Hearty Baked Clementines Recipe

I love how these Baked Clementines transform from bright, firm fruit into tender, syrup-soaked jewels with just a little time in the oven.

This recipe fills the house with the scent of warm spices while creating a dish that feels elegant enough for dinner parties yet easy enough for a slow weekend breakfast. The vanilla-infused syrup brings out a deep sweetness that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Why This Baked Clementines Recipe is a Keeper

You barely need any prep time to get this dessert into the oven, making it ideal for those nights when you want something sweet without the hassle. The natural acidity of the fruit balances perfectly with the rich vanilla syrup, creating a flavor profile that isn’t overly sugary.

It works beautifully as a lighter end to a heavy meal or as a special topping for morning yogurt and pancakes. I appreciate how the spices infuse the syrup as it bubbles away, leaving you with a sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Cleanup is minimal since everything roasts in a single dish, saving you from a sink full of dirty pots and pans. This method works well with other citrus varieties too, so you can adapt it based on whatever looks best at the market.

If you enjoyed this light, fruity treat, you’ll definitely want to try my Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe next, and the Hearty Andes Mint Cookies Recipe offers that same satisfying homemade comfort. Both recipes share the same simple, flavor-forward approach that makes cooking at home such a joy.

Gathering Your Baked Clementines Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Clementines: Choose firm fruit with tight skins for the best shape retention during baking.
• Oranges: You will need both the zest and the juice to create the base of the syrup.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that glazes the fruit beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a floral depth that complements the citrus notes.
• Star Anise: Infuses the syrup with a subtle, warming licorice scent.
• Cinnamon Stick: Essential for that cozy, spiced aroma as the dish bakes.

My Method for Perfect Baked Clementines

Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) to ensure it’s ready for the fruit. Peel the Baked Clementines carefully, keeping them whole, and use a small paring knife to gently scrape away as much of the white pith as possible to prevent bitterness.
2. Place the peeled fruit snugly into a baking dish that fits them without too much extra space. Add the orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, star anise, and the cinnamon stick to the dish, then drizzle the honey generously over everything.
3. Bake the dish for 20 minutes, allowing the heat to start softening the citrus and releasing the juices. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and use a spoon to baste the fruit with the hot, bubbling liquid, ensuring the tops are well-coated.
4. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes until the fruit is tender and the syrup has slightly thickened. Serve the fruit warm in small bowls, pouring the spiced juices over the top for the best flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Baked Clementines

Take an extra moment to gently scrape away as much of the white pith as possible before baking. The pith can turn bitter during the cooking process, and removing it ensures your Baked Clementines stay sweet and visually stunning.

If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can carefully pour the liquid into a small saucepan after baking and reduce it on the stove for a few minutes. I find this concentrated glaze clings better to the fruit and adds an intense burst of vanilla flavor.

Feel free to swap the honey for maple syrup if you want a deeper, earthier sweetness or need a vegan option. Using fresh vanilla bean paste instead of extract also adds beautiful little black specks that make the final dish look incredibly professional.

How to Serve This Baked Clementines

These tender fruits taste incredible when spooned warm over a bowl of cold vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt. The contrast between the hot, spiced fruit and the cold, creamy base makes for a simple yet sophisticated dessert.

I also like serving Baked Clementines alongside rich breakfast dishes like French toast or oatmeal to cut through the heaviness. You can even chop up any leftovers to stir into porridge the next morning for a quick flavor boost.

For more simple and cozy recipe inspiration, come join me on Pinterest.

Baked Clementines with Spiced Vanilla Syrup

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 47 min
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tender, whole clementines roasted in a fragrant syrup of orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and star anise. A simple, naturally sweet dessert or breakfast treat.

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Ingredients

• 2 large oranges (zested and juiced)
• 2.5 tbsp runny honey (or maple syrup)
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6–8 fresh clementines

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). carefully peel the clementines, keeping the fruit whole, and remove as much white pith as possible with a small knife.
2. Arrange the clementines in a baking dish. Add the orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, star anise, and cinnamon stick around the fruit, then drizzle the honey over the top.
3. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven briefly to baste the clementines with the warm juices from the bottom of the pan.
4. Return to the oven for a final 10-12 minutes until the fruit is tender and the syrup is aromatic. Serve warm with the juices spooned over.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat before serving or enjoy cold over yogurt.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cooling: 5 min
• Cook Time: 32 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 clementines
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: baked clementines, citrus dessert, healthy dessert, gluten free dessert, fruit recipe, easy baked fruit