Memories of my grandma’s kitchen always bring a smile to my face. The warm, citrusy aroma of Candied Orange Slices would fill the air, and I couldn’t wait to sneak a few of those chewy, sweet treats. Grandma would patiently slice the oranges, carefully removing any seeds, and then let them simmer away on the stove until they were perfectly candied. The first time she showed me how to make them, I was mesmerized by the transformation – how those plain orange slices turned into glistening, jewel-toned delights. To this day, Candied Orange Slices remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with Grandma, and I’m excited to share this recipe that’s been passed down through our family.
Why This Candied Orange Slices Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind perfect Candied Orange Slices is all in the technique. Many recipes call for boiling the orange slices, which can result in a soggy, overly sweet final product. But Grandma’s method involves a gentle simmering process that slowly caramelizes the natural sugars in the oranges, creating a beautifully balanced flavor and chewy texture. And the best part? This Candied Orange Slices recipe couldn’t be easier – with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible treats in no time.
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Slices
What sets this Candied Orange Slices recipe apart is the unique way the orange slices are prepared. Instead of boiling them, which can make the fruit overly soft and dilute the flavor, we’ll be simmering the slices in a sugar syrup. This gentle cooking method allows the natural sweetness of the oranges to concentrate and caramelize, resulting in a wonderfully chewy, intensely flavored Candied Orange Slice. You’ll be amazed at how the simple combination of oranges, sugar, and water transforms into such a delightful confection.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Orange slices – You’ll want to use juicy, ripe oranges for the best flavor and texture. Avoid thin-skinned varieties, as the peels can become bitter during the candying process.
Sugar – Granulated white sugar is the key to creating that perfect candied coating. The sugar will dissolve into a syrup that coats and caramelizes the orange slices.
Water – Just a bit of water is needed to help the sugar dissolve and create the simmering liquid for the oranges.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Slices Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Slices
This Candied Orange Slices recipe is incredibly simple, but it does require a bit of patience as the oranges slowly simmer away. In total, the process takes about an hour and a half, with most of that time being hands-off as the slices gently cook. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a saucepan, to get started.
1- Begin by slicing the oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds, being careful to remove any seeds as you go. Try to slice the oranges evenly for the best results.
2- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange slices, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
3- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the Candied Orange Slices cook for 60-75 minutes, turning the slices occasionally, until they’re translucent and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
4- Keep an eye on the slices as they simmer, looking for them to become tender and take on a glossy, candied appearance. The longer they cook, the chewier and more intensely flavored they’ll become.
5- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the Candied Orange Slices to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing the excess syrup to drip off.
6- Let the Candied Orange Slices cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy these sweet, tangy treats on their own or use them to add a pop of flavor to desserts, cocktails, and more!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Candied Orange Slices is all in the technique. Be sure to slice the oranges evenly and simmer them gently – this allows the natural sugars to caramelize without making the fruit mushy. And don’t be tempted to crank up the heat – slow and steady is the way to go for the best texture and flavor.
Another pro tip? Let the Candied Orange Slices cool completely before handling them. This helps them firm up and prevents the syrupy coating from getting sticky. And if you find that the slices are a bit too soft after cooling, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Slices
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Slices
Candied Orange Slices are incredibly versatile – they can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack, or incorporated into all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. Try them sprinkled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, stirred into hot tea or coffee, or used as a garnish for cocktails. They also make a lovely addition to fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, and even savory dishes like roasted pork or duck.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fortunately, Candied Orange Slices keep very well. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
And the best part? This Candied Orange Slices recipe is the perfect make-ahead treat. You can prepare the slices up to a week in advance and keep them on hand for whenever the craving strikes. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet, citrusy pick-me-up.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Slices
Creative Candied Orange Slices Variations
While the classic Candied Orange Slices are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a splash of orange liqueur to the simmering syrup for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits – lemon, grapefruit, and tangerine slices all make wonderful candied treats.
And for a seasonal twist, consider using blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges, which will give your Candied Orange Slices a beautiful blushing hue. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile recipe!
Making Candied Orange Slices Diet-Friendly
If you’re following a special diet, don’t worry – Candied Orange Slices can easily be adapted to suit your needs. For a lower-sugar version, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular white sugar. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used by half and still end up with a delightfully sweet and tangy treat.
And for our vegan friends, simply swap out the regular granulated sugar for a plant-based alternative like coconut sugar or maple syrup. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need to be adjusted to achieve the perfect candied texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?
A: Absolutely! This Candied Orange Slices recipe works just as well with other citrus fruits like grapefruit, lemon, or tangerine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as some fruits may take a bit longer or shorter to candy up.
Q: How do I know when the Candied Orange Slices are done simmering?
A: You’ll know the Candied Orange Slices are ready when they’re translucent and the syrup has thickened to a glossy, caramelized consistency. The slices should also be tender but still have a nice chewy bite to them.
Q: Can I store the Candied Orange Slices long-term?
A: Yes, Candied Orange Slices keep very well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage – they’ll keep in the freezer for several months.
Q: How many Candied Orange Slices does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 20-24 Candied Orange Slices, depending on the size of the oranges and how thinly you slice them. The recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.
Q: What if my Candied Orange Slices turn out too soft or sticky?
A: If the Candied Orange Slices are a bit too soft or sticky after cooling, simply pop them back in the oven at 200°F for 10-15 minutes to help dry them out. This will firm up the texture and set the candy coating.
Candied Orange Slices
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 20 slices
Description
Homemade Candied Orange Slices are a delightful citrus treat that are easy to make and perfect for snacking, topping desserts, or giving as edible gifts. With a sweet and tangy flavor, these candied orange slices are a unique and irresistible addition to any occasion.
Ingredients
– 3 oranges, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. – Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
2. – Add the orange slices and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, flipping the slices occasionally, until the orange slices are translucent and the liquid has thickened.
3. – Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange slices to a wire rack or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely.
4. – Once cooled, the candied orange slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a more intense orange flavor, you can add the zest of one orange to the sugar syrup. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemon, to make a variety of candied fruit slices.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Candied Orange Slices are a timeless treat that never fail to bring a smile to my face. With their perfect balance of sweet and tangy, chewy and tender, these homemade delights are sure to become a new family favorite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic of transforming simple orange slices into a truly irresistible confection. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how your Candied Orange Slices turn out!