Growing up, my grandma had a big orange tree in her backyard that would burst with the most vibrant, juicy oranges every winter. Whenever I’d visit, she’d carefully pluck a few from the branches and surprise me with a plate of the most incredible Candied Orange Slices. The sweet, chewy orange rounds glistening with sugar crystals were an absolute delight, and I’d savor every single bite. To this day, the flavor and aroma of those Candied Orange Slices takes me right back to those cozy afternoons at Grandma’s house.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this Candied Orange Slices recipe with you. It’s not only a nostalgic treat, but also an incredibly versatile one that you can enjoy all year round. From holiday gift-giving to summery cocktail garnishes, these candied orange slices are a true kitchen staple that everyone will love.
Why This Candied Orange Slices Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Slices
The key to making truly remarkable Candied Orange Slices lies in the simple yet effective cooking method. By slowly simmering the orange slices in a sugar syrup, you coax out all of the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor from the fruit. The end result is a delightfully chewy, intensely citrusy treat that melts in your mouth.
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. I’ve experimented with various sugar-to-water ratios, and I’ve found that a 1:1 ratio creates the ideal candied texture without being too cloying. The slices emerge from the syrup with a beautiful glossy sheen and a satisfying chew that will have you reaching for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
These thick, juicy orange slices are the star of the show. By cutting them to a uniform thickness, you ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout. - 1 cup granulated sugar
The sugar is crucial for creating that signature candied coating. It caramelizes around the orange slices, locking in the citrus flavor and transforming the texture. - 1 cup water
The water combines with the sugar to form a simple syrup that gently poaches the orange slices, allowing them to absorb all the sweetness.
Together, these three humble ingredients come together to create a truly special treat that’s bursting with vibrant orange flavor and a delightful chewy-yet-tender texture.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Slices Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Slices
With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, this Candied Orange Slices recipe is an absolute breeze to make. All you’ll need is a sharp knife, a saucepan, and a slotted spoon or tongs.
1- Begin by slicing the oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding any seeds. The uniform thickness is key for ensuring even cooking.
2- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3- Carefully add the orange slices to the simmering sugar syrup, making sure they’re submerged. Let the slices cook for 20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’ve become translucent and the syrup has thickened slightly.
4- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the candied orange slices to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. The slices should have a glossy, glistening appearance and a delightfully chewy texture.
5- Allow the candied orange slices to cool completely, which will help the sugar coating set and create that irresistible crunch.
6- Once cooled, your homemade Candied Orange Slices are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a sweet snack, use them to garnish cocktails or desserts, or package them up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh, juicy oranges for the best flavor. Avoid any that are overly dry or blemished.
- Slice the oranges as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer can help with this.
- Keep a close eye on the simmering sugar syrup to prevent it from boiling over or burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Don’t overcrowd the saucepan when adding the orange slices. Work in batches if necessary to allow for even cooking.
- For extra shine and crispness, you can toss the cooled candied orange slices in a bit of extra granulated sugar before serving.
- These Candied Orange Slices make a wonderful gift when packaged in an airtight container or cellophane bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Slices
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Slices
These versatile Candied Orange Slices can be enjoyed in so many delightful ways! With their sweet, citrusy flavor and chewy texture, they make a fantastic snack all on their own. But they also pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and desserts.
Try serving them alongside a steaming mug of hot tea or coffee for a cozy, indulgent treat. They also make a lovely garnish for cocktails, like a refreshing gin and tonic or a festive holiday Old Fashioned. And for dessert, they’re simply divine sprinkled over ice cream, yogurt, or a decadent chocolate mousse.
Since this recipe yields 12 servings, it’s the perfect amount to share with friends and family. Arrange the candied orange slices on a platter and watch them disappear in no time!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Candied Orange Slices recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store for later.
To store, simply place the cooled candied orange slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. They’ll maintain their delightful chewiness and vibrant flavor throughout.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the candied orange slices. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the frozen slices at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can even warm them briefly in the oven or microwave to revive their soft, chewy texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Slices
Creative Candied Orange Slices Variations
While the classic Candied Orange Slices recipe is a true delight, there are so many ways to put a unique spin on this versatile treat:
- Spiced Candied Orange Slices: Add a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to the sugar syrup for a warmly-spiced twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Slices: Melt some high-quality dark or milk chocolate and dip the cooled candied slices for an indulgent pairing.
- Candied Orange Slices with Rosemary: Infuse the sugar syrup with fresh rosemary sprigs for a sophisticated, herbaceous flavor.
- Citrus Medley Candied Slices: Use a mix of orange, lemon, and lime slices for a vibrant, multi-citrus experience.
Making Candied Orange Slices Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Candied Orange Slices a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try:
For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. The slices may not have quite the same level of sweetness, but they’ll still be delightfully chewy and flavorful.
To make them vegan, simply use a granulated sugar alternative, like coconut sugar or maple sugar, in place of the regular white sugar. These natural sweeteners will still create that signature candied coating.
And for a gluten-free option, this recipe is already naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that any additional ingredients you use, like chocolate or spices, are also gluten-free.
No matter which variations or dietary adaptations you choose, these homemade Candied Orange Slices are sure to delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?
A: Absolutely! You can easily swap out the oranges for other citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemons, or limes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as some fruits may take longer or shorter to become perfectly candied.
Q: How long does the total process take to make Candied Orange Slices?
A: The total time for this Candied Orange Slices recipe is 30 minutes – 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time. So you can have this delightful treat ready to enjoy in just half an hour!
Q: Can I store the Candied Orange Slices for later?
A: Yes, these Candied Orange Slices keep very well. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven or microwave.
Q: How many servings does this Candied Orange Slices recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of Candied Orange Slices. The amounts of oranges, sugar, and water are perfect for creating a generous batch to share with friends and family.
Q: What should I do if my Candied Orange Slices turn out too soft or too hard?
A: If the slices seem a bit too soft, simply let them cool completely, which will help the sugar coating set and firm up. For slices that are too hard and crunchy, try reducing the simmering time by a few minutes next time. The key is finding that perfect balance of chewy and tender.
Candied Orange Slices
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These quick and easy Candied Orange Slices are a delightful treat that will add a burst of citrusy flavor to your day. Perfectly caramelized and glistening, these zesty slices are perfect for snacking or topping desserts.
Ingredients
– 2 large oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the orange slices to the simmering sugar syrup. Reduce heat to low and let the slices simmer for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are translucent and lightly caramelized.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Let the slices cool completely, then enjoy as a snack or use as a topping for desserts.
Notes
– For a deeper caramelized flavor, you can simmer the slices for up to 30 minutes.
– Store the candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These homemade Candied Orange Slices are an absolute delight – they’re sweet, citrusy, and bursting with the most incredible texture. Whether you’re making them as a special holiday treat, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just a delicious snack to enjoy year-round, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give this Candied Orange Slices recipe a try. Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and be sure to share your own tips and variations. Enjoy!
