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Candied Orange Slices Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 19 hours 5 minutes (including 18 hours drying time)
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings (varies depending on size of orange slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Candied Orange Slices are a delightful treat made by simmering thinly sliced oranges in a sugar syrup until translucent, then drying and coating them with sugar. This recipe balances the natural citrus tang with sweetness, making these slices perfect for snacking, garnishing cocktails, or adding a decorative touch to desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Oranges

  • 6 small oranges such as Cara Cara, Blood Oranges, Mineolas, or Tangelos, sliced 4-5mm thick

For Boiling and Simmering

  • 12 cups water, divided
  • 3 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided (3 cups for syrup, ½ cup for coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oranges: Thoroughly wash the oranges to remove any residue or wax. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice them evenly to about 4-5mm thickness. To make slicing easier and cleaner, especially if the oranges are soft, freeze them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Blanch the Orange Slices: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot or sauté pan. Boil the orange slices for 2 minutes to reduce bitterness from the peel and pith. After boiling, immediately transfer the slices to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then discard the water.
  3. Simmer the Oranges in Sugar Syrup: In the same pot, combine the remaining 6 cups of water with 3 cups granulated sugar and bring to a boil. Add the blanched orange slices, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the slices are coated evenly and become slightly translucent.
  4. Dry the Orange Slices: Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove the orange slices from the syrup, laying them out evenly on a drying rack. Let them dry at room temperature for about 18 hours, flipping occasionally. They should feel sticky but not wet when ready for the sugar coating.
  5. Save the Syrup (Optional): The leftover liquid is a flavorful orange simple syrup. Allow it to cool completely, strain, and store it in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. It’s excellent in cocktails or as a sweetener.
  6. Coat with Sugar: After drying, gently toss the orange slices in ½ cup granulated sugar to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.

Notes

  • The drying step can be adapted by using a dehydrator or an oven set at a low temperature (about 200°F / 93°C) for several hours if you prefer faster drying.
  • For a variation, after coating with sugar, drizzle melted chocolate over the orange slices once the sugar sets for a chocolate-candied orange treat.
  • Using a drying rack helps air circulation around the slices for more even drying.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling oranges for slicing)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (2 minutes boiling + up to 60 minutes simmering + drying time not included)
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied orange slices, candied citrus, orange candy, citrus candy, homemade candy, sweet orange slices

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Find it online: https://tastyadventureguide.com/candied-orange-slices-recipe/