Candied Orange Slices Recipe

If you love the bright, zesty sweetness of oranges and adore treats that combine a little chew with a sparkling sugary finish, you’re in for a real delight with this Candied Orange Slices Recipe. These translucent, jewel-like slices bring sunshine to your palate and a pop of citrusy goodness that’s perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or elevating your cocktails. The magic lies in gently simmering thin orange slices in a simple sugar syrup until they turn beautifully tender and translucent, then drying and coating them with sugar for candy perfection. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these glowing gems in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect candied orange slices is surprisingly simple, and every ingredient plays an important role in balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From fresh oranges that provide juicy citrus notes to the granulated sugar that transforms the slices into sweet treats with a delicate crunch, each element is essential to get that melt-in-your-mouth sensation with a glossy finish.

• Oranges: 3 large navel oranges, chosen for their sweetness and thick peel, perfect for slicing and candying.
• Granulated Sugar: 4 cups for the syrup plus extra for coating, it’s key to achieving that classic candied sweetness and sparkling exterior.
• Water: 4 cups for the syrup and additional water to blanch the orange slices, softening the peel and cutting bitterness.

How to Make Candied Orange Slices Recipe

Step 1: Preparing and Slicing the Oranges

First things first, you want to scrub your oranges thoroughly. This step is crucial because you’re using the peel, and you want to make sure it’s clean from any wax or pesticides. Once clean, slice the oranges crosswise into very thin rounds—about ⅛ inch thick. The thinness is key to ensure they cook and candy evenly without becoming too tough or thick.

Step 2: Blanching the Orange Slices

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Blanching these slices for 10 minutes softens the peel and removes bitterness, which is essential for that perfect sweet-tart balance. After blanching, immediately transfer the slices to an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps their vibrant color intact, setting the stage for beautiful translucent slices.

Step 3: Making the Simple Syrup

After rinsing out the blanching pot, combine the 4 cups of granulated sugar with 4 cups of water, then bring the mixture to a boil. This simple syrup is the heart of the candied orange slices, slowly infusing sweetness deep into every piece as they simmer.

Step 4: Simmering the Orange Slices

Drain your blanched orange slices and add them to the boiling syrup. Lower the heat so they gently simmer for about 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, the peels turn translucent and tender, absorbing the sweet syrup thoroughly. Remember to stir gently every 15 minutes so none of the slices stick to the bottom or to each other.

Step 5: Drying and Sugar-Coating

Place the simmered slices on wire racks with cookie sheets beneath to catch drips. Dry them in a low-temperature oven at 175°F for 30 minutes. Next, roll each slice in granulated sugar for that enchanting sparkle and pop them back in the oven to dry for another 1 to 1½ hours. You want them mostly dry but still a little pliable—neither too soft nor brittle.

Step 6: Final Sugar Coating and Cooling

Once dried, coat the slices once more in sugar for an extra touch of crunch and dazzling finish. Let them cool completely before storing to keep their perfect texture intact. Your Candied Orange Slices Recipe is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices Recipe

Garnishes

Candied orange slices make stunning garnishes with their sparkling sugar crust and brilliant color. Use them to crown cakes, cupcakes, and tarts for a professional look, or float a few slices in cocktails and sparkling water to add both flavor and an eye-catching visual.

Side Dishes

These sweet slices pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a fancy appetizer platter. Their citrus punch balances rich flavors, while their chewiness contrasts nicely with crunchy nuts or crisp crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by threading candied orange slices onto skewers with fresh berries, dipping the edges in dark chocolate, or layering them with other candied fruits in glass jars to create edible art. Their translucent glow makes every display look enticing and gourmet-inspired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for several weeks, maintaining their chewy texture and sweet zing, ready whenever you want to add a touch of sunshine to your day.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap them tightly and freeze in a sealed container. When thawed, they retain their texture quite well, making your Candied Orange Slices Recipe a perfect make-ahead gift or seasonal treat.

Reheating

Generally, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, warm the slices briefly at low oven temperature for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat or they may become brittle.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oranges for this recipe?

Absolutely! While navel oranges are great due to their sweetness and peel thickness, blood oranges, Valencia, or even Meyer lemons can work wonderfully, each adding its unique flavor twist.

How thin should I slice the oranges for candying?

Aim for about ⅛ inch (3mm) thick slices. This thickness is ideal for even simmering and drying, ensuring the slices become perfectly translucent without being too tough or falling apart.

Why do I need to blanch the orange slices?

Blanching softens the peel and eliminates much of the natural bitterness, which can otherwise make the final product unpleasant. It also helps preserve the bright color of the slices.

Can I make this recipe without an oven?

While the oven drying step helps achieve the perfect texture and sugar coating, you could air dry the slices in a warm, dry place or use a food dehydrator, but it will take significantly longer and results may vary.

How long do candied orange slices last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these treats can last several weeks, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor throughout.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about transforming simple orange slices into these glistening, chewy candies that taste like sunshine in every bite. This Candied Orange Slices Recipe is a wonderful blend of patience and simplicity that pays off with stunning results perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your favorite dishes. Give it a try—you’ll soon find these little jewels becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen.