Candied Orange Slices: A Sun-Kissed Citrus Candy Recipe You’ll Love Recipe – Warm, sticky, simple citrus joy

Introduction

The kitchen smelled like sunshine and cinnamon as I sliced the first orange; the peel gave a bright snap and the steam smelled warm and floral. Right away I think of Candied Orange Slices: A Sun-Kissed Citrus Candy Recipe You’ll Love — it’s comfort in a jar. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you like simple, shareable treats, you might also enjoy a quick drink while these cool: four tasty banana smoothies that pair nicely with citrus.

Why You’ll Love This

• Bright, natural orange flavor that’s not cloying.
• Shelf-stable sweet snack—great for gifting.
• Kid-approved and simple to make together.
• Uses pantry staples and one pot for the syrup.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 12–16 slices (about 2 oranges per jar)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45–60 minutes (plus simmer blanching)
• Total time: 5–7 hours (includes drying time)
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: Sweet + gently spiced

Warm and steady work here builds confidence; trust the visual cues I give below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 fresh oranges (thin-skinned, such as Cara Cara or Navel)
  • Chef note: Choose firm, glossy fruit.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  • Chef note: Regular sugar gives clear syrup.
• 1 cup water
  • Chef note: Use filtered if your tap tastes strong.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Chef note: Adds soft warmth.
• 1 cinnamon stick or star anise (optional)
  • Chef note: One whole piece for gentle spice.

How to Make It

1. First, wash the oranges thoroughly to remove wax or residue. Pat dry.
2. Next, slice evenly into 1/8–1/4 inch rounds and remove seeds gently with the tip of a knife. You want neat circles.
3. Then, add slices to a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to pull out bitterness; drain and repeat if needed. The peel will soften slightly.
4. Meanwhile, in another pan combine sugar, water, and vanilla (if using). Heat slowly and stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup turns clear.
5. After that, add the orange slices in a single layer. Simmer on the lowest heat for 45–60 minutes, flipping occasionally with tongs. Watch for translucent, glossy edges—that’s how you know they’re done.
6. Finally, remove slices with tongs and lay them on parchment or a wire rack to dry for 4–6 hours for slightly tacky candy, or overnight for chewier results. Store in an airtight container, or dip in chocolate if you like.

For a little extra contrast, try a sprinkle of coarse sugar after the first hour on the rack; it gives a pretty sparkle.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Blanch twice quickly instead of once long to reduce bitterness faster.
2. Common mistake + fix: Boiling bubbles too hard will shred slices—drop to very low heat and simmer gently.
3. Simple variation: Add a clove or a strip of ginger for warm spice.

Also, if you want a savory pairing idea, citrus candies even brighten richer dishes like pan-seared steak with garlic butter.

Serving Ideas

• Holiday platter: Arrange with nuts, cheeses, and dark chocolate for a festive board.
• Brunch topper: Scatter over yogurt or pancakes for bright, candied bursts.
• Gift jars: Layer slices and sugar in a pretty jar for a homemade gift.
• Dessert accent: Place one slice atop a warm brownie or next to three-ingredient Mounds bars for coconut-citrus contrast.
  Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm briefly in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for 3–5 minutes to soften without melting sugar.

Leftover idea: Chop and fold into a winter fruit salad or sandwich between dark chocolate for a quick treat.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes — make them up to two weeks ahead and keep refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I substitute lemons or limes?
A: Yes, you can. For lemons try the method in a candied lemon guide, and expect a tarter finish. See my note and other recipes in the pantry for inspiration: a chocolate-peanut candy pairing.

Q: How do I know they’re done?
A: You’ll see the peel turn translucent and glossy; edges look glassy and the slices hold their shape when lifted.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, slices freeze well; thaw on the counter to keep texture intact and re-crisp in a low oven if needed. For more recipe ideas, check the full collection: all recipes.

Final Thoughts

I hope these small, sunlit candies bring a little cozy ritual into your kitchen. Please tweak the spice and sugar to your taste; part of the joy here is making it your own. Try the timing a few times and you’ll land on the perfect chew for your family — Candied Orange Slices: A Sun-Kissed Citrus Candy Recipe You’ll Love

Conclusion

For more sunny citrus ideas and uses, I like the collection at 101 Cookbooks’ sunny citrus recipes.
Also, if you want a step-by-step for a similar citrus candy, see this helpful candied lemon slices tutorial.

Candied Orange Slices

Bright, sticky, and sweet candied orange slices, perfect for gifts and a delightful treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 7 hours hrs

Servings: 16 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 50

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Oranges

• 4 pieces fresh oranges (thin-skinned, such as Cara Cara or Navel) Choose firm, glossy fruit.

Syrup Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar Regular sugar gives clear syrup.
• 1 cup water Use filtered if your tap tastes strong.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) Adds soft warmth.
• 1 piece cinnamon stick or star anise (optional) One whole piece for gentle spice.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove wax or residue. Pat dry.
2. Slice evenly into 1/8–1/4 inch rounds and remove seeds gently with the tip of a knife.
3. Add slices to a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to pull out bitterness; drain and repeat if needed.

Syrup Preparation

1. In another pan, combine sugar, water, and vanilla (if using). Heat slowly and stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup turns clear.

Cooking

1. Add the orange slices in a single layer to the syrup. Simmer on the lowest heat for 45–60 minutes, flipping occasionally with tongs.
2. Remove slices with tongs and lay them on parchment or a wire rack to dry for 4–6 hours for slightly tacky candy, or overnight for chewier results.

Serving Suggestions

1. Store in an airtight container, or dip in chocolate if you like.
2. For extra contrast, try a sprinkle of coarse sugar after the first hour on the rack.

Notes

For a little extra contrast, sprinkle coarse sugar after one hour of drying. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. You can reheat them in a low oven briefly to soften without melting sugar.