavailable, but the flavor profile will be milder.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the candy to become grainy.

If the candy becomes too hard to cut, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before cutting.

Keywords: orange candy, orange fudge, black walnuts, evaporated milk candy, homemade fudge, citrus dessert, holiday treats, soft ball stage, vegetarian dessert, sugar caramel, orange zest, nutty candy, classic fudge, gift idea, skillet candy, cream candy, dessert squares, orange flavor, walnut dessert, traditional candy
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