Savory Candied Orange Peel Recipe

Whenever I peel an orange, I hesitate to throw away the skin because it holds so much aromatic potential. Making Candied Orange Peel at home captures that bright citrus essence in a chewy, sugar-coated package.

This recipe turns humble leftovers into a sophisticated treat that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.

Why This Candied Orange Peel is a Winter Essential

What makes this Candied Orange Peel a keeper for years to come is the superior texture compared to store-bought versions. You get a tender, vibrant bite without any of the waxy coating found in commercial packages.

These little strips make thoughtful holiday gifts when packaged in a clear jar with a festive ribbon. I often make a double batch in December just to have enough to share with friends and neighbors.

I find myself snacking on them plain or using them to garnish my favorite winter desserts for an extra pop of flavor.

If you crave more bright fruit flavors, you should definitely try my Quick Pomegranate Orange Cake Recipe next. For another rich cocoa combination, the Ultimate Chocolate Orange Madeleines Recipe is a fantastic choice.

Gathering Your Candied Orange Peel Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to create this sweet citrus treat:

• Granulated Sugar: You will need this for the simple syrup and for rolling the finished peels.
• Water: Fresh water is necessary for blanching the peels and creating the syrup base.
• Oranges: Choose firm organic oranges since you will be eating the outer skin.
• Vanilla Bean: This adds a lovely floral undertone that complements the citrus oils.
• Dark Chocolate: High-quality chocolate is optional but highly recommended for dipping the ends.

My Method for Perfect Candied Orange Peel

Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by thoroughly washing your oranges under warm water and scrubbing them with a vegetable brush to remove any wax or residue. Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of each fruit, then score the skin lengthwise into four sections without cutting into the flesh.
2. Carefully peel the skin away from the fruit, keeping the white pith attached, and slice the peels into quarter-inch strips. Place the strips in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and drain immediately; repeat this boiling and draining process one more time to remove bitterness.
3. Return the drained peels to the pot and add fresh water, sugar, and the vanilla bean. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to simmer uncovered for about thirty-five minutes until the peels look translucent.
4. Turn off the heat and allow the peels to cool in the syrup for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack set over parchment paper. Let them dry at room temperature for at least eight hours, or up to twenty-four hours, until they feel tacky but not wet.
5. Once dried, toss the strips in a bowl of granulated sugar to coat them completely. If you want an extra treat, melt your chocolate and dip one end of each strip, then place them back on the parchment to set.

My Best Tips for Perfect Candied Orange Peel

Always choose organic citrus for this recipe to ensure the skins are free from pesticides and waxes. If you cannot find organic, scrub the fruit very vigorously under hot water before starting.

Do not skip the double blanching step, as it is crucial for removing the harsh bitterness from the white pith. This process ensures your Candied Orange Peel is sweet and enjoyable rather than bitter.

If your kitchen is particularly humid, you may need to let the peels dry for a full twenty-four hours.

Best Ways to Enjoy Candied Orange Peel

I love arranging these on a dessert board alongside roasted nuts and dried fruits for an elegant finish to a meal. The contrast between the sweet, chewy citrus and salty snacks is incredibly satisfying.

They also add a beautiful pop of color and texture when chopped and sprinkled over vanilla bean ice cream. You can even use a strip of Candied Orange Peel as a sophisticated garnish for your favorite holiday mocktails.

Join me on Pinterest for more cozy winter baking ideas and homemade gift inspiration!

Candied Orange Peel Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 min
• Yield: 18 servings
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Sweet, chewy, and aromatic candied orange peels dipped in dark chocolate. A perfect homemade holiday gift or cozy winter treat.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 2 cups water
• 3 large organic oranges
• 1 vanilla bean (optional)
• 4 oz dark chocolate (optional for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Wash and scrub the oranges thoroughly, then score the skin into quarters and peel carefully. Slice the peels into 1/4-inch wide strips.
2. Place the peels in a pot, cover with water, boil, and drain. Repeat this process a second time to remove bitterness from the pith.
3. Add fresh water, sugar, and the vanilla bean to the pot with the peels. Simmer for about 35 minutes until the peels become translucent and the syrup thickens.
4. Remove peels and place them on a drying rack for 8 to 24 hours until tacky.
5. Toss the dried peels in granulated sugar. Optionally, dip the ends in melted dark chocolate and let set before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Drying Time: 8 hr
• Cook Time: 50 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 pieces
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Candied Orange Peel, candied citrus, homemade candy, chocolate dipped fruit, holiday food gift