HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ORANGE STICKS
These homemade chocolate orange sticks combine zesty citrus jelly with smooth dark chocolate. A festive treat perfect for holidays or gifting, they’re chewy, rich, and full of nostalgic flavour — just like the classic store-bought version!
Ingredients
For the Orange Jelly:
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup water
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1½ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter optional, for shine
Instructions
Prepare the Jelly:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let bloom (5 minutes). In a saucepan, heat orange juice, zest, and sugar over medium heat until steaming. Add bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
Set the Jelly:
- Pour into a parchment-lined loaf pan or small baking dish. Chill for 4 hours or until fully set.
Cut into Sticks:
- Once firm, remove jelly from the pan and slice into stick shapes using a sharp knife. Pat with paper towel to remove moisture.
Melt the Chocolate:
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave), stirring until smooth.
Dip and Set:
- Dip each orange stick halfway or fully into the chocolate. Place on parchment paper to set. Chill until chocolate is firm.
Notes
- Make Ahead: These candies can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge or a cool place.
- Customizing the Flavor: Swap orange for lemon or grapefruit juice for a tangy twist. Use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with tea, on dessert trays, or wrap in clear bags with ribbon for holiday gifts.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment at room temp (cool environment) or refrigerate for up to 7 days.