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Candied Orange Slices Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

These Candied Orange Slices are a delightful treat featuring thinly sliced navel oranges slowly simmered in a sugary syrup, then dried and coated with granulated sugar. Perfect as a sweet garnish, snack, or addition to desserts, they provide a beautiful translucent appearance and a burst of citrus flavor with a chewy texture.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 31 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Oranges

  • 3 large navel oranges (or other type of orange)

Syrup

  • 4 cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 4 cups water (plus extra for blanching)

Instructions

  1. Wash & Slice: Scrub the peels of the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or chemicals. Then, slice the oranges crosswise into ⅛-inch (3mm) thick slices, discarding the ends.
  2. Blanch the Orange Slices: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the orange slices in the boiling water for 10 minutes to soften the peel and remove bitterness. Use a skimmer to transfer the slices into a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Make Simple Syrup: Rinse out the pot used for blanching. Dissolve 4 cups of granulated sugar in 4 cups of water within the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, forming a simple syrup.
  4. Simmer the Orange Slices: Drain the blanched orange slices and add them to the boiling syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let the slices simmer for 45-60 minutes or until the peels become translucent. Stir gently every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
  5. Dry in the Oven: Arrange the simmered orange slices on wire racks placed over cookie sheets to catch drips. Bake at 175°F (79°C) for 30 minutes to begin drying. Then, coat each piece in granulated sugar, return them to the oven, and dry for an additional 1 to 1½ hours, or until the slices are mostly dry but still slightly pliable.
  6. Coat in Sugar & Store: After drying, coat the candied orange slices again in granulated sugar to add a sparkling finish. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Notes

  • Make sure to scrub the oranges well to remove any wax or pesticides since you’ll be consuming the peel.
  • Use thin slices (about ⅛ inch or 3mm) for even candying and drying.
  • The drying times may vary depending on your oven—monitor the texture to ensure they don’t become brittle.
  • Store candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature; they keep well for several weeks.
  • These slices can be used as decoration for cakes, garnishes for cocktails, or eaten as a sweet snack.