There’s a certain joy that comes from transforming everyday ingredients into delightful confections, and candied orange slices are the epitome of this magic. Just imagine the sweet, tangy aroma of fresh oranges filling your kitchen, paired with the promise of a chewy, sugar-glazed treat. I often find myself reaching for these jewel-like slices when I want to elevate a simple dessert or surprise a friend with a homemade gift.
What’s truly remarkable is how effortless it is to whip up this sweet indulgence with just three simple ingredients. Whether you’re garnishing a cake, adding a pop of citrus to your cheese board, or simply enjoying them on their own, these candied slices bring a touch of sunshine to any occasion. Join me as we embark on a straightforward yet rewarding journey to create these beautiful, sweet treats that are sure to impress!
Why are Candied Orange Slices so delightful?
Effortless Creation: With just three ingredients, making these treats is straightforward and accessible for everyone.
Vibrant Presentation: Their bright color and glossy finish add a visual appeal that invites compliments.
Sweet Versatility: Perfect as a cake garnish, snack, or charming gift, these slices suit every occasion.
Unique Flavor: The sweet and tangy combination brings a refreshing twist to your favorite desserts.
Long-lasting Treat: Store them in an airtight container for up to a month, ensuring you have a delightful snack at hand.
Elevate your confectionery game with these stunning candied orange slices that not only taste amazing but also showcase your homemade culinary skills!
Candied Orange Slices Ingredients
For the Slices
• Oranges – Fresh fruit provides natural sweetness and vibrant color; choose seasonal, smaller oranges for the best flavor.
• Water – Essential for boiling and dissolving sugar; it acts as a medium for creating the candied texture.
• Granulated Sugar – This key ingredient adds sweetness and creates the delightful candy coating—use extra for coating the finished slices.
With these simple ingredients, you can create stunning homemade candied orange slices that are sure to impress!
How to Make Candied Orange Slices
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Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. This will quickly cool down the boiled oranges, stopping the cooking process and helping to maintain their vibrant color.
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Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully add your sliced oranges, cooking for 2 minutes; this softens the slices and begins the candying process.
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Transfer the boiled oranges to your prepared ice water bath to halt the cooking, preserving their texture. Once cooled, drain and discard the water.
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Combine 4 cups of water and granulated sugar in the same saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a syrupy base for your candied treats.
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Simmer the chilled orange slices in the sugar syrup over medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes. Stir gently every 15 minutes, ensuring that the slices become slightly translucent and are infused with sweetness.
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Dry the candied orange slices by moving them onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet; allow them to dry for up to 24 hours. This step gives them a lovely glossy finish and chewy texture.
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Coat the slices in additional sugar or even dip them in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist, if desired. This optional step enhances their sweetness and adds a delightful touch!
Optional: Try infusing the sugar syrup with a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Candied Orange Slices Variations
Embrace the art of candying by experimenting with these delightful twists and substitutions to make your candied orange slices truly unique!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute chocolate with dark dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option that still delivers a rich treat.
- Spice Infusion: Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or even a bit of ginger to the sugar syrup for a warm, aromatic kick.
- Zesty Citrus: Enhance flavor by combining oranges with lemon or blood orange slices for a colorful and tangy mix.
- Chili Heat: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes on your dried slices for an unexpected and exciting heat.
- Maple Twist: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- Nuts & Seeds: Once dried, sprinkle with chopped pistachios or sesame seeds for a textural surprise that adds a nutty flavor.
- Coconut Coating: Roll the cooled slices in shredded coconut for an exotic flair that pairs perfectly with the citrus zing.
- Lemon Zest: Toss in some lemon zest during the syrup-making process to brighten the flavor and introduce a refreshing note.
Feel free to play around with these variations, making your candying adventure as sweet and exciting as you desire!
Expert Tips for Making Candied Orange Slices
Uniform Thickness: Ensure your orange slices are cut to about 3mm thick for optimal candying—too thick will yield inconsistent results.
Use a Mandolin: A mandolin slicer can help you achieve even slices, making the candying process smoother and more efficient.
Be Patient: The drying process can take up to 24 hours; resist the urge to rush it! Proper drying gives your candied orange slices their perfect chewy texture.
Store Properly: Keep your finished treats in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness for up to a month—great for keeping them on hand for spontaneous snacks!
Syrup Infusion: For a unique twist, experiment with infusing the sugar syrup using spices like cinnamon or cloves—this can elevate the flavor profile of your candied orange slices.
What to Serve with Candied Orange Slices?
Imagine a table adorned with a range of delightful flavors, perfectly complementing your sweet creation.
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Rich Chocolate Cake: The deep flavors of chocolate beautifully contrast the bright citrus notes, creating a delightful balance on your palate.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cooler, smooth texture of ice cream makes a lovely pairing, enhancing the chewiness of the orange slices with every bite.
These candied beauties can also shine alongside something light!
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Cheese Platter: Serve them with a variety of cheeses, like creamy goat or sharp cheddar, for a zesty twist to your cheese board.
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Sparkling Water: A refreshing beverage option that cleanses the palate, allowing the sweetness of the orange slices to stand out.
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Festive Fruit Salad: Mix them in with a medley of fresh fruits for a burst of flavor, adding brightness to your next summer gathering.
For a special treat, consider these pairings:
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Herb-Infused Tea: The warmth of herbal notes can enhance the citrus flavor, making it a calming companion to your dessert experience.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Elevate your dessert spread by pairing these slices with strawberries dipped in chocolate for a stunning visual presentation and flavor explosion.
With these delightful pairings, you’re sure to elevate any occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Candied Orange Slices
Airtight Container: Store your candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and sweetness.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last up to 1 month without losing flavor.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 6 months but may need thawing to regain their texture before use.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy them warm, lightly microwave the slices for a few seconds after thawing, ensuring they don’t overheat and lose their delightful chewiness!
Make Ahead Options
These candied orange slices are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the orange slices and simmer them in sugar syrup up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to whip up these delightful treats without the last-minute rush. After boiling and cooling the oranges, just store them in the sugar syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to finish, simply remove the slices, drain them, and let them dry on a wire rack for a few hours (or up to 24 hours) until they achieve that lovely glossy finish. This makes it easy to have your sweet, chewy snacks ready whenever you need them!
Candied Orange Slices Recipe FAQs
What kind of oranges should I use for candied orange slices?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and vibrant color, choose fresh, seasonal oranges. Smaller varieties, such as mandarins or clementines, work wonderfully because they have a natural sweetness and peel easily.
How long can I store candied orange slices?
Very! You can store your candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for up to 1 month.
Can I freeze candied orange slices?
Certainly! To freeze, arrange the cooled candied orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 6 months, but be sure to thaw them to regain their chewy texture before enjoying!
Why did my candied orange slices not become translucent?
This can happen if the orange slices were cut too thick or not simmered long enough. Aim for slices about 3mm thick for optimal candying. During the simmering process, keep the heat on medium-low and be patient—allow the slices to soak in that sugary goodness for 45-60 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes until you see a translucent result.
Can pets eat candied orange slices?
While the ingredients are generally safe for pets, it’s best to avoid giving candied orange slices to cats and dogs. The sugar content can be harmful to their health. If you’re unsure, always consult your vet first!
Can I add spices to my candied orange slices?
Absolutely! For a unique twist, consider infusing the sugar syrup with spices like cinnamon or cloves while simmering the orange slices. This adds a warm, aromatic flavor to your candied treats that pairs beautifully with the citrus!
Candied Orange Slices: Your Easy 3-Ingredient Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully add your sliced oranges, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the boiled oranges to your prepared ice water bath to halt the cooking, preserving their texture.
- Combine 4 cups of water and granulated sugar in the same saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Simmer the chilled orange slices in the sugar syrup over medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes.
- Dry the candied orange slices on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for up to 24 hours.
- Coat the slices in additional sugar or dip them in melted chocolate if desired.