If you’re ready to turn ordinary oranges into something truly magical, Candied Orange Slices are your new sweet obsession. Imagine thin rounds of glistening citrus, their peels soft and perfectly sweet, each slice just a little chewy with a jewel-like shine. These irresistible treats look spectacular on desserts, taste incredible on their own, and bring a zesty pop of color and flavor to anything they touch. Let’s dive into the world of homemade Candied Orange Slices — trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Candied Orange Slices Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a pantry full of gadgets or specialty ingredients to make Candied Orange Slices, but each component plays a crucial role in nailing the taste, texture, and vibrant appearance. Every item here is chosen with purpose — here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

White granulated sugar: The essential sweetener that not only balances the orange’s tang but also creates that beautiful sticky syrup for perfect candying.
Water: Simple, yes, but crucial; water dissolves the sugar and provides the medium for gently simmering the oranges until they turn translucent and luscious.
Oranges or tangelos (3 small): Choose fruit with unblemished peels for best results; you can go classic with oranges or use tangelos for an extra fragrant twist.

How to Make Candied Orange Slices

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

Start by grabbing your biggest skillet or a large saucepan, and pour in the water and sugar. Set your burner to medium-high and let the mixture heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as the sugar gradually melts and the crystals disappear — this silky, clear syrup will be the foundation of your Candied Orange Slices. Be patient and make sure all the sugar is dissolved before moving on; undissolved sugar can lead to grainy results rather than that shiny, gorgeous finish.

Step 2: Gently Add and Arrange Orange Slices

Once the syrup is bubbling away, turn the heat down to medium and add your orange slices. Try not to let them overlap too much; each slice deserves its own space to soak in that sweet bath. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so take a moment to arrange them in a mostly single layer — this little touch helps every piece come out looking and tasting amazing.

Step 3: Simmer to Translucence

Keep your skillet at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Over the next 45 to 60 minutes, magic happens. The peels — including the aromatic white pith — will soften and gradually turn see-through. Use tongs to flip the slices every so often. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also ensures each Candied Orange Slice gets evenly infused with syrupy goodness.

Step 4: Dry the Candied Orange Slices

Once the slices are glossy and the pith has a translucent look, gently lift each one out with tongs, letting excess syrup drip off. Transfer them to a wire rack in a single layer, with space between each. This next part takes a little patience: let them air dry at room temperature, uncovered, for 24 to 48 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel tacky and set, similar to the texture of a fresh gummy candy. The anticipation is totally worth it!

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices

Garnishes

Candied Orange Slices make eye-catching garnishes for just about anything. Top a silky cheesecake, decorate a chocolate tart, or even crown your favorite holiday cocktail. The jewel-toned citrus instantly elevates the appearance and flavor, making simple desserts look bakery-worthy with almost zero effort.

Side Dishes

If you’re planning a dessert board or cheese platter, nestle these glistening slices among creamy cheeses, nuts, and dark chocolate. The sweet-sour zing of the Candied Orange Slices pairs beautifully with savory and creamy elements, making every bite a delicious surprise. I also love them beside a bowl of vanilla ice cream — the hot-and-cold combination is heavenly.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap up a handful in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a homemade edible gift, or chop them into fine bits and sprinkle over pancakes and yogurt. You can even dip half a slice in dark chocolate for a chic treat. However you share or serve them, Candied Orange Slices are guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage not to eat all your Candied Orange Slices at once, keep the rest in an airtight container at room temperature. Lay parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. They’ll stay delicious and glossy for up to a week, maybe longer — but good luck keeping them around that long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Candied Orange Slices! Arrange them flat on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to three months. Before serving, let them thaw at room temperature for a short while — they’re just as irresistible as when freshly made.

Reheating

There’s usually no need to reheat Candied Orange Slices since they’re meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. If you’d like to soften them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (on a sheet of parchment) will do, but be careful not to overdo it! For topping baked goods, they’ll gently warm up and shine right in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Candied Orange Slices are the star, you can use lemons, limes, or even blood oranges for a colorful and tangy variation. Just watch the cooking time, as thinner or smaller fruits may candy faster.

Do I need to peel the oranges first?

Nope — the entire slice, peel and all, goes right into the syrup. In fact, the peel is where much of the magic happens, transforming from bitter to sweet and chewy as it candies.

Why do my slices come out chewy instead of crisp?

That’s actually a sign they’re just right! Candied Orange Slices are meant to be a little tacky and chewy like gummy candy, not crisp or brittle. If you prefer a firmer texture, extend the drying time or finish them in a low oven for a few minutes.

Is there a way to use the leftover syrup?

Don’t toss it! The leftover syrup is bursting with orange flavor and is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, stirring into cocktails, sweetening tea, or brushing onto cakes for extra citrus punch.

Can Candied Orange Slices be made in advance for gifts?

Yes, they’re fantastic for gifting! Make them up to several days in advance, store them in a pretty box or bag with parchment paper between slices, and they’ll stay fresh and beautiful for gifting friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dressing up desserts, adding flair to a cheeseboard, or simply snacking straight from the rack, Candied Orange Slices are pure homemade joy. They’re a little project with big rewards, and once you taste that sweet, glossy citrus, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Give them a try — you’re in for a dazzling treat!

Candied Orange Slices Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 18–20 candied orange slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious candied orange slices at home with this simple recipe. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect for snacking or adding as a garnish to your favorite desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Syrup:

3 cups (600 grams) white granulated sugar
3 cups (709 ml/24 ounces) water

Orange Slices:

3 small oranges or tangelos; 18 – 20 slices

Instructions

Prepare Sugar Syrup: Add sugar and water to a 12-inch skillet or large saucepan. Bring to a boil, ensuring sugar is fully dissolved.
Add Orange Slices: Reduce heat to medium, add orange slices without overcrowding.
Cook Orange Slices: Simmer gently for 44-60 minutes until peel is translucent, turning occasionally.
Dry Orange Slices: Remove slices from syrup, place on wire rack in a single layer to dry for 24-48 hours.