Orange Jelly Sweets | Bites Of Sunshine

If you’re a fan of that tangy, sweet, goodness, you’re in for a treat. Forget store-bought versions; making your own is so much easier and fun. These orange jelly sweets capture the fresh essence of oranges in a sweet, chewy form. 

They’re perfect for brightening up a snack time or adding a pop of colour to desserts. We’ll walk you through every step, from zesting the oranges to cutting your beautiful little candies. Ready to make some sunshiney sweets?

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• [oranges] (You’ll need about 4 medium-sized ones, peeled and halved)
• [Zest of a mandarin orange] (Use a vegetable peeler to get fine shreds, don’t use a grater)
• 240 ml / 1 cup [Mandarin orange juice]
• 1 cup [Sugar]
• 120g / 3/4 cup Cornstarch
• [10g / 1/2 tsp Butter] (Optional, for shine)
• [Pinch of Salt]

Timing

Getting these orange jelly sweets ready is pretty quick, but the cooking step requires patience. Don’t worry, it’s just gentle simmering.

• Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes (Peeling, zesting, halving the oranges, squeezing juice, measuring)
• Cook time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (Cooking the orange mixture until it thickens significantly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your beautiful orange jelly sweets. Grab your apron and get ready for some citrusy goodness.

Step 1: Zest An Orange

Transfer the shavings to a bowl. Then, cut the orange into manageable pieces and squeeze the juice out using a citrus juicer or directly over a measuring cup. You need exactly 240 ml (1 cup) of juice.

Step 2: Pour The Juice Into A Saucepan.

 Add 1 cup of sugar, 120g cornstarch, the orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until there are no lumps.

Step 3: Cook the mixture over low heat

Keep stirring constantly, whisking and scraping the bottom of the pan with your spatula to prevent sticking. It will start to bubble and thicken. Keep going until it reaches a consistency where it pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a soft, cohesive mass.

Once thickened, stir in 10g butter (optional) until it melts and the mixture becomes glossy. If you don’t add the butter, the jelly will still taste great.

Step 4: Pour into baking sheet

Pour the thickened orange mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Spread it evenly. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to cut it.

Once fully set, lift the parchment paper with your lovely orange jelly onto a cutting board. Cut it into manageable rectangles, then square it up. You can use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean edges.

If desired, roll the squares in sugar for a crunchy coating. Arrange them on a plate and enjoy your homemade orange jelly sweets.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of orange jelly sweets contains approximately:

• Calories: 120 per piece
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Making these treats a bit healthier is possible with a few tweaks;

Start by reducing the amount of sugar, maybe using a blend of granulated sugar and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could substitute some of the sugar with mashed fruit (like ripe bananas or applesauce) for natural sweetness and moisture. 

Another idea is to use less cornstarch; you might need a bit more to achieve the right consistency, or try a different thickener like arrowroot or tapioca starch, though the texture might vary slightly. 

Using fewer oranges will naturally reduce the sugar content too. Think about these changes next time you make orange jelly sweets

Serving Suggestions

Orange jelly sweets are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic topping for ice cream, particularly vanilla or butterscotch. Try pairing them with a creamy Brie or Camembert for a sophisticated appetizer. They look beautiful on fruit salad, adding a sweet crunch. You can also use them as decorative elements on cakes or desserts. They’re also great on their own, offering a burst of sunshiney flavour. Serve them chilled for a firmer texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Let the jelly cool completely before cutting. If not, it will crumble.
• Don’t mix the cornstarch poorly at first. This can cause lumps.
• Cook gently. Stirring too hard can make it too thick or burn.
• After it thickens, cook on low to avoid burning the bottom.
• Be patient. Rushing makes it gummy.
• Use fresh orange zest and juice. Store-bought flavoring won’t taste as good .

Storing Tips

Store your cut orange jelly sweets in an airtight container, like a sealed Tupperware box or a mason jar with a lid. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they should keep well for about 5-7 days. They will firm up further in the fridge, making them easier to handle. If they’ve been sitting for a while and seem a bit soft, popping them back in the fridge for an hour or two should help. They’re best enjoyed chilled!

Conclusion

Making your own orange jelly sweets is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly satisfying. The key is using fresh ingredients like zest and juice for that authentic orange flavour. Taking the time to cook it gently ensures the perfect texture.

Plus, you get to control the sweetness and any potential additives. These little orange gems are perfect for brightening up any snack or dessert spread. Give it a try – it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat with a homemade twist.