Growing up, I can remember the aroma of freshly candied orange slices wafting through my grandma’s kitchen. She’d spend hours carefully slicing and simmering the oranges, creating these delightful little bites of sunshine. The way the sugar caramelized on the edges, the vibrant burst of citrus in every bite – it was pure magic. To this day, the taste of Candied Orange Slices takes me right back to those cozy afternoons spent in her warm and welcoming home.

Why This Candied Orange Slices Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Slices

There’s just something about homemade Candied Orange Slices that you can’t quite replicate with store-bought. The key is in the slow, gentle cooking process that allows the natural sweetness of the oranges to shine through, while the sugar creates a delectable caramelized crust. It’s a labor of love, but I promise the end result is worth every minute. The technique I’m sharing today ensures each slice is perfectly tender, with just the right amount of chew and a mesmerizing glistening finish.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Candied Orange Slices recipe is that it only requires a handful of simple ingredients:

  • 2 large oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds: The thickness of the orange slices is crucial – too thin and they’ll overcook, too thick and they won’t candy properly. I recommend using large, juicy oranges for maximum flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar is what gives these Candied Orange Slices their signature sweet-tart flavor and irresistible candy-like texture. Look for pure cane sugar for the best results.
  • 1 cup water: The water helps the sugar dissolve and creates the perfect syrupy poaching liquid for the oranges.

Step-by-Step Candied Orange Slices Instructions

Preparing Your Candied Orange Slices

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this Candied Orange Slices recipe comes together in a flash – perfect for whipping up a quick batch to enjoy or to give as gifts. You’ll need a shallow saucepan or skillet, a slotted spoon, and a cooling rack or parchment paper.

1- Begin by slicing your 2 large oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding any end pieces. Try to slice them as evenly as possible for even cooking.

2- In a shallow saucepan or skillet, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.

3- Carefully add the orange slices in a single layer, adjusting the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Poach the oranges for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re translucent and the rind is softened.

4- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied orange slices to a cooling rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely, which will help the sugar develop that delightful crystallized crust.

5- Once cooled, you can enjoy your Candied Orange Slices as a snack, use them to garnish desserts, or even incorporate them into baked goods. The possibilities are endless!

6- For the best presentation, arrange the cooled Candied Orange Slices in a single layer on a serving platter. Their vibrant color and glistening sugar coating will make them the star of any spread.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat – slow and steady is the key to perfectly candied oranges. A gentle simmer ensures the slices cook evenly without burning.
  • Keep a close eye on the oranges as they poach, flipping them halfway through for even caramelization. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
  • Let the candied slices cool completely before handling – the sugar will continue to crystallize as they set, creating that signature crunchy coating.
  • For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet or cooling rack with parchment paper. The sugar syrup can get a bit sticky as it cools.
  • Play around with different orange varieties – navel, blood orange, and Cara Cara all make delicious candied slices with subtly different flavor profiles.

Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Slices

Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Slices

This recipe makes 12 servings of Candied Orange Slices, which are perfect for snacking, gifting, or incorporating into all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. I love serving them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. They also make a lovely addition to cheese boards, charcuterie platters, or as a garnish for creamy desserts like panna cotta or crème brûlée.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Candied Orange Slices have a relatively long shelf life, making them the perfect make-ahead treat. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to enjoy them for even longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

For the best texture, I recommend reheating any leftover Candied Orange Slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through and the sugar coating is crisp again. You can also quickly reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Slices

Creative Candied Orange Slices Variations

While this classic Candied Orange Slices recipe is a year-round delight, you can easily adapt it to suit different seasons and occasions. Try dipping the cooled slices in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for a decadent twist. For a festive touch, sprinkle them with crushed candy canes or a dusting of ground cinnamon. You can even experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine for unique flavor combinations.

Making Candied Orange Slices Diet-Friendly

For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar to 3/4 cup. Or, swap in an equal amount of your favorite zero-calorie sweetener. To make these Candied Orange Slices vegan, simply use organic cane sugar or coconut sugar in place of the granulated sugar. They’re also naturally gluten-free, so they’re a great allergy-friendly treat to share with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of orange besides navel?
A: Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of orange varieties, including blood oranges, Cara Cara, and even tangerines or mandarins. Just keep in mind the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly based on the thickness and juiciness of the fruit.

Q: How long do the Candied Orange Slices take to make?
A: In total, this Candied Orange Slices recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare – 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. The slow, gentle poaching process is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Q: Can I store leftover Candied Orange Slices?
A: Yes, these candied treats have a great shelf life. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Candied Orange Slices recipe yields 12 servings. The thin, evenly sliced orange rounds make for the perfect bite-sized snack or garnish.

Q: What if my orange slices start to overcook?
A: If you notice the orange slices starting to get too soft or smushy, simply remove them from the poaching liquid a bit earlier. As long as they maintain their shape, you can still achieve that delightful candied texture.

Conclusion

Candied Orange Slices are a true delight – a sweet, citrusy treat that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This simple recipe transforms ordinary oranges into something extraordinary, with a caramelized sugar coating that’s downright addictive. Whether you enjoy them on their own, use them to garnish desserts, or incorporate them into baked goods, I know this will become a new go-to in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, get slicing, and get ready to be delighted by the pure joy of homemade Candied Orange Slices. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy them!