Cozy Candied Orange Slices Recipe

These Candied Orange Slices capture the bright essence of citrus in a chewy form that looks beautiful on any dessert.

I love making a big batch during the holidays to use as edible decorations or to package up as thoughtful little gifts for friends.

The Magic Behind These Candied Orange Slices

This recipe requires only three simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen right now. It takes a bit of patience to simmer them gently, but the actual hands-on work is surprisingly minimal.

The texture strikes the ideal balance between the chewy rind and the tender, jammy center. You get a burst of concentrated orange flavor without the harsh bitterness often found in raw peels.

They are incredibly versatile and can transform a plain cake or cupcake into something that looks like it came from a bakery. My family enjoys them straight from the jar as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

If you have extra citrus on hand, you must try my Irresistible Orange Creamsicle Fudge Recipe, or use these slices to top my Irresistible Upside-Down Orange Cake Recipe.

Everything You Need for Candied Orange Slices

Here is what you will need to get started on this sweet project:

• Granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness and creates the syrup necessary to preserve the fruit.
• Water: Essential for blanching the slices initially and for creating the simple syrup base.
• Small oranges: Varieties like navel oranges, tangelos, or clementines work best due to their size and skin thickness.

My Method for Perfect Candied Orange Slices

Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by washing your oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt from the skin. Slice the oranges into thin rounds, approximately 3mm thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistency. Discard the end pieces that are mostly pith. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water and set it aside near the stove.
2. To remove the bitterness from the pith, combine 2 cups of water in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the orange slices and let them boil for about 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the slices to the prepared ice water bath to stop the cooking process, and discard the water from the pan.
3. In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water with the granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved into a clear syrup. Bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully add the blanched orange slices to the hot syrup. Allow the fruit to simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure every slice is coated. You are looking for the rinds to become slightly translucent and the fruit to look jewel-like.
5. Once the Candied Orange Slices are tender and translucent, remove them from the syrup using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them in a single layer on a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet or wax paper to catch any drips. Allow them to dry at room temperature overnight until they are tacky but no longer wet.

Pro Tips for Candied Orange Slices

Choosing the right fruit is crucial, so I always look for small organic oranges with thinner skins like clementines or small navels. Thick pith can retain bitterness even after blanching, so smaller varieties often yield sweeter results.

Be sure to maintain a very gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil once the fruit is in the syrup. High heat can cause the delicate Candied Orange Slices to fall apart or the sugar syrup to crystallize.

If you want to add an extra layer of texture, toss the finished slices in granulated sugar after they have dried slightly but are still tacky. This creates a frost-like finish that looks stunning on holiday cookie platters.

Best Ways to Enjoy Candied Orange Slices

These sweet rounds make the most sophisticated garnish for chocolate cakes or creamy cheesecakes. I also like to dip half of each slice in melted dark chocolate for a rich treat that balances sweet and bitter notes.

You can even chop them up to stir into cookie dough or morning oatmeal for a chewy citrus kick. They store beautifully in an airtight container, making them a handy pantry staple for last-minute dessert styling.

I would love for you to follow along on Pinterest for more sweet inspiration and seasonal recipe ideas.

Candied Orange Slices

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
• Yield: 20 slices
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Sparkling, chewy, and sweet candied orange slices made with just three ingredients. These make beautiful edible gifts or garnishes for your favorite desserts.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar, plus extra for coating if desired
• 4 cups water, divided
• 2 small oranges (navel or tangelo)

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Instructions

1. Wash the oranges and slice them into thin rounds (about 3mm thick), discarding the ends. Prepare a bowl of ice water.
2. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the orange slices and boil for 2 minutes to reduce bitterness. Transfer slices to the ice water bath and discard the boiling water.
3. In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 2 cups of water and the granulated sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the orange slices. Simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes until the rinds are translucent, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove slices from the syrup and lay them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let them dry overnight until tacky. Store in an airtight container or roll in sugar for a frosted look.

Notes

Save the leftover orange syrup to use in cocktails or over pancakes.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Drying Time: 12 hr
• Cook Time: 1 hr 5 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 slices
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Candied Orange Slices, candied citrus, edible garnish, homemade candy, orange recipes