Candied Orange Slices

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a little sunshine to your day, these Candied Orange Slices are just the thing! I love making these sweet, zesty slices because they’re not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as a chewy candy, use them to jazz up your favorite desserts, or even add a pop of color to your holiday baking. They turn ordinary cakes and breads into something truly special!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s simple enough for anyone to make, and the end result is always met with smiles. Whether you’re serving them at a festive occasion or just treating yourself, these candied orange slices will surely brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweet taste and chewy texture—perfect for satisfying those sugar cravings!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These slices can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a great addition to any dessert table.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy them on their own or use them to decorate cakes, cookies, and more for an elegant touch.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and citrusy flavors makes these slices irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Candied Orange Slices is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 large navel oranges (or other type of orange)
• 4 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 4 cups water (plus extra for blanching)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or uses. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Spices: Toss in a dash of cinnamon or cloves while simmering for an added layer of flavor.
• Try Other Citrus: Substitute oranges with lemons or grapefruits for a different twist on this classic treat.
• Chocolate Dip: After drying the slices, dip half in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Infuse with Herbs: Adding fresh mint or rosemary to the syrup can give your candied slices a unique aromatic profile.

How to Make Candied Orange Slices

Step 1: Scrub and Slice the Oranges

Start by scrubbing the peels of the oranges under running water. This step removes any wax or chemicals. Once cleaned, cut the oranges crosswise into ⅛-inch (3mm) slices, discarding the ends. The thinner you slice them, the quicker they will candy!

Step 2: Blanch the Orange Slices

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the orange slices for 10 minutes. This helps soften the peels and reduces bitterness. After blanching, immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to stop them from cooking further.

Step 3: Prepare the Syrup

After rinsing out the pot used for blanching, combine 4 cups of sugar with 4 cups of water in it. Bring this mixture to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup is what will transform our orange slices into sweet treats.

Step 4: Simmer the Slices

Drain your blanched oranges and gently add them to the syrup. Bring it back to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer for 45-60 minutes until the peels become translucent—be sure to stir every 15 minutes so nothing sticks!

Step 5: Dry in the Oven

Once done simmering, place your candied orange slices on wire racks set atop cookie sheets to catch drips. Bake at 175°F for about 30 minutes. Afterward, coat each piece in granulated sugar again before returning them to bake for another hour or so until they are mostly dry.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let your candied oranges cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well so you can enjoy these treats whenever you please!

Pro Tips for Making Candied Orange Slices

Making candied orange slices can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose ripe oranges: Selecting ripe, juicy oranges ensures that your candied slices are full of flavor and sweetness. Look for oranges that feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness.
• Use fresh sugar: Make sure your granulated sugar is fresh and free from lumps. This helps create a smooth syrup that coats the orange slices evenly, resulting in a better texture.
• Keep an eye on the simmering time: Simmering the orange slices long enough (but not too long) will help achieve that perfect translucent look. Check them frequently to avoid overcooking!
• Cool completely before storing: Allow your candied orange slices to cool fully before sealing them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture from building up inside the container, which can lead to sogginess.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or cloves to the syrup for a unique twist. These additional flavors can elevate your candied orange slices to new heights!

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices

Candied orange slices can be enjoyed in many creative ways! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present them.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or almonds on top of your candied orange slices for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the oranges.
• Dark chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled orange slices creates a beautiful contrast and enhances their flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Cheese platter: Pairing candied orange slices with a selection of cheeses, like creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, creates a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.
• Spiced nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts complements the sweetness of the oranges perfectly while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Fruit salad: Incorporating candied orange slices into a colorful fruit salad with berries and melons makes for an eye-catching side dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layering candied orange slices with yogurt and granola in a parfait glass creates a beautiful breakfast or dessert option that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your fingertips, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Enjoy making your delightful candied orange slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

These candied orange slices are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and store them for later use, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand for snacking or decorating your favorite desserts.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled candied orange slices in an airtight container.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• They can last up to two months if properly stored.

Freezing

• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the slices.
• Place the candied orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to six months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat candied orange slices; simply remove them from their storage and enjoy!
• If desired, you can let them sit at room temperature for a bit before using them in recipes or as snacks.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about candied orange slices!

How do you make candied orange slices?

To make candied orange slices, you need to blanch the orange slices first, then simmer them in a sugar syrup until they’re translucent. Finally, dry them in the oven for that perfect candy texture!

Can I use other types of oranges for candied orange slices?

Absolutely! While navel oranges are great, you can experiment with blood oranges or cara cara oranges for unique flavors and colors in your candied treats.

How long do candied orange slices last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your candied orange slices can last up to two months. If you choose to freeze them, they will stay fresh for about six months!

What can I do with leftover sugar syrup from candied orange slices?

The sugar syrup used in making candied orange slices is delicious! You can use it to sweeten beverages like tea or cocktails (non-alcoholic options), or drizzle it over pancakes and waffles for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine! Candied orange slices are not just a delightful treat; they also add a zing of color and flavor to any dish. Enjoy making these simple yet stunning candies—your loved ones will be impressed! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!