Candied Orange Peel: Elevate Holiday Sweets with Citrus Magic
Turn orange peels into aromatic morsels for desserts and cheese boards.
Simmered gently in sugar syrup, candied orange peel transforms simple citrus rinds into chewy, sweet treats bursting with floral aroma and subtle bitterness—an irresistible combination that has earned this homemade candy classic status as a holiday gift, snack, and versatile ingredient. With minimal effort, you can turn discarded peels into showstoppers for cheese boards, cake decorations, or chocolate-dipped delights, all while infusing your kitchen with an inviting orange scent.
Why Make Candied Orange Peel?
- Reduce Food Waste: Turn what usually ends up in the trash—orange peels—into a festive treasure.
- Create Unique Holiday Gifts: Candied peels make beautiful, homemade presents for friends and family.
- Versatile Ingredient: Use as cake toppers, in candies, with cheese boards, or simply enjoy as a snack.
- Delicious Aroma: Fill your kitchen with fresh, sweet citrus fragrance while preparing them.
Understanding the Science: Tackling Bitterness & Texture
The key to delectable candied orange peel is balancing bitterness and achieving the right texture. The white pith of the orange contains compounds that contribute a slight bitterness, which can be pleasant when offset by sugar and, optionally, chocolate. However, too much bitterness or a tacky texture can detract from the experience.
How to Reduce Bitterness
- Double Boil Method: Boil the strips of orange peel in plain water twice, changing the water each time. This process softens the peels and extracts excess bitterness, but leaves a little for flavor contrast.
- Keep the Pith: It’s not necessary to painstakingly remove all the pith—the boiling steps will mellow its impact.
Managing Texture
- Drying Time: Candied peel must dry for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature. Proper drying ensures a chewy—not tacky—texture that’s firm but not brittle.
- Wire Rack: Spread peels in a single layer on a wire rack for even drying. Consider a “keep off” sign to deter family snackers!
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Navel oranges | 3 whole | Choose firm, brightly colored oranges for best results. |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups | Used for syrup and coating. |
| White sanding sugar | As needed | Optional, for coating; adds sparkle and crunch. |
| Dark chocolate bar | 3 oz. | Optional, for dipping candied peels. |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
- Using a small paring knife, trim 1/2-inch slices from the top and bottom of each orange.
- Score the skin from top to bottom, cutting through the peel and pith, but not the fruit.
- Carefully remove each peel section and slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch wide strips.
- Step 2: Remove Bitterness
- Place peel strips in a large saucepan; cover with water by one inch.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; drain immediately.
- Repeat the boiling process with fresh water. Drain once more.
- Step 3: Simmer in Syrup
- Add sugar, 2 cups of water, and peels to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring as needed, until peels are translucent and syrup thickens (35–40 minutes).
- Remove pan from heat and let rest for five minutes.
- Step 4: Dry the Peels
- Place a wire rack atop a rimmed baking sheet.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer peels to the rack, laying them in a single layer so syrup can drip off.
- Allow peels to dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours (up to 24).
- Step 5: Coat with Sugar
- Place sanding sugar in a medium bowl.
- In batches, toss dried orange peels until fully coated and no longer sticky.
- If preferred, skip the sugar coating for a subtler sweetness.
- Step 6: (Optional) Chocolate Dipping
- Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until almost smooth (some unmelted bits are normal).
- Stir until residual heat fully melts chocolate, or microwave an additional 15 seconds if needed.
- Using parchment on a baking sheet, dip each candied peel halfway in chocolate and lay out to set.
- Chill until chocolate hardens (about 20 minutes).
Serving and Storing Candied Orange Peel
- Serve as Candy: Enjoy straight from the jar, with coffee or tea.
- Chocolate-Dipped: For an elegant twist, dip half of each strip in melted dark chocolate.
- Cake Decoration: Garnish cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecakes for a sophisticated look.
- Cheeseboards: Pair with strong cheeses and nuts for festive cheese platters.
- Gifts: Package in glass jars or cellophane bags for holiday giving.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Creative Ways to Use Candied Orange Peel
- Chop and add to scone or muffin batter for a citrus punch.
- Sprinkle on ice cream or yogurt bowls.
- Mix into granola or cereal for breakfast.
- Use as a garnish on cocktails.
- Combine with other candied fruits for an upscale fruitcake.
What others are reading
Expert Tips for Perfect Candied Peel
- Choose the Right Oranges: Navel oranges are recommended for their sweeter flavor and firmer skin.
- Don’t Rush Drying: Inadequate drying leads to a sticky candy; let time do its work for chewy, stable peels.
- Try Alternative Sugars: For a gourmet finish, experiment with turbinado or coconut sugar.
- Chocolate Pairing: Use bittersweet or dark chocolate to balance sweetness and bring out orange’s floral notes.
- Holiday Flair: Package peels with ribbon or place on seasonal dessert trays for an instant festive touch.
FAQs: Your Candied Orange Peel Questions Answered
How do I prevent candied orange peels from turning bitter?
The double-boiling method helps remove excess bitterness by extracting it from the pith while softening the peels. Changing water after each boil is crucial for best results.
Why are my candied orange peels soft or sticky?
Peeled strips require 12–24 hours on a wire rack to set and become chewy. If they’re still tacky, give them more time to dry—humidity may affect drying speed.
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Try the same method with lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels for varied flavors and color.
How long do candied orange peels stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, candied peels last up to one week, though their texture may change after several days.
Can I freeze candied orange peel?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect texture.
Do I need sanding sugar for coating?
No, you can use granulated sugar for coating or skip this step for a subtler flavor.
Decorative and Holiday Uses for Candied Orange Peel
- Cake and Tart Garnish: Rooted in European patisserie tradition, candied peel is ideal for decorating festive desserts.
- Cheeseboards: Pair with nuts, dried fruit, and aged cheeses for a sophisticated offering.
- Gift Boxes: Fill mason jars, tie with ribbon, and add a label for a homemade gift.
Comparing Candied Orange Peel with Other Classic Holiday Candies
| Candy Type | Main Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candied Orange Peel | Orange Peel & Sugar | Sweet, floral, subtle bitterness | Snacks, gifts, cake decoration |
| Candied Pecans | Pecans & Sugar | Nutty, caramel | Snacks, salads, gifts |
| Chocolate Bark | Chocolate, nuts, fruit | Sweet, rich, variable | Snacks, sharing, dessert platters |
Ways to Customize Your Candied Peel
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon sticks or star anise to the sugar syrup for aromatic undertones.
- Dip in White Chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier variation.
- Add a Citrus Mix: Blend strips of orange, lemon, and grapefruit peel for a colorful, flavor-packed treat.
- Flavor the Syrup: Infuse with vanilla bean seeds for depth of flavor.
Other Popular Orange Desserts to Try
- Homemade Creamsicle Pops
- Orange-Vanilla Sheet Cake
- Petite Orange-Vanilla Scones
- Orange Julius Milkshake
- Sunrise Fruit Salad
- Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars
- Olive Oil Cake with Orange Essence
- Sourdough Cranberry Orange Rolls
All these recipes showcase the versatility of orange flavor in sweets and baked goods. Candied orange peel, in particular, captures the essence of citrus and offers endless possibilities for creative, homemade desserts.
Cheat-Sheet: Candied Orange Peel Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: about 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Drying Time: 12–24 hours
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Sugar | Fat (if chocolate-dipped) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 strip | ~55 | 14g | 12g | 2g |
Final Thoughts
With its chewy texture, bright citrus aroma, and customizable finish, candied orange peel is the perfect way to bring festive cheer to your kitchen while making the most of every orange. Whether dipped in chocolate, rolled in sugar, or enjoyed straight up, these peels are more than a seasonal treat—they’re a celebration of the season’s best flavors and food traditions.
Try this recipe once and be ready for requests from family and friends all year round.
References
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