Sunshine Orange Jelly Sweets
Delight in the zesty vibrancy of our Sunshine Orange Jelly Sweets! These chewy, fruity candies are infused with the bright essence of orange oil, creating a delectable treat that's sure to uplift your spirits. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a personal indulgence, each piece bursts with flavor, reminiscent of sun-kissed oranges harvested in peak season. Crafted with love and expertise honed over decades of candy-making, these soft confections not only please the palate but also offer a nostalgic sweetness that reminds us of cherished moments from childhood. With a stunning appearance enhanced by playful colors, these candies will be a hit at any gathering, making them a must-try for candy lovers everywhere.
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 teaspoons (for greasing the pan)
Powdered Fruit Pectin
1 (1 3/4 ounce) package (combine with baking soda and water)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (add to the pectin mixture)
Water
3/4 cup (combine with pectin and baking soda)
Sugar
1 cup (combine with corn syrup)
Light Corn Syrup
1 cup (combine with sugar)
Orange Oil
1/8 teaspoon (stir into the mixture after cooking)
Red Food Coloring
5 drops (add to the mixture for color)
Yellow Food Coloring
5 drops (add to the mixture for color)
Additional Sugar
as needed (for coating the finished candies)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly buttering a 9-inch square pan using 2 teaspoons of butter and set it aside for later.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the powdered fruit pectin, baking soda, and water. Expect the mixture to foam as it interacts with the baking soda.
3
In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and light corn syrup. Heat both mixtures over medium heat, bringing them to a boil.
4
Cook the pectin mixture until the foam thins slightly, which should take about 4 minutes, while also ensuring that the sugar mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
5
Once both mixtures are ready, gradually add the pectin mixture to the boiling sugar mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6
Continue to boil the combined mixture for an additional minute, maintaining constant stirring to ensure an even consistency.
7
Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the orange oil along with the red and yellow food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue.
8
Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared buttered pan, spreading it evenly.
9
Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 3 hours, or until fully set.
10
Once set, sprinkle a surface of waxed paper with sugar and invert the pan onto this surface.
11
Using a knife that has been dipped in warm water for easy cutting, slice the jelly into 1-inch squares.
12
Roll each piece of cut candy in additional sugar to coat and place them on a wire rack to dry.
13
Let the candies sit uncovered at room temperature overnight to achieve the perfect texture.
14
Store the finished candies in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition Information
0.2g
Fat
14g
Carbs
0g
Protein
0g
Fiber
14g
Sugar
2mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sunshine Orange Jelly Sweets?
They are chewy, fruity candies infused with orange oil, featuring a vibrant orange color and a nostalgic, sugar-coated texture.
What is the primary flavor of these jelly sweets?
The primary flavor is bright, zesty orange, achieved through the use of high-quality orange oil.
How long does it take for the jelly to set?
The mixture needs to sit at room temperature for approximately 3 hours to become fully set.
What size pan should be used for this recipe?
A 9-inch square pan is recommended for achieving the ideal thickness of the jelly squares.
How should I prepare the pan before pouring the mixture?
Thoroughly grease the pan with 2 teaspoons of butter to ensure the jelly can be easily removed once set.
Why is baking soda included in the pectin mixture?
Baking soda reacts with the other ingredients to help manage the pH level, causing the mixture to foam during the initial preparation.
What type of pectin is required?
The recipe calls for one 1.75-ounce package of powdered fruit pectin.
How long should the pectin mixture be cooked?
The pectin mixture should be cooked until the foam thins slightly, which typically takes about 4 minutes.
What is the proper way to combine the two hot mixtures?
Gradually add the pectin mixture to the boiling sugar mixture while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
How long should the combined mixture boil?
Once combined, the mixture should be boiled for exactly one additional minute with constant stirring.
When do I add the orange oil and food coloring?
These should be stirred in immediately after removing the pan from the heat, before the mixture begins to set.
How do I achieve the vibrant orange color?
The orange hue is created by combining 5 drops of red food coloring and 5 drops of yellow food coloring.
What is the best way to cut the jelly into squares?
Invert the set jelly onto sugar-dusted waxed paper and use a knife dipped in warm water to slice it into 1-inch squares.
How do I prevent the candies from sticking together?
Roll each individual cut piece in additional sugar to coat all sides thoroughly.
How long should the candies dry before storage?
The coated candies should sit uncovered on a wire rack at room temperature overnight to reach the perfect texture.
What is the best way to store Sunshine Orange Jelly Sweets?
Store the finished candies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the fat content of these sweets?
These candies are very low in fat, containing only about 0.2g per serving.
How much sugar is in each piece?
Each serving contains 14g of sugar.
Is there any protein in these jelly candies?
No, these candies contain 0g of protein.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include butter, powdered pectin, baking soda, water, sugar, corn syrup, orange oil, and food coloring.
Can I use liquid pectin instead of powdered?
This specific recipe is formulated for powdered fruit pectin; substitutions may affect the setting process.
What type of corn syrup is needed?
The recipe specifies light corn syrup to ensure the flavor remains neutral and the color stays bright.
Are these candies suitable for parties?
Yes, their vibrant appearance and bite-sized nature make them perfect for sharing at gatherings or as gifts.
What is the texture of the finished candy?
The texture is soft and chewy, similar to a traditional fruit gum or jelly candy.
How much sodium is in these sweets?
Each serving contains a very small amount of sodium, approximately 2mg.
Do these candies contain cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, these candies contain no significant cholesterol.
What is the purpose of the overnight drying step?
Drying overnight allows the sugar coating to set and the jelly to develop its characteristic firm yet chewy consistency.
Can I substitute orange oil with orange extract?
Orange oil is much more concentrated than extract; if substituting, you would need to adjust the quantity, though oil provides the best flavor for this candy.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 10 ingredients, including those used for preparation and coating.