Candied Orange Slices

Name: Candied Orange Slices
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 18 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 small oranges; 12 cups water, divided; 3 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided; ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Author: Emily

Published: 16 February 2025

Updated: 11 February 2026

Sometimes, the simplest things can bring the most joy. Candied orange slices are one of those delightful treats. They’re not just about the sweet, zesty flavor; they also look absolutely stunning on a dessert table. Perfect for gifting or adding a special touch to your dishes. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!

why make this recipe

Making candied orange slices is a fun and rewarding kitchen project. You get to transform ordinary oranges into something extraordinary. They’re delicious on their own or can spice up your favorite desserts, like a classic cheesecake or a batch of freshly baked scones. Imagine decorating a cake with these vibrant slices—how beautiful would that be? Not to mention, they have a lovely balance of sweetness and a slight hint of bitterness from the peel, which adds depth to your palate.

how to make Candied Orange Slices

First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need 6 small oranges, 12 cups of water divided, and 3 ½ cups of granulated sugar also divided.

Candied Orange Slices

Start by washing the oranges thoroughly. If you’re having a tough time getting nice, even slices, pop the oranges in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This little trick helps firm them up, making slicing a breeze. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut them into 4-5mm thick slices.

Now, let’s boil! Grab a medium pot and bring 6 cups of water to a boil. When it’s bubbling away, toss in those orange slices and let them boil for just 2 minutes. Then, quickly transfer them to an ice bath. This step helps mellow out the bitterness of the peel. Once that’s done, discard the boiled water and set those lovely slices aside.

In that same pot, add 6 cups of water and 3 cups of granulated sugar. Bring it back to a boil, then add the orange slices. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they’re swimming nicely in that sugary syrup. When they look slightly translucent, you’ll know they’re ready.

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the orange slices from the pot. Spread them out on a drying rack. If you prefer, you can use a dehydrator or pop them in the oven. Let them dry at room temperature for about 18 hours. You’ll notice they feel sticky, not wet.

While those are drying, you can keep the leftover syrup for fun uses later! Let it cool entirely, then strain and store it in the fridge. It makes a fantastic addition to cocktails or even drizzled over pancakes.

Once your slices have dried, toss them gently in ½ cup of granulated sugar until they’re coated. Serve them right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

how to serve Candied Orange Slices

Candied orange slices are versatile and can be used in many ways. Serve them as a sweet snack or add them to your cheeseboard. If you’re feeling fancy, they can even top off a homemade pavlova or be included in a lovely fruit salad. I often add them when I’m making vanilla panna cotta for an elegant dessert.

how to store Candied Orange Slices

After making these beauties, be sure to store them properly. Keep the slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month. Just make sure they’re cool to the touch before sealing the container.

tips to make Candied Orange Slices

Sugar Variations: You can experiment by using different sugars. Brown sugar can give a deeper flavor to your orange slices. If you like flair, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the syrup for unique twists!
Layering Flavors: Wouldn’t these be amazing when dipped in dark chocolate? Just melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the dried orange slices for a decadent treat.
Use Other Fruits: Once you get the hang of this, try using different fruits like lemons or grapefruits. You might love how they turn out in a lovely fruit tart!

variation

If you want an extra treat, consider drizzling your candied orange slices with melted chocolate. The combination of citrusy sweetness and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven!

FAQs

Can I use bigger oranges for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember, larger oranges will need to be sliced thicker, and you might need to adjust the boiling time slightly.

What can I do with the leftover syrup?
The syrup is a gem! Use it in cocktails, drizzle it over yogurt, or even mix it into your morning smoothie. Endless possibilities!

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yep! These candied orange slices can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage tips, and they’ll be ready for you whenever you need them.

Enjoy making your candied orange slices; I know you’ll love the process as much as the final result!

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