Candied Orange Slices

Published: October 7, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy these slices in desserts, on cheese boards, or even in cocktails (without alcohol).
Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh oranges and no artificial additives, ensuring you get pure flavor in every bite.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sugar and vanilla enhances the zesty freshness of the oranges, creating a taste that’s both sweet and tangy.
Great for Gifting: Pack these candied slices in jars for a homemade gift that friends and family will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make your candied orange slices efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your delicious treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Parchment paper
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Provides even heat distribution, preventing the sugar from burning during cooking.
Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal of the candied slices once they cool down, preventing sticking.
Sharp knife: Allows precise slicing of the oranges for uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking.
Slotted spoon: Helps transfer the candied slices from syrup to cooling sheets without excess syrup.

Ingredients

To create your own batch of candied orange slices, gather the following ingredients:

For Candied Orange Slices

4 fresh oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Candied Orange Slices

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax.
Slice the oranges into thin rounds about 0.25 inches thick, removing any seeds as you go.

Step 2: Boil the Orange Slices

Place the sliced oranges in a heavy-bottomed pot filled with water.
Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

In another saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar with 2 cups of water and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Heat this mixture over medium heat until it becomes clear and bubbly.

Step 4: Candy the Orange Slices

Carefully transfer the boiled orange slices into the prepared syrup using a slotted spoon.
Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until they become translucent and glossy.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Remove the candied orange slices from the syrup using a slotted spoon.
Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets to cool completely until set.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Enjoy your homemade candied orange slices! Whether as a delightful snack or an elegant garnish, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices

Candied orange slices offer a delightful addition to various dishes and occasions. These sweet treats can enhance flavors or serve as a stand-alone snack, making them versatile for any gathering.

As a Dessert Garnish

Add candied orange slices on top of cakes or cupcakes for a vibrant touch.
Use them to decorate tarts and pies, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

With Cheese Platters

Pair with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
Serve alongside sharp cheddar or blue cheese to balance their sweetness.

In Salads

Toss in salads for a zesty burst; they complement greens and nuts beautifully.
Mix with spinach, nuts, and feta cheese for an extraordinary flavor profile.

As Sweet Snacks

Enjoy candied orange slices on their own as a quick and delightful treat.
Pack them in lunchboxes for a refreshing snack during the day.

In Beverages

Use as an eye-catching garnish in mocktails or non-alcoholic beverages.
Infuse hot teas or herbal drinks with slices for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Candied Orange Slices

Creating the perfect candied orange slices is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your treats turn out delicious every time.

Choose ripe oranges – Select fresh, firm oranges that are bright in color for the best flavor.
Slice evenly – Cut oranges into uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Simmer gently – Maintain low heat while simmering in syrup to prevent burning and achieve translucency.
Cool completely – Allow the slices to cool fully on parchment paper; this helps them set properly without sticking.
Store correctly – Keep candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Candied Orange Slices

Candied orange slices can be paired with various side dishes that complement their sweet citrus flavor. Here are some excellent options:

Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette pairs well with the sweetness of the slices.
Cheese Board – Create an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fruits; candied orange slices add a lovely contrast to salty cheeses.
Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa dish enriched with herbs provides a hearty side that balances the sweetness of candied oranges.
Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted root vegetables seasoned with herbs; their caramelization contrasts nicely with sweet oranges.
Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy mashed sweet potatoes offer warmth and depth that complements the citrus zestiness.
Oatmeal Bowl – Top your morning oatmeal with candied orange slices for an exciting twist on breakfast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you create the best candied orange slices, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Bold slicing: Cutting oranges too thick can prevent them from properly absorbing the syrup. Aim for slices about 0.25 inches thick for optimal results.
Bold boiling time: Overboiling the orange slices can make them mushy. Simmer them just long enough to soften, around 10 minutes, before adding them to the syrup.
Bold syrup clarity: Not heating the sugar and water mixture until it is clear can lead to uneven coating. Make sure the syrup is bubbly and transparent before adding the orange slices.
Bold cooling method: Skipping parchment paper for cooling can lead to sticky slices. Always cool candied orange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets to keep them separate.
Bold storage issues: Storing candied orange slices in non-airtight containers can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers at room temperature for best preservation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store candied orange slices in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candied Orange Slices

Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Candied orange slices can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candied Orange Slices

Bold oven: Preheat your oven to low heat and warm slices for about 5 minutes.
Bold microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until warm.
Bold stovetop: Gently warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making candied orange slices.

How do I make Candied Orange Slices without sugar?

You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as these may dissolve differently.

Can I use other citrus fruits for Candied Orange Slices?

Yes! You can experiment with lemons, limes, or grapefruits for unique flavors. Each fruit may require slight adjustments in cooking time due to their varying thickness and juice content.

What is the best way to serve Candied Orange Slices?

Candied orange slices are versatile! Serve them as a snack, garnish desserts like cakes and ice creams, or pair them with cheese on a platter.

How long do homemade Candied Orange Slices last?

When stored correctly, they will last up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

Making candied orange slices is simple yet rewarding. These delightful treats add a burst of flavor and color wherever they are used. Feel free to customize by using different citrus fruits or infusing spices into your syrup for added flair. Enjoy creating this sweet treat that brightens any occasion!

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