Save Brighten your glassware and dessert plates with these stunning Candied Orange Slices. These sweet, glossy citrus rounds are the ultimate garnish for adding a romantic and sophisticated touch to Valentine's Day cocktails or festive treats. By gently simmering fresh orange slices in a simple sugar syrup, you create translucent, jewel-like decorations that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Save The key to perfect candied citrus is patience. The slow simmering process allows the sugar to fully permeate the fruit, replacing the bitter juices with sweetness while maintaining the structural integrity of the peel. Once dried, these slices offer a concentrated citrus flavor and a delightful chewy texture.
Ingredients
- Citrus: 2 medium seedless oranges, well scrubbed
- Simple Syrup: 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- Simple Syrup: 2 cups (480 ml) water
Instructions
- 1
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- 2
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges crosswise into 1/8-inch (3 mm) rounds. Discard ends and any seeds.
- 3
- In a large, wide saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- 4
- Carefully add the orange slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Simmer gently over low heat, turning occasionally, until the rinds look translucent, about 40–45 minutes.
- 5
- Use tongs to transfer the slices to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer.
- 6
- Let cool and air-dry for at least 4 hours or overnight until no longer sticky.
- 7
- Once dry, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure even cooking, try to slice the oranges as uniformly as possible. If you find the air-drying process is taking too long due to humidity, you can speed it up by placing the slices in a 200°F (95°C) oven for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a variety of colors and flavors, you can substitute the standard oranges with blood oranges for a deep crimson look or tangerines for smaller, delicate garnishes. Each variety brings a unique profile to your syrup.
Serviervorschläge
These slices are perfect for garnishing cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Negronis. They also serve as an elegant topping for cakes or can be dipped halfway into dark chocolate for a refined dessert. For an extra sparkle, dip the wet slices in superfine sugar before they dry.
Save With their vibrant color and sweet, concentrated citrus flavor, these candied orange slices are a simple yet impressive way to elevate your home mixology and confectionery skills.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the orange slices become translucent?
Simmer the orange slices gently in simple syrup over low heat for 40–45 minutes, turning occasionally to allow even cooking and translucency.
- → What type of oranges work best for this preparation?
Seedless medium oranges are ideal, but blood oranges or tangerines can be used for variation and color.
- → How should candied orange slices be dried?
Arrange slices in a single layer on parchment and air-dry for at least 4 hours or overnight until no longer sticky, or speed up by drying in a low oven.
- → Can these orange slices be stored for later use?
Yes, store fully dried slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What tools are needed for slicing oranges thinly?
A sharp knife or mandoline works best for uniform thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick.