It’s a chilly winter afternoon, and I’m curled up on the sofa with a warm mug of tea, watching the snow gently fall outside. The sweet, citrusy aroma of Candied Orange Peel wafts through the air, transporting me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still see her nimble fingers carefully peeling the vibrant orange rinds, methodically slicing them into thin strips, and simmering them in a fragrant sugar syrup. The anticipation would build as she’d let them cool, the sugar coating crystallizing into a delightful crunch. Grandma always had a stash of Candied Orange Peel on hand, ready to be sprinkled over cakes, stirred into hot chocolate, or simply savored as a sweet treat. It’s a flavor that instantly sparks memories of comfort and joy.
Why This Candied Orange Peel Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Peel
I’ve tried countless Candied Orange Peel recipes over the years, but this one stands out as the absolute best. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors, with a satisfying texture that’s not too soft or too hard. The secret lies in the simple yet precise technique – gently simmering the orange peels in a sugar syrup to coax out their natural oils and achieve that signature candied crunch. It’s a process that requires a bit of patience, but the end result is so worth it.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candied Orange Peel recipe calls for just three simple ingredients: 3 large oranges, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. The oranges are the star of the show, of course. Their bright, tangy peels are the foundation for this delightful treat. The sugar is what transforms the peels into a delectable, crystallized confection, while the water helps create the perfect syrup. Together, these three elements combine to create a Candied Orange Peel that’s both flavorful and visually stunning.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Peel Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Peel
With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 60 minutes, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is a breeze to whip up. You’ll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, a medium saucepan, and a slotted spoon or tongs. Once you have your tools ready, you can dive into the simple, yet satisfying process of transforming those citrusy peels into a delightful treat.
1- Start by thoroughly washing the 3 large oranges and patting them dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the rinds from the oranges, being mindful to remove as little of the white pith as possible.
2- Slice the orange peels into thin, uniform strips, about 1/4-inch wide. This will help them cook evenly and develop that signature candied texture.
3- In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
4- Carefully add the sliced orange peels to the simmering sugar syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let the peels gently cook, simmering for 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peels have become translucent and the syrup has thickened.
5- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully transfer the candied orange peels from the syrup to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer to allow the excess syrup to drip off.
6- Let the Candied Orange Peel cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Enjoy this delightful treat on its own, or use it to elevate your baked goods, hot beverages, and more!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Candied Orange Peel takes a bit of practice, but these expert tips will help you nail it every time:
- Be sure to remove as much of the white pith as possible when peeling the oranges. The pith can taste bitter, so you want to focus on just the vibrant orange zest.
- Slice the peels evenly – this will ensure they cook at the same rate and develop that perfect candied texture.
- Don’t be tempted to increase the heat – slow and steady simmering is the key to achieving that signature crunch.
- Let the Candied Orange Peel cool completely before storing. This allows the sugar coating to fully crystallize.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Peel
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Peel
This recipe makes a total of 12 servings, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy and share. Candied Orange Peel is a delightful addition to all sorts of sweet treats and beverages. Sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream or frosted cakes for a burst of citrusy flavor. It also makes a wonderful topping for hot cocoa or mulled cider. And of course, it’s simply divine on its own as a satisfying snack.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Candied Orange Peel is the perfect make-ahead treat. Once cooled, store the peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the Candied Orange Peel for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the peels at room temperature. To reheat, you can briefly warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they regain their crunch.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Peel
Creative Candied Orange Peel Variations
While this recipe is already a classic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Candied Orange Peel. For a festive twist, try adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar syrup. You can also experiment with different citrus peels, such as lemon or grapefruit, for a unique flavor profile. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider dipping the candied peels in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Making Candied Orange Peel Diet-Friendly
If you’re following a specific dietary plan, you can easily adapt this Candied Orange Peel recipe to suit your needs. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure the sugar you use is certified gluten-free. To make it vegan, swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup. And for a low-carb spin, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of the regular sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of citrus peels, including lemon, grapefruit, or even a combination. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and water amounts accordingly.
Q: How long does the total process take?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 60 minutes, the total time to make this Candied Orange Peel recipe is 75 minutes.
Q: Can I store the Candied Orange Peel for later use?
A: Yes, the Candied Orange Peel keeps very well. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How much does this recipe yield?
A: This Candied Orange Peel recipe makes a total of 12 servings, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy and share.
Q: What if my Candied Orange Peel turns out too soft or too hard?
A: If the peels are too soft, simply let them simmer a bit longer to allow the sugar syrup to further thicken and crystallize. If they’re too hard, you may have cooked them for too long – next time, reduce the simmering time.
Candied Orange Peel
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Transform orange peels into a delightful sweet and tangy treat with this easy recipe for Candied Orange Peel. These homemade candied peels are perfect for adding a bright, citrusy zing to cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
Ingredients
– 3 large oranges
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the orange peels in long strips, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange peels, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the peels are translucent and the liquid has thickened.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange peels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely.
4. Once cooled, toss the peels in the remaining sugar mixture to coat. Spread the coated peels back out on the baking sheet and let them dry for at least 2 hours, or until the sugar coating has hardened.
5. Store the candied orange peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a more intense orange flavor, you can add the zest of 1 orange to the sugar and water mixture. The candied peels can also be dipped in melted chocolate or used as a garnish for cakes, pies, and other desserts.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Candied Orange Peel is a truly special treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang, plus that irresistible candied crunch, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic. Whether you’re looking to elevate your baking, add a unique twist to your hot beverages, or simply enjoy a delightful snack, Candied Orange Peel is a versatile and delicious choice. I encourage you to give this recipe a try – I have a feeling it’ll quickly become a new family favorite. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!
