Growing up, my grandma’s candied orange peel was the stuff of legends. Every Christmas, the whole family would gather around her kitchen table, eagerly anticipating the moment when she’d bring out that shimmering platter of chewy, sweet-tart slices. The aroma alone was enough to transport us to a magical holiday wonderland. And let me tell you, once you’ve tasted homemade candied orange peel, there’s no going back to store-bought.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share my own perfected Candied Orange Peel recipe with you today. It’s a tried-and-true method that yields the most delectable results, with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. Trust me, this is one treat that will become a staple in your home, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just looking for a cozy afternoon snack.
Why This Candied Orange Peel Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Peel
The key to making irresistible candied orange peel lies in the technique. Many recipes out there call for a lengthy, complicated process, but I’ve streamlined it down to the essentials. By carefully controlling the cooking time and temperature, you’ll end up with slices that are perfectly tender, with a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus zing.
The secret is in the two-step cooking method. First, you’ll simmer the orange peels to remove any bitterness, then you’ll toss them in a sugar syrup to coat them evenly. This ensures that the final product has a gorgeous, glossy sheen and a satisfying chew. Plus, you can customize the flavor by adding spices or extracts to the sugar syrup. The possibilities are endless!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need just three simple ingredients:
- 3 large oranges
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
The oranges, of course, are the star of the show. Make sure to use fresh, juicy oranges with bright, vibrant peels. The zest is where all the essential oils are concentrated, so you want to be sure you’re starting with the best quality fruit.
The sugar and water work together to create a luscious, syrupy coating that transforms the orange peels into a delectable confection. The sugar provides the sweetness, while the water helps the peels soften and caramelize.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Peel Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Peel
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 75 minutes, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is a cinch to whip up. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools: a sharp knife, a saucepan, and a cooling rack or parchment paper.
1- Start by slicing the oranges in half and removing the peel in long strips, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
2- Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, then add the orange peels and simmer for 15 minutes to remove any bitterness. Drain and repeat this process two more times.
3- In a clean saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
4- Add the blanched orange peels to the sugar syrup and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peels are translucent and the syrup has thickened.
5- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied peels to a cooling rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool completely, then toss in any remaining sugar syrup.
6- Once cooled, the candied orange peels are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the peels in long, even strips. Avoid getting too much of the bitter white pith, as that can make the final product taste unpleasantly bitter.
- Be patient during the simmering process – the longer you let the peels cook in the sugar syrup, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become.
- Keep a close eye on the simmering peels and stir frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
- For an extra-special touch, try dipping the cooled candied peels in melted chocolate or rolling them in toasted coconut or chopped nuts.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Peel
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Peel
This recipe makes about 1 cup of candied orange peels, which is the perfect amount for sharing or enjoying as a special treat. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters or charcuterie boards.
The bright, citrusy flavor also complements various desserts. Try sprinkling the candied peels over vanilla ice cream, stirring them into yogurt or oatmeal, or using them as a garnish for cakes and pies. For a truly decadent experience, fold them into homemade chocolates or truffles.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Candied orange peels are incredibly easy to store and enjoy for weeks to come. Once they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the candied peels. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen candied peels, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. They’ll be just as fresh and delicious as the day you made them.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Peel
Creative Candied Orange Peel Variations
While this basic Candied Orange Peel recipe is a classic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a festive twist, try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the sugar syrup. You can also use a mix of citrus peels, like lemon, lime, or grapefruit, for a fun flavor medley.
Another creative variation is to dip the cooled candied peels in melted chocolate or roll them in toasted coconut or crushed nuts. This adds an extra layer of texture and indulgence.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate the candied peels into baked goods, like orange-infused scones or a zesty pound cake.
Making Candied Orange Peel Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free or vegan diet, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is naturally suited to your needs. Simply use a granulated sugar substitute, like coconut sugar or erythritol, in place of the regular white sugar.
To make a low-carb version, you can use a sugar-free sweetener, like monk fruit or erythritol, in the same 1-cup ratio. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed, as sugar substitutes can behave differently than regular sugar.
No matter which adaptations you choose, the end result will be a delightfully sweet and citrusy treat that fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus peel, like lemon or grapefruit, in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The basic technique works great with a variety of citrus peels. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different peels may require slightly different simmering periods.
Q: How long does the total process take from start to finish?
A: This Candied Orange Peel recipe has a total time of 75 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 60 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it?
A: Yes, candied orange peels keep very well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How much does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of candied orange peels.
Q: What should I do if my candied peels turn out too soft or too hard?
A: If the peels are too soft, you can try simmering them a bit longer to allow more of the liquid to evaporate and concentrate the sugar syrup. If they’re too hard, you may have cooked them for too long – next time, reduce the simmering time slightly.
Candied Orange Peel
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 1 cup
Description
Homemade candied orange peel is a classic, sweet treat bursting with citrus flavor. This easy recipe transforms simple orange peels into a delightful, caramelized snack or topping that’s perfect for desserts, salads, and more.
Ingredients
– 3 large oranges
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Peel the oranges, removing just the orange part of the peel and avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Slice the orange peels into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the orange peel strips, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the peels are translucent and the liquid has thickened.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange peels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
– For extra crunch, toss the cooled peels in additional granulated sugar.
– Candied orange peel can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
– Use the candied peels as a topping for cakes, ice cream, oatmeal, and more!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Cookies & Bars
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Candied orange peel is a classic treat that’s often overlooked, but I’m here to change that. This recipe is an absolute delight, with its perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. Plus, it’s so much easier to make at home than you might think.
Once you taste the homemade version, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind. And the best part is, you can customize it to your heart’s content, experimenting with different flavors and variations. So what are you waiting for? Gather your oranges and get ready to create a new family favorite.
Let me know in the comments how your candied orange peels turn out – I’d love to hear all about it! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and loved ones. After all, the more people who discover the joys of homemade candied orange peel, the better.
