Easy Candied Orange Slices

Need something different to decorate your cakes or desserts? Make candied orange slices, they are so easy it is to make!

Candied orange slices are quick and easy to make. They are great as a natural sweet treat or use them as decorations for cakes and desserts.

About This Recipe

• The cooking process is simple and when done you have slices of sweet, chewy oranges that aren’t bitter.
• You can leave them coated glossy and sticky in the syrup or, dip them in white sugar for a fancier look.
• Making your own candied orange slices is healthier than store bought because, you know what’s gone into it.
• Use them to decorate cakes and desserts as whole slices, halves or quarters.

Ingredient Notes

You only need thee ingredients to make candied slices water, white granulated sugar and oranges.

I used orange slices in this recipe because, this was what I wanted to use to decorate my orange juice cake.

The variety of orange I used was Valencia but you could also use:

• blood oranges
• tangerines
• mandarin oranges
• or any other variety that is available to you.

You are not limited just using oranges, use another citrus fruit that works well with the recipe you are making.

For example, if you are making a lemon pound cake you might want to make candied lemon slices or if you are making a lime cheesecake you might make candled lime slices.

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large sharp knife
• Deep wide saucepan
• Sieve
• Wooden spoon
• Kitchen scales or measuring cups
• Tongs
• Wire cake rack

How To Make Candied Orange Slices

Making candied orange slices is simple but there are several steps involved. It can take between 40 – 50 minutes to make this is because, you need to reduce the liquid to a syrup.

Initial Preparation

Step 1 – Thoroughly wash and scrub four to six medium sized oranges.

Step 2 – Cut the oranges into slices that are about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick. Don’t make then any thinner because, they won’t hold their shape during cooking.

Try to cut the slices as evenly as possible rather than having thin patches because, the thin areas will break apart during cooking.

After slicing remove and discard any seeds.

Step 3 – Place the sliced oranges in a deep saucepan and fill with enough water to cover the slices.

Place the saucepan on the stove and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer over medium heat for about 8 – 10 minutes.

Boiling the orange slices will remove the bitterness from the orange rind.

Step 4 – Tip the orange slices into a colander and drain well.

Make A Simple Syrup

Step 5 – Place 2 cups granulated sugar and 2 cups of water in to a deep and wide saucepan on a medium heat, stir until dissolved.

Step 6 – Carefully place the orange slices into the simple syrup.

Step 7 – Simmer over a low/medium heat and occasional turn the slices over as they cook.

Simmer for about 30 – 40 minutes or until the syrup reduces and the slices have become slightly translucent.

Step 8 – Turn off the heat and allow the slices to cool in the syrup.

Air Dry

Step 9 – Remove the orange slices from the syrup and place them on to a cooling rack that is sitting on a baking tray to catch the drips.

Leave the glazed orange slices on the wire rack and air dry for 24-48 hours.

Do You Need To Put The Orange Slices In Iced Water After Boiling?

Okay, you may have seen other recipes for candied orange slices asking you to put the slices in ice water after boiling and draining to stop them from over cooking.

I think that is an unnecessary step because, the slices are going to be cooked again in a sugar syrup so, there really is no need to cool them down.

How To Store Candied Orange Slices

Place orange slices in single layers with baking paper between, in an airtight container or zip lock bag and store in the fridge until needed.

How Long Does Candied Citrus Last

When stored in an airtight container and in a cool dry place the candied orange slices will keep for about a month. They will keep for a few months or more when stored in the fridge.

How to Use Candied Orange Slices

• You can chop them into small pieces and use it in baked goods.
• It can be used to garnish drinks both hot and cold.
• Use it to decorate cakes and desserts.
• Leave them plain or dip in granulated sugar for cake decorating.
• Make chocolate coated orange slices by dipping the candied oranges in white, milk or dark chocolate.
• Package sugar or chocolate coated candied orange slices in cellophane bags for holiday gifts.

What To Do With The Left Over Orange Syrup

Don’t throw away the syrup it can be used to:

• Flavour drinks like this old fashioned.
• It can be drizzled over or brushed in between cake layers to give added moisture and flavour to cakes.
• Use it to flavour whipped cream or custard.
• Drizzle it over pancakes or ice cream.

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