Candied orange slices are a delightful treat that perfectly balances citrusy tang with sugary sweetness. These glossy, translucent slices make an elegant garnish for cakes and cocktails or can be enjoyed as a simple snack. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just a few ingredients. If you love the taste of oranges and the satisfying chew of a candied treat, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Candied Orange Slices Recipe
- Versatile Treat – Use them as a topping, mix them into desserts, or enjoy them on their own.
- Long Shelf Life – Once properly stored, these slices last for weeks.
- Minimal Ingredients – Only oranges, sugar, and water are needed!
- Great for Gifting – Pack them up beautifully for a homemade holiday present.
Ingredients Notes
- Fresh Oranges – Choose organic oranges if possible, as you’ll be using the peel.
- Granulated Sugar – Helps create a perfect candy glaze.
- Water – Used to create the sugar syrup for candying.
- Optional: Vanilla or Cinnamon – Adds a hint of extra flavor to the syrup.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack or parchment paper
How To Make These Candied Orange Slices
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
Wash the oranges thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). Remove any seeds but keep the peel intact.
Step 2: Blanch the Slices
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the orange slices for 1–2 minutes. This helps reduce bitterness. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Simmer the Orange Slices
Add the blanched orange slices to the syrup and reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the slices become translucent.
Step 5: Dry the Slices
Using a slotted spoon, remove the slices and place them on a wire rack or parchment paper. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar (Optional)
For an extra sweet crunch, coat the dried slices with granulated sugar before storing them.
Storage Options
Proper storage ensures that your candied orange slices remain fresh and retain their chewy, sweet texture for as long as possible. Here’s how you can store them effectively:
1. Room Temperature Storage (Short-Term)
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
2. Refrigeration (Extended Freshness)
- Refrigerate in a sealed container to keep them fresh for up to 3 weeks.
- Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.
- If they become slightly sticky, toss them in a light dusting of sugar before serving.
3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage
- Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours to prevent clumping.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
4. Storing in Syrup (For Softer Texture)
- Store the slices in their cooking syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge.
- This keeps them moist and flavorful for up to a month.
- Drain and pat dry before using, or keep them syrupy for added richness.
Variations and Substitutions
Candied orange slices are delicious as they are, but you can customize them in many ways:
1. Different Citrus Fruits
- Swap oranges with lemons, limes, or grapefruits for unique flavors.
- Try blood oranges for a deeper color and more intense citrus flavor.
2. Sugar Coating Options
- Instead of granulated sugar, coat the slices with coconut sugar or powdered sugar for a different sweetness level.
- Roll in spiced sugar (cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom) for a festive touch.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges
- Dip half of each slice in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, crushed nuts, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor.
4. Alcohol-Infused Slices
- Soak the slices in rum, brandy, or Grand Marnier before drying to give them a boozy twist.
- Use them as cocktail garnishes for holiday drinks.
5. Spice-Infused Syrup
- Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise to the sugar syrup for extra warmth.
- Use vanilla or almond extract for a subtle twist in flavor.
6. Healthier Alternatives
- Substitute coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar.
- Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-sugar version.
Conclusion
Candied orange slices are a delightful treat with endless possibilities. Whether you enjoy them on their own, as a garnish, or dipped in chocolate, their sweet, citrusy, and slightly chewy texture makes them irresistible.
One of their biggest advantages is versatility—you can customize them using different citrus fruits, flavor infusions, and coatings. They also store well, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays, desserts, or homemade gifts.
Beyond snacking, these candied slices are multipurpose—they add a gourmet touch to baked goods, cocktails, and cheese boards. You can also blend them into desserts like cakes, cupcakes, or fruit salads for an extra burst of citrus.
With the right storage techniques, you can keep them fresh for months, ensuring you always have a delicious, natural candy option ready to go. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try fun variations, candied orange slices are a simple yet elegant treat that everyone can enjoy.