Recipe for Orange Slice Candies with Powdered Sugar and Pecans

 

Orange Slice Candies with Powdered Sugar and Pecans

A No-Bake Southern Classic That Melts in Your Mouth

Few treats capture the charm of old-fashioned holiday baking quite like orange slice candies rolled in powdered sugar and packed with crunchy pecans. Sweet, citrusy, chewy, and coated in snowy sugar, these nostalgic confections have been a staple at family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday dessert tables for generations.

If you grew up in the South or Midwest, you’ve likely seen these colorful candies stacked on a vintage glass platter beside divinity, fudge, and pecan pralines. And if you’ve never made them yourself, you’re in for a delightful surprise — because they’re incredibly easy, require no baking, and taste like pure comfort.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• The history behind orange slice candies

• Why this recipe works

• Step-by-step instructions

• Storage tips

• Flavor variations

• Troubleshooting advice

• Serving and gifting ideas

Let’s dive into this sweet, citrus-filled tradition.

---

A Little History: The Candy That Became a Holiday Staple

Orange slice candies — those soft, sugar-coated jelly slices — have been around for decades. They were originally sold as penny candies in general stores and quickly became a favorite for baking and candy-making.

Home cooks discovered that chopping these chewy candies and combining them with powdered sugar and nuts created a simple no-bake confection that didn’t require stovetop precision. During the Great Depression and wartime rationing, recipes like this became popular because they relied on shelf-stable ingredients.

Over time, orange slice candy balls (sometimes called “orange candy slices cookies” or “candy slice bites”) became a Christmas tradition in many households. They’re affordable, festive, and easy to prepare in large batches.

And today? They’re making a comeback thanks to nostalgia baking trends.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ No baking required
✔ Only 4–5 simple ingredients
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Perfect for holidays
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Great for gifting

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The powdered sugar creates structure, the chopped candies provide flavor and chew, and the pecans add buttery crunch.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the classic ingredient list:

Main Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package orange slice candies

• 3 cups powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)

• 1½ cups chopped pecans

• 1 (12-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

That’s it!

---

Ingredient Breakdown & Tips

Orange Slice Candies

You can find these in most grocery stores near the candy aisle. Choose fresh, soft slices — if they’re too hard, they’ll be difficult to chop.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is essential. It binds everything together and creates that signature coating.

Pecans

Finely chop them for best texture. Toasting them first adds even more flavor (highly recommended).

Sweetened Condensed Milk

This acts as the glue that holds everything together. Do not substitute with evaporated milk — it won’t work the same way.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pecans

If you want maximum flavor, lightly toast the pecans.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread pecans on a baking sheet.

3. Bake 5–7 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Cool completely before using.

This step enhances their natural oils and deepens flavor.

---

Step 2: Chop the Orange Slice Candies

This is the most time-consuming part.

• Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.

• Lightly dust the candies with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

• Chop into small pieces (about pea-sized).

Tip: If they’re too sticky, refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes first.

---

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:

• Combine chopped orange slices

• Add chopped pecans

• Stir in 3 cups powdered sugar

Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.

---

Step 4: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.

Using a sturdy spoon or clean hands, mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.

It should be firm but pliable.

If too sticky → add more powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time).
If too dry → add 1–2 tablespoons condensed milk.

---

Step 5: Shape into Balls

• Dust your hands with powdered sugar.

• Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.

• Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

---

Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar until fully coated.

For a thicker coating, roll twice:

1. Roll immediately.

2. Let sit 15 minutes.

3. Roll again.

---

Step 7: Let Them Set

Allow candies to rest at room temperature for 2–4 hours, or refrigerate 1 hour to firm up.

Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!

---

Texture & Flavor Profile

These candies are:

• Chewy from the orange slices

• Slightly crunchy from pecans

• Creamy from condensed milk

• Sweet with a citrus punch

• Soft and melt-in-your-mouth

The powdered sugar coating balances the chewiness and prevents stickiness.

---

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe? They store beautifully.

Room Temperature

Store in airtight container up to 5 days.

Refrigerator

Lasts up to 2 weeks.

Freezer

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

---

Variations You’ll Love

Want to mix things up? Try these delicious twists.

---

1. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Candies

After setting, dip half of each ball in melted semi-sweet chocolate.

Let chocolate harden before storing.

---

2. Coconut Orange Bites

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the mixture for tropical flavor.

---

3. Cranberry Citrus Version

Replace ½ cup pecans with dried cranberries for festive color.

---

4. Mixed Fruit Slice Candy

Use multi-colored fruit slice candies instead of just orange.

---

5. Bourbon Pecan Version (Adults Only)

Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the mixture for subtle warmth.

---

Troubleshooting Guide

Too Sticky?

Add more powdered sugar.

Too Dry?

Add more condensed milk (slowly).

Falling Apart?

Mixture needs more binding — add 1 tablespoon condensed milk.

Too Sweet?

Add extra pecans or a pinch of salt.

---

Make-Ahead & Gifting Ideas

These candies are perfect for holiday tins.

Packaging Ideas:

• Mason jars

• Decorative holiday tins

• Clear treat bags with ribbon

• Vintage cookie boxes

Add a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.

They also ship well, making them great for long-distance gifting.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve these candies:

• On holiday dessert trays

• With coffee or tea

• At baby showers

• At bridal showers

• During Christmas gatherings

• At potlucks

They pair beautifully with hot coffee, especially dark roast.

---

Nutritional Estimate (Per 1 Ball)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 120

• Fat: 5g

• Sugar: 16g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 1g

(Varies by portion size.)

---

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The science behind it is simple:

• Powdered sugar absorbs moisture

• Condensed milk binds ingredients

• Candy provides chew and structure

• Pecans balance sweetness

No baking means no risk of overcooking.

It’s nearly foolproof.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes. Substitute pecans with crushed vanilla wafers or rice cereal.

Can I use walnuts instead?

Absolutely. Walnuts work well but are slightly more bitter.

Do I need to refrigerate?

Not required, but helps them firm up faster.

Can kids help?

Definitely! Rolling into balls is kid-friendly.

---

Why These Candies Are Making a Comeback

Vintage recipes are trending. People crave:

• Nostalgia

• Simplicity

• Budget-friendly treats

• No-bake recipes

Orange slice candies check every box.

They remind people of grandmothers’ kitchens and handwritten recipe cards.

---

Final Recipe Card

Orange Slice Candies with Powdered Sugar and Pecans

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Yield: About 30–36 candies

Ingredients:

• 16 oz orange slice candies

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1½ cups chopped pecans

• 12 oz sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Toast pecans (optional) and cool.

2. Chop orange slice candies.

3. Mix candies, pecans, powdered sugar.

4. Stir in condensed milk and vanilla.

5. Roll into 1-inch balls.

6. Coat in powdered sugar.

7. Let set before serving.

---

Closing Thoughts

Orange Slice Candies with Powdered Sugar and Pecans are more than just a dessert — they’re a memory. They represent simpler times, shared kitchens, and family traditions passed down through generations.

In a world of complicated desserts and elaborate baking trends, this humble no-bake candy stands strong.

It’s proof that sometimes the sweetest recipes are also the simplest.

So grab a bag of orange slices, dust your hands with powdered sugar, and start a tradition of your own.

Because once you make these, they won’t just be a holiday treat — they’ll become part of your story.