Candied Orange Slices

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, you’ve found it with these Candied Orange Slices! This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it transforms simple oranges into a sweet, chewy candy that brightens up any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just need a special snack during a busy week, these candied slices are perfect. They can be enjoyed on their own or used to make your cakes and breads look stunning.

The best part? Making these easy candied orange slices is fun and rewarding. You’ll love the vibrant flavor and aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Plus, they make for thoughtful gifts—who wouldn’t appreciate a jar of homemade treats?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create these delicious treats without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to rolling the slices in sugar!
• Great for gifting: These candied orange slices are perfect for sharing with friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
• Versatile use: Enjoy them as candy, garnish pastries, or add them to your favorite recipes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare them in advance and store them for later enjoyment!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything you need to create these delightful candied orange slices!

• 3 large navel oranges (or other type of orange)
• 4 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 4 cups water (plus extra for blanching)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or ginger during the syrup simmering process for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use different citrus fruits: Try substituting oranges with lemons, limes, or grapefruits for unique twists.
• Chocolate dip: Once cooled, dip the candied orange slices in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Infuse with herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the syrup while cooking for a fragrant herbal note.

How to Make Candied Orange Slices

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Start by scrubbing the peels of the oranges thoroughly. This step is important as it removes any wax and chemicals that may linger on their surface. Once clean, slice them crosswise into ⅛-inch thick slices, discarding the ends. The more uniform your slices, the better they will cook!

Step 2: Blanch the Orange Slices

Next, blanch those beautiful orange slices in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. This helps soften them and reduces bitterness. Using a skimmer, transfer them into a large bowl filled with ice water right after boiling—this will stop the cooking process immediately.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

Rinse out your pot and get ready to make a sweet syrup! Dissolve 4 cups of sugar in 4 cups of water over medium heat until it boils. This syrup is what gives our candied orange slices their lovely sweetness.

Step 4: Simmer the Oranges

Drain your blanched orange slices and gently add them to the boiling syrup. Bring it back to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer quietly for about 45-60 minutes until the peels turn translucent. Remember to stir every 15 minutes; this ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Step 5: Bake Until Dry

Once they’re done simmering, lay those gorgeous slices on wire racks placed over cookie sheets (to catch drips). Pop them into an oven set at 175°F for about 30 minutes; this helps dry them out further. Afterward, coat each piece in granulated sugar before returning them to bake for another hour or so until they’re mostly dry.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Finally, give each candied orange slice another roll in sugar! Let them cool completely on their racks before sealing away in an airtight container. Now they’re ready whenever you need that burst of citrusy sweetness!

Pro Tips for Making Candied Orange Slices

Creating candied orange slices is a delightful and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to ensure your slices come out perfectly every time!

• Choose ripe oranges: Selecting ripe, juicy oranges will enhance the flavor of your candied slices. Look for fruit that has a bright color and feels heavy for its size.

• Don’t rush the blanching: Blanching helps to soften the peels and removes any bitterness. Make sure to follow the 10-minute boiling time to achieve optimal sweetness in your final product.

• Keep an eye on the simmering: Stirring every 15 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents the sugar from crystallizing. This small step makes a big difference in achieving that silky texture.

• Use a wire rack for drying: Elevating the orange slices on a wire rack allows air circulation around them, which helps in evenly drying them out without becoming soggy.

• Store properly: Letting your candied slices cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container ensures they maintain their texture and flavor longer.

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices

Candied orange slices are not only tasty but also beautiful. They can be presented in various ways that add flair to your dishes!

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: Fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the oranges.
• Dark chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates the dessert’s taste and adds a sophisticated touch.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped pistachios or almonds can bring extra crunch and flavor, making your presentation more appealing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla yogurt: Creamy vanilla yogurt provides a smooth complement to the sweet citrus flavors while adding protein.
• Cheese platter: Pairing candied orange slices with cheeses like goat cheese or brie creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
• Pound cake: A slice of moist pound cake serves as an excellent base for topping with candied oranges, enhancing both texture and taste.
• Herb-infused tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, offers a soothing drink that pairs wonderfully with the bright flavors of candied orange slices.

Enjoy exploring these serving ideas as you savor your homemade candied orange slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

These candied orange slices are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance and stored, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy anytime or use to elevate your desserts.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled candied orange slices in an airtight container.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• They can last up to two weeks when properly stored.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the candied orange slices.
• Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to six months.

Reheating

• Candied orange slices are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If they become too sticky after freezing, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful treats, here are some common questions!

How do I make Candied Orange Slices without using animal-derived gelatin?

You don’t need gelatin for this recipe! The natural pectin in the orange peels helps achieve that lovely texture. Just follow the steps outlined above for perfect results.

Can I use other types of citrus for Candied Orange Slices?

Absolutely! You can experiment with lemons, limes, or grapefruits using the same method. Each will bring its unique twist to the flavor profile.

How long do Candied Orange Slices last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to two weeks at room temperature or around six months if frozen.

Can I use less sugar for my Candied Orange Slices?

While sugar is essential for preserving and sweetening, you could experiment with reducing it slightly. However, keep in mind that this may affect both flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these wonderful candied orange slices! They are not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful way to brighten up your desserts. Whether you choose to snack on them as candy or use them as cake decorations, I’m sure they will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy this sweet adventure and don’t hesitate to share your experience!