Vibrant Candied Orange Slices Recipe

Glazed Candied Orange Slices Recipe for Edible Decor

Sweet and tangy candied orange slices dance with vibrant flavors that capture the essence of culinary creativity.

These delightful citrus treats bring a burst of sunshine to your kitchen with their glistening, sugary coating.

Each slice tells a story of careful caramelization and delicate preservation.

The recipe transforms ordinary oranges into extraordinary confections that sparkle with sugary brilliance.

Guests will marvel at the elegant simplicity of these candied orange slices, wondering how such magic happens in just a few simple steps.

Rich, translucent, and perfectly balanced between sweet and zesty, these candied slices promise to become your new favorite dessert accent.

Prepare to indulge in a citrusy sensation that will elevate any dessert or snack time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 90 kcal

Servings: 22

What You Need For Candied Orange Slices

For Fruit Base:
  • Oranges: Select ripe, bright-colored citrus with smooth, unblemished skin for the most vibrant and sweet flavor profiles, ensuring maximum candying potential.
For Syrup Foundation:
  • Granulated Sugar, Water: Create a silky sweet bath that transforms orange slices into glossy, translucent delicacies, with sugar providing crystalline sweetness and water enabling gentle cooking.
For Optional Finishing Touch:
  • Additional Granulated Sugar: Provides a sparkling, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture and an extra layer of sweetness to the candied orange slices.

Kitchen Items To Make Candied Orange Slices

  • Large Skillet or Saucepan: Essential for creating the syrup and simmering orange slices evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing oranges into thin, uniform rounds.
  • Wire Rack: Perfect for draining and drying candied orange slices while catching excess syrup.
  • Parchment Paper: Placed under the wire rack to catch drips and make cleanup easy.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing oranges safely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sugar syrup and gently flipping orange slices.

How To Make Candied Orange Slices Step By Step

  • Orange Preparation

Grab some fresh, vibrant oranges and give them a gentle wash. Slice these beauties into delicate, almost transparent rounds, making sure no seeds interrupt your culinary adventure.

  • Sweet Syrup Creation

In a wide pan, transform sugar and water into a glistening liquid landscape. Watch as the crystals melt and dance, creating a magical syrup that will transform your orange slices.

  • Gentle Citrus Bath

Lower the heat and let your orange rounds swim gracefully in the sweet syrup. Tenderly flip them every few minutes, allowing each slice to become translucent and absorb the sugary essence.

  • Drying Transformation

Carefully lift each candied slice onto a wire rack. Let them rest and dry naturally, developing a soft, slightly sticky texture that hints at their delicious journey.

  • Sweet Finishing Touch

Once dried, roll the orange slices in sparkly sugar, giving them a festive, crystalline coating that catches the light and promises delightful flavor.

  • Storing Your Treasure

Keep these golden treats in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and ready to elevate desserts, decorate cakes, or simply enjoy as a tangy-sweet snack for about a week.

Helpful Tips For Candied Orange Slices And Swaps

  • Perfect Texture Tricks: Slice oranges uniformly using a sharp mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking and consistent candying results.
  • Syrup Mastery: Keep syrup temperature low and steady to prevent crystallization, which can make candied slices grainy and tough.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap white sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that works great for diabetic-friendly diets.
  • Flavor Boosters: Infuse the syrup with additional aromatics like star anise, cinnamon stick, or vanilla bean during simmering to create complex, layered flavor profiles that elevate the basic recipe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Candied orange slices can be prepared weeks in advance and stored in a cool, dry place, making them excellent for holiday gifts or advance party preparations.

Serving Ideas For Candied Orange Slices

  • Dessert Decoration Magic: Sprinkle these candied orange slices on top of cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, or tiramisu for a stunning and sweet presentation.
  • Cocktail Glamour Twist: Add these translucent orange slices to champagne glasses, garnish martinis, or float them in old-fashioned cocktails for an elegant and zesty touch.
  • Baking Flavor Boost: Chop these candied slices and fold into cake batters, muffin mixtures, or scatter on top of frosted cupcakes to elevate your baked treats with a burst of citrusy sweetness.
  • Gourmet Cheese Companion: Arrange these glossy orange slices alongside a cheese board, pairing beautifully with soft brie, tangy goat cheese, or sharp aged cheddar for a sophisticated appetizer garnish.

Plan Ahead And Keep Candied Orange Slices Fresh

  • Slice Storage Secrets: Keep candied orange rounds in a single layer between parchment paper sheets inside an airtight glass container to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Extend shelf life by storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, ensuring they remain dry and firm by adding a small silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices in wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe container to store up to 2 months, perfect for future dessert decorations or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Creative Gifting Ideas: Package beautiful candied orange slices in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, creating charming homemade edible gifts for friends and family during holiday seasons or special celebrations.
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Vibrant Candied Orange Slices Recipe

Vibrant Candied Orange Slices Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 22 1x

Description

Sweet Candied Orange Slices showcase Mediterranean citrus delights with a glistening sugar coating. Tangy orange rounds offer a delectable dessert garnish perfect for elegant gatherings and sophisticated palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium oranges (thinly sliced into rounds, about 1/8 to ¼ inch thick)
  • 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) water
  • Optional: Extra granulated sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thoroughly wash oranges and slice into thin, uniform rounds, removing any seeds. Ensure slices are approximately 1/8 inch thick for consistent candying.
  2. Syrup Creation: In a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium flame, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth, transparent liquid with no sugar crystals.
  3. Candying Process: Carefully arrange orange slices in a single layer within the bubbling syrup. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the citrus to absorb the sweet liquid. Flip slices periodically, observing their transformation to a translucent, glossy appearance.
  4. Drying Stage: Using a slotted spatula, transfer the syrup-infused orange slices onto a wire rack lined with parchment paper. Let excess syrup drain naturally, creating a delicate, glistening surface.
  5. Finishing Touches: Leave the candied slices to air-dry for 24 hours in a cool, undisturbed area. Optional: Coat with a light dusting of granulated sugar for an additional crystalline sheen.
  6. Storage: Carefully place the completed candied orange slices in an airtight glass container. These delicate confections will maintain their quality at room temperature for up to one week, perfect for garnishing desserts or enjoying as a standalone treat.

Notes

  • Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to create uniform orange slices, ensuring even candying and professional-looking results.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle, consistent simmer to prevent sugar from burning or caramelizing too quickly, which can create bitter flavors.
  • Syrup Absorption Technique: Allow orange slices to cook slowly, giving them ample time to become translucent and fully infuse with sweet syrup without breaking apart.
  • Storage Strategy: Keep candied orange slices in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture during storage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 22
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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