Candied 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.
- Author: Daniel
- 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
- 4 fresh oranges
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 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