Dessert/ Recipes

Easy Homemade Candied Orange Peel

Are you a fan of citrus flavors? Have you ever tried candied orange peel? This sweet and tangy treat is a great addition to various desserts including an all-time favorite carrot cake with orange marmalade which you could whisk some candied orange zest into. Making your own candied orange peel is easy and fun, and the results are delicious. Allow me to show you how easy it is to make candied orange peel and share some recipes that use this decadent treat!

watch how to make it on my youtube video

great packed lunch snack/dessert

see recipes for your candied orange peel below

What is Candied Orange Peel?

Candied orange peel is made by simmering strips of orange peel in a sugar syrup until they are translucent and the syrup has been absorbed. The result is a sweet and chewy treat that can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in other recipes.

Ingredients to Make Candied Orange Peel

Oranges: opt for those with a thick peel. Use fresh, high-quality oranges for the best flavor. Organic oranges are ideal, as they don’t have any chemical coatings on their skin.

Sugar: I use granulated sugar but you can also use caster sugar.

Water: will be used to blanch the orange peels in the first phase. This will help to release some of the bitterness from the peel as well as make it easier to scrape off some of the orange pith. You could alternatively leave it on for its benefits.

Orange juice: Add the freshly squeezed orange juice from the peeled orange when simmering the peel with the sugar for a deeper orange flavor.

Here’s How to Make Candied Orange Peel

Cut the oranges (only go as deep as the skin and not all the way through the orange) into quarters and remove the peel.

Cut the peel into thin strips.

Blanch the peel in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain. Boil them in a fresh batch of boiling water and drain, then repeat once more. So this process should be done a total of 3 times.

In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and orange juice, then bring to a boil as you stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the blanched orange peel to the syrup, stir, and reduce the heat.

Simmer the peel in the syrup for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the mixture has reduced significantly, stir occasionally.

Remove the peel from the syrup and toss them in 1 cup of sugar to coat. Put them in a sieve to shake off excess sugar, and transfer them to cool on a wire rack.

How Long Does Candied Orange Peel Last?

Candied orange peel can last for several weeks if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Or for months in the freezer.

What Are Some Recipes That Use Candied Orange Peel?

Some candied orange peel uses are in a variety of recipes, such as fruitcakes, muffins, scones, biscotti, and even cocktails.

Can I Use Other Citrus Fruits to Make Candied Peel?

Yes, you can use other citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits, to make candied peel using the same method.

How Do I Store Candied Orange Peel?

Keep your candied orange peel in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Or in the freezer, to eat as it is or stirred through ice cream.

Recipe ideas Using Candied Orange Peel

Candied Orange Peel Chocolate Bark

Melt some dark chocolate and spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle candied orange peel and chopped nuts on top, then let it cool and break it into pieces.

Candied Orange Peel Muffins

Add chopped candied orange peel while baking your favorite muffin recipe for a burst of citrus flavor.

Candied Orange Peel Old Fashioned

Muddle a few strips of candied orange peel with sugar and bitters in a rocks glass. Add ice and whiskey, then stir and garnish with more candied orange peel.

Candied Orange Peel Cookies

The recipe is coming soon, so stick around for that.

Freeze the candied orange slices and serve as a cold chewy snack on a warm afternoon.

How to Make Candied Orange Peel Tea

Ingredients

1/4 cup candied orange peel

2 cups water

Honey or sugar, to taste

Instructions: How to make candied orange slices

Begin by slicing the oranges then blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and boil water again and boil the orange slices a second time, drain and repeat one more time.

In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and orange juice, and bring to a boil as you stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the blanched orange slices to the syrup, stir, and reduce the heat.

Simmer the peel in the syrup for 45 minutes to an hour (flip them at least once halfway through), or until the mixture has reduced significantly, stir occasionally. Then lay them on parchment paper sprinkled with some sugar.

An option for serving the slices as a snack is to put them in the freezer before serving. This makes them cold (of course ;)) and super chewy.

Once you have made the candied orange peel, you can move on to make the tea.

How to Brew Candied Orange Slice Tea

Add the water to a small pot and bring it to a boil. Then add the candied orange slices to the pot.

Reduce the heat to low and let the tea simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow the flavor of the candied orange slices to infuse into the water.

Turn off the heat and strain the tea into a cup.

Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious brew of candied orange peel tea!

For citrus fruit lovers, making candied citrus peel is a seasonal event that brings joy just like preparing homemade jam to preserve seasonal fruits. Making candied orange peel is easy and fun, and the results are delicious. Whether you eat it on its own or use it in other recipes, candied orange peel is sure to add a bright burst of citrus flavor to your day. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

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