Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Citrusy: The perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy bitterness, making them a unique snack
- Versatile: Use them as cake decorations, in cocktails, or as a standalone treat.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just oranges, sugar, and water, they require minimal effort.
- Great for Gifting: These can easily be packaged as a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 medium oranges (cut into ¼ inch thick slices)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for the syrup)
- 1 cup additional granulated sugar (for coating)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly, then cut them into ¼ inch thick slices. Remove any seeds.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orange slices and boil for 1 minute.
- Transfer the slices into a large bowl of ice water to cool them down quickly.
- Remove 2 cups of the water used to boil the oranges and set it aside. Discard the rest of the boiling water.
- In a large pot, combine the reserved orange water and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and bring it to a boil.
- Add the orange slices to the sugar syrup and simmer for 1 hour until they are tender and translucent.
- Remove the slices from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack to dry. Once they are dry, coat them in additional granulated sugar.
- Let the slices fully dry for up to 1 day.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 18 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 day and 1 hour (includes drying time)
Variations
- Chocolate-Coated: Dip the dried slices in melted chocolate for a luxurious treat.
- Other Citrus: Try using lemon, lime, or grapefruit for different citrus flavors.
- Peanut-Crusted: After coating in chocolate, roll the slices in crushed peanuts for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can also refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 month, or freeze them for up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers.
FAQs
Are candied orange peel slices supposed to be sticky?
No, once they are dried and coated in sugar, they should not be sticky.
How can I reduce bitterness in the orange peel?
Boiling the slices for a minute and cooling them in an ice bath helps reduce bitterness, though there may still be a slight bitter undertone.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, you can use lemon, lime, or grapefruit in place of oranges.
Can I freeze candied orange peel slices?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
How thick should I cut the orange slices?
For the best texture, slice the oranges to about ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices may take longer to dry, and thinner slices might not hold their shape.
Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
The sugar is essential for both the syrup and coating. Reducing it could affect the final texture and flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day or two ahead. They store well in an airtight container.
How do I store them?
Store them at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
What should I do with the leftover syrup?
You can use the syrup in drinks, for baking, or drizzle it over desserts like ice cream.
How can I use these candied slices in desserts?
These slices are perfect as cake or cupcake decorations, or even as a topping for a simple cheesecake.
Conclusion
Candied orange peel slices are a delightful and versatile treat that can elevate many dishes, from cakes to cocktails. They are simple to make and have a beautiful combination of sweetness and citrusy bitterness. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or using them to add a touch of elegance to your desserts, these candied slices are sure to impress!
Print
Candied Orange Slices
- Total Time: 1 day and 1 hour (includes drying time
- Yield: 18 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Candied orange peel slices are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that balances citrus bitterness with sugary sweetness. Perfect for decorating cakes, garnishing cocktails, or enjoying as a snack, these candied slices also make a thoughtful homemade gift. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, they’re a versatile addition to any dessert or treat.
Ingredients
- 4 medium oranges (cut into ¼ inch thick slices)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for the syrup)
- 1 cup additional granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly, then cut them into ¼ inch thick slices and remove any seeds.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the orange slices and boil for 1 minute.
- Transfer the orange slices into a large bowl of ice water to cool quickly.
- Remove 2 cups of the water used to boil the oranges and set it aside. Discard the remaining boiling water.
- In a large pot, combine the reserved orange water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring it to a boil.
- Add the orange slices to the sugar syrup and simmer for 1 hour, until they become tender and translucent.
- Remove the slices from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack to dry. Once dried, coat them in additional granulated sugar.
- Let the slices dry fully for up to 1 day before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can dip the dried slices in melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Try using lemon, lime, or grapefruit slices for a twist on the flavor.
- After coating in chocolate, you can roll the slices in crushed peanuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Drying
- Cuisine: American
