Candied Orange Slices Recipe
Introduction
Candied orange slices are a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a hint of citrus tang. These glossy, translucent slices make a perfect snack, garnish, or gift for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 4 fresh oranges
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the oranges thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds about 0.25 inches thick, removing any seeds you find.
- Step 2: Place the sliced oranges in a pot of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the slices are softened.
- Step 3: In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture until it becomes clear and bubbly.
- Step 4: Transfer the boiled orange slices carefully into the sugar syrup and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until the slices turn translucent.
- Step 5: Remove the orange slices from the syrup and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets to cool and set.
- Step 6: Once cooled, serve the candied orange slices as desired or store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a hint of spice, add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the syrup while simmering the orange slices.
- Use blood oranges or navel oranges for different color and flavor variations.
- Allow the slices to dry further if you prefer a chewier texture rather than soft and glossy.
Storage
Store candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To refresh their texture, allow them to sit for a little while at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of oranges?
Yes, lemons, limes, and grapefruits can be candied using the same method, offering different flavors and colors.
How do I prevent the slices from sticking together during storage?
Make sure the slices are fully cooled and dry before storing. Placing parchment paper between layers helps prevent sticking as well.
PrintCandied Orange Slices Recipe
This recipe guides you through making beautifully translucent candied orange slices, perfect for garnishing desserts or enjoying as a sweet, tangy treat. The oranges are sliced thin, blanched to soften, then gently simmered in a fragrant vanilla sugar syrup until they become glossy and deliciously candied.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 fresh oranges
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oranges: Wash the oranges thoroughly under cool running water. Slice them into thin rounds about 0.25 inches thick, making sure to remove any seeds to avoid bitterness in the final product.
- Blanch the Slices: Place the orange slices into a pot filled with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the slices soften, which helps remove excess bitterness.
- Make the Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it becomes clear and begins to bubble, indicating the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is ready.
- Candy the Slices: Transfer the blanched orange slices into the vanilla sugar syrup. Let them simmer gently on low heat for about 1 hour until the slices become translucent and absorb the sweetness from the syrup.
- Cool and Set: Carefully remove the candied orange slices from the syrup using a slotted spoon. Lay them out in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets and allow them to cool completely until set and tacky to the touch.
- Store or Serve: Once cooled, serve the candied slices as a garnish or snack. Alternatively, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the oranges helps the syrup penetrate better, resulting in evenly candied slices.
- Removing seeds prevents any bitterness or hardness in the finished slices.
- Simmering the slices gently avoids breaking them apart.
- If you desire a stronger citrus flavor, consider zesting a bit of orange peel into the syrup while cooking.
- Candied orange slices can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Keywords: candied orange slices, orange garnish, fruit candy, dessert decoration, vanilla syrup, homemade candy

