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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For an optional luxurious finish, delicately roll each slice through granulated sugar, creating a sparkling, frost-like coating that catches light beautifully.
- 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