Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks Recipe
Introduction
These homemade chocolate orange sticks are a delightful treat combining tangy citrus flavors with rich chocolate. Perfect as a sweet snack or a thoughtful gift, they offer a fun way to enjoy a classic flavor pairing in a homemade candy form.

Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unflavored gelatin (about 4 packets)
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp orange extract
- 5-6 drops orange food coloring
- 12 oz melting chocolate or chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the unflavored gelatin into the cold water and let it soften for a few minutes while you prepare the syrup.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and hot water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the softened gelatin mixture, then reduce to medium-low and boil gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, lemon extract, orange extract, and orange food coloring until smooth.
- Step 5: Grease your candy molds or mini loaf pans lightly with non-stick spray, then carefully pour in the gelatin mixture.
- Step 6: Allow the mixture to set overnight until firm. Once set, remove the jelly from the molds and cut into desired shapes and sizes—thin rectangles about 1/3″ wide work well.
- Step 7: Melt the chocolate according to package instructions. Dip each orange stick into the melted chocolate, then place on wax paper to set.
- Step 8: For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the sticks after the chocolate coating has fully set and dried.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have silicone molds, mini loaf pans work just as well and make slicing easier.
- Use high-quality melting wafers or almond bark for a smooth, glossy coating that sets nicely.
- Adjust the amount of orange extract and food coloring to taste and preference for stronger flavor or color.
Storage
Store the chocolate orange sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting. If stored in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of frozen concentrate?
While fresh orange juice can be used, the frozen concentrate provides a more intense and consistent flavor. If substituting, reduce any extra liquid in the recipe to maintain the right texture.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate?
Melting chocolate wafers or almond bark in short intervals in the microwave or using a double boiler works well. Be careful not to overheat to avoid burning the chocolate.
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Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 sticks 1x
Description
These Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks are a delightful and vibrant candy treat combining the citrusy zest of orange with rich, smooth chocolate. Made from scratch using gelatin, sugar, and natural orange flavors, they offer a chewy, fruity center coated in luscious melted chocolate. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a flavorful homemade confection.
Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 3 Tbsp unflavored gelatin (about 4 packets)
- ½ cup cold water
Syrup Base
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup hot water
Flavorings
- 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp orange extract
- 5–6 drops orange food coloring
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz melting chocolate or chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Soften the gelatin: Mix the unflavored gelatin in the half cup of cold water and set it aside, allowing the gelatin to fully soften and bloom.
- Make sugar syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and hot water, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Incorporate gelatin and cook: Add the softened gelatin mixture to the boiling sugar syrup, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it gently boil for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.
- Add flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in frozen orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, lemon extract, orange extract, and orange food coloring until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Prepare molds: Lightly grease candy molds or mini loaf pans with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour and set: Carefully pour the orange gelatin mixture into the prepared molds. Allow it to stand undisturbed overnight so it can fully gel and set.
- Remove and cut: Once set, remove the jellied orange mixture from the molds. Slice the candy into desired shapes; if using silicone molds, slice each rectangle in half to create thin sticks similar to store-bought orange sticks. For loaf pans, slice about 1/3 inch thick.
- Melt the chocolate: Following package instructions, melt the chocolate or almond bark wafers until smooth and ready for dipping.
- Coat the sticks: Dip each orange stick into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Place the coated sticks on wax paper to set.
- Optional decoration: After the chocolate sets and dries, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- If you don’t have silicone molds, mini loaf pans work equally well for setting the candy.
- Make sure to stir the gelatin-sugar syrup mixture occasionally during boiling to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Use non-stick spray liberally on molds to ensure easy removal of the gelatin candies.
- Allowing the candies to set overnight is essential for proper texture and ease of slicing.
- The chocolate coating should be fully set before adding white chocolate drizzle to prevent mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate orange sticks, homemade candy, gelatin candy, orange flavored candy, chocolate dipped candy, citrus candy

