Go Back
A plate of beautifully arranged candied oranges with a glossy finish.

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
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 7 hours
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.