Sweet & Tangy Candied Orange Slices Recipe Anyone Can Make

Sweet memories often begin with unexpected kitchen experiments, and these delectable candied orange slices spark culinary curiosity like nothing else.

Peeling vibrant citrus fruit, carefully slicing translucent segments that glimmer with sugary promise.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful treat with minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

Each candied slice brings intense flavor and gorgeous golden-amber coloring to dessert tables.

Crystalline sugar creates a delicate crunch that transforms ordinary oranges into gourmet confections.

Professional pastry chefs and novice bakers alike appreciate how these elegant treats elevate simple fruit into something magical.

The process feels like alchemy, turning humble ingredients into jewel-like delicacies that shimmer with sweetness.

You won’t believe how just a few steps can produce such stunning results.

Why Candied Orange Slices Are A Sweet Little Luxury

• Craft Gourmet Elegance: Transform simple orange slices into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy delicacy with minimal effort and professional-looking results.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between soft, translucent orange slices and a delicate sugary crunch that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevate desserts, cocktails, and cheese boards with these stunning candied orange slices that add a burst of vibrant citrus flavor and elegant visual appeal.
• Effortless Homemade Magic: Create an impressive gourmet treat using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, perfect for home cooks seeking a touch of culinary creativity without complex skills.

Ingredients For Candied Orange Slices

Main Ingredients:

• Oranges: Sweet, tangy base for the candied slices, providing bright flavor and beautiful round presentation. Navel or Valencia oranges work best for even, consistent slices.

• Sugar, Water: Essential sweet mixture that transforms orange slices into glossy, translucent candied treats. Granulated white sugar ensures clean, clear syrup.

• Granulated Sugar: Optional sparkling coating that adds extra sweetness and festive texture to the candied orange slices. Creates a beautiful crystalline finish.

How To Make Candied Orange Slices The Easy Way

Step 1: Prep Vibrant Oranges

Thoroughly wash oranges under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, slice oranges into delicate, paper-thin rounds. Carefully remove any visible seeds to ensure a smooth candying process.

Step 2: Create Sweet Liquid Magic

• White sugar
• Water

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves, creating a crystal-clear syrup that shimmers like liquid gold.

Step 3: Gentle Orange Bath

Lower the heat to a soft simmer. Carefully place orange slices in a single, elegant layer across the syrup. Allow them to bathe slowly, turning occasionally with delicate tongs. Watch as the slices transform, becoming translucent and absorbing the sweet liquid for about 45-60 minutes.

Step 4: Elegant Drying Process

Transfer candied orange slices onto a wire cooling rack positioned over parchment paper. Let them rest and dry naturally for 24 hours. The slices should feel slightly sticky yet firm when touched, with a glossy, jewel-like appearance.

Step 5: Sparkling Sugar Finish

Once dried, softly roll the orange slices in granulated sugar. This creates a magical, frost-like coating that sparkles and adds extra sweetness.

Step 6: Preserve and Enjoy

• Elegant cake decorations
• Cocktail garnishes
• Charming snack
• Gourmet gift topper

Tips For Perfectly Shiny Candied Orange Slices

• Slice Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut oranges evenly, ensuring uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a low, gentle simmer to prevent burning and help oranges absorb syrup slowly without breaking apart.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow sufficient drying time to achieve the perfect sticky-yet-firm texture that makes candied oranges irresistible.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Roll slices in fine granulated sugar right after drying for an extra crisp and sparkling finish.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Chop candied orange slices into desserts, sprinkle over cakes, or use as elegant cocktail garnishes for gourmet touches.

How To Store Candied Orange Slices Without Sticky Mess

• Refrigerate: Place candied orange slices in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for up to 2 weeks.
• Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and humidity. They'll maintain quality for about 1 week at room temperature.
• Revive Texture: If slices become slightly sticky, dust them with fresh granulated sugar to restore their sparkly coating and crisp texture.
• Reheating: Avoid microwaving. Instead, let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to restore their original softness and flavor before serving.

What To Pair With Candied Orange Slices

• Pair with Dessert Wines: Sip on a luscious Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complements the orange's sweet, citrusy profile and matches the candied texture perfectly.
• Chocolate Companion: Serve alongside dark chocolate truffles or a rich chocolate mousse to create a luxurious flavor contrast between the bright citrus and deep cocoa notes.
• Cheese Board Delight: Arrange these candied orange slices on a charcuterie board with creamy brie, aged gouda, and toasted almonds for a sophisticated sweet-and-savory experience.
• Cocktail Garnish Magic: Use these candied slices to elevate classic cocktails like old fashioneds, whiskey sours, or champagne cocktails, adding a stunning visual and flavor punch.

Fun Twists On Candied Orange Slices

• Zesty Citrus Medley: Replace oranges with a mix of lemon, lime, and grapefruit slices for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Spiced Honey Infusion: Swap sugar syrup with honey and add a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom during simmering to create a warmly spiced, aromatic treat.
• Chocolate-Dipped Elegance: After drying, partially dip the candied orange slices in dark chocolate for a luxurious, rich contrast that elevates the sweet citrus notes.
• Tropical Rum Splash: Incorporate a splash of rum into the syrup for an adult version that brings subtle depth and complexity to the candied fruit slices.

Common Questions About Candied Orange Slices

• Why do my orange slices look cloudy during simmering?

This is completely normal! The cloudiness happens as sugar penetrates the fruit and creates that beautiful translucent effect. Just keep simmering gently and they’ll become clearer over time.

• Can I use different types of oranges for this recipe?

Absolutely! Navel oranges, Valencia, or blood oranges all work great. Just ensure they’re fresh and have a good, firm texture before slicing.

• How thin should I slice the oranges?

Aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices. Too thin, and they’ll break easily during cooking. Too thick, and they won’t become tender and translucent in the syrup.

• What if my syrup starts to crystallize while cooking?

Lower the heat and add a tiny splash of water. Stir gently to help the sugar dissolve again. Consistent, low heat is key to preventing sugar crystallization.

Candied Orange Slices Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet, zesty Candied Orange Slices bring Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables, dancing with caramelized sugary brilliance. Citrus lovers will savor this simple yet elegant treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or as a sophisticated garnish for cakes and pastries.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium oranges (thinly sliced into rounds, about 1/8 to ¼ inch thick)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Coating Ingredient:

• Optional: Extra granulated sugar for coating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse oranges under cool water, ensuring all surface dirt is removed. Slice the fruits into delicate, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick, carefully extracting any embedded seeds.
2. Select a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet and pour water and sugar into the pan. Ignite medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a crystal-clear, glistening liquid with no granular texture remaining.
3. Gently lower orange slices into the shimmering syrup, arranging them in a precise single layer. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the citrus rounds to bathe slowly. Periodically flip the slices with tender care, watching them gradually turn translucent and absorb the sweet essence.
4. After approximately 45-60 minutes, when the oranges appear luminous and syrup-infused, carefully extract them using a slotted spatula. Position the delicate slices on a wire cooling rack draped with parchment paper, permitting excess syrup to elegantly drip away.
5. Allow the candied slices to air-dry for 24 hours in a cool, undisturbed space. The result should be slightly tacky yet firmly structured, with a gossamer-like appearance.
6. For an optional luxurious finish, delicately roll each slice through granulated sugar, creating a sparkling, frost-like coating that catches light beautifully.
7. Transfer the completed candied orange slices into an airtight glass container. These elegant treats will maintain their pristine quality at room temperature for approximately one week, ready to embellish desserts or enjoyed as a standalone confection.

Notes

• Select oranges with thin, unblemished skin for the most visually appealing and delicate candied slices.
• Use a sharp mandoline or serrated knife to create uniform, paper-thin orange rounds that cook evenly and look professional.
• Pat orange slices dry before simmering to help the syrup adhere better and prevent excess water diluting the candying process.
• Monitor the syrup closely during simmering to avoid burning or crystallizing, adjusting heat to maintain a gentle, consistent temperature.
• For dietary variations, substitute white sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Experiment with spice additions like cinnamon, star anise, or vanilla bean during simmering to create complex, aromatic candied orange slices.
• Prevent sticking by occasionally gently separating slices during the drying process and ensuring they aren’t overcrowded on the wire rack.
• Transform leftover syrup into a delicious cocktail mixer or drizzle over desserts for zero waste and maximum flavor enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 158
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg