Easy Candied Orange Peel

Published: December 30, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: With just fresh oranges, sugar, and water, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require fancy components.
Versatile Uses: Enjoy it straight as a snack, use it to enhance desserts, or add a touch of elegance to drinks.
Customizable Flavor: Add spices like cinnamon or star anise for a unique twist that suits your taste.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged beautifully, these candied peels make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Quick Preparation: In less than 70 minutes, you can whip up this delightful treat with minimal effort.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Candied Orange Peel, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. These essentials will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pot
Sharp knife
Cooling rack
Parchment paper
Tongs or slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Pot: A sturdy pot is essential for boiling the orange peels and making the sugar syrup without risk of burning.
Sharp Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise peeling of the orange skin without cutting into the bitter pith.
Cooling Rack: Using a cooling rack helps air circulate around the peels as they dry, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

For the Candied Orange Peel

4 fresh unwaxed oranges (preferably organic, navel or Valencia)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices such as 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, or 3 cloves (optional for spiced touch)
Powdered sugar or coconut sugar for vegan glaze alternative
Dark or white chocolate (for dipping, optional)

How to Make Easy Candied Orange Peel

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
Carefully peel using a sharp knife, removing only the bright orange skin while avoiding the white pith as much as possible.
Slice the peel into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide.

Step 2: Boil the Peels

Place the sliced peels into a pot of cold water.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Drain and repeat this boiling and draining process 2-3 times to reduce bitterness from the pith.

Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup

In the same pot, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar.
Bring to a gentle boil while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Optionally add a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, or spices for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Peels in Syrup

Add the boiled peels to the sugar syrup.
Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peels become translucent and the syrup thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 5: Drying Process

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the peels onto a cooling rack lined with parchment paper; space them so they don’t stick.
Allow to dry for a few hours or overnight until slightly tacky but not wet.
Optionally roll in powdered sugar or dip in melted chocolate once dry.

With these easy steps, you’ll have delicious candied orange peel ready for snacking or gifting! Enjoy this homemade treat anytime you want something sweet yet refreshing!

How to Serve Easy Candied Orange Peel

Easy Candied Orange Peel is not just a delightful treat, but also a versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance a dessert or serve it as a snack, there are numerous ways to enjoy this sweet and tangy delight.

As a Snack

Enjoy the candied orange peel on its own for a refreshing and flavorful snack any time of day.

In Desserts

Cakes and Muffins: Incorporate diced candied orange peel into batters for cakes or muffins for an added citrus burst.
Ice Cream Toppings: Use as a topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream to add texture and flavor.

In Salads

Fruit Salads: Toss in candied orange peel with various fruits for a sweet touch that complements the dish.
Green Salads: Add to mixed greens along with nuts and cheese for an exciting contrast of flavors.

Gifting

Package the candied orange peel in decorative jars, perfect for gifting during holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Easy Candied Orange Peel

Perfecting your Easy Candied Orange Peel can elevate its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your candy turns out splendidly.

Choose Fresh Oranges: Opt for unwaxed organic oranges as they will have better flavor and less bitterness.
Thoroughly Boil Peels: Boiling the peels multiple times helps reduce bitterness from the pith, resulting in sweeter candy.
Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the peels while cooking; overcooking can lead to tough textures.
Let Them Dry Properly: Allow ample drying time on parchment paper so that they become glossy without being sticky.
Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like cinnamon or star anise can enhance the flavor profile, giving your candy a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Candied Orange Peel

Pairing side dishes with Easy Candied Orange Peel can create delightful contrasts in taste. Here are some perfect pairings that complement its sweetness beautifully.

Cheese Platter: A mix of soft and hard cheeses balances the sweetness of the candy, making for an elegant appetizer.
Roasted Nuts: The savory flavor of roasted almonds or walnuts pairs well with the sugary brightness of candied peels.
Greek Yogurt: Top plain Greek yogurt with candied orange peel and honey for a refreshing breakfast or snack option.
Savory Grain Salads: Use in grain-based salads like quinoa or farro, where the citrus adds a zesty note against earthy grains.
Vegetable Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables to create an intriguing sweet-savory combination.
Chocolate Desserts: Pair with dark chocolate desserts, as the bitterness of chocolate enhances the sweetness of the orange peel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Candied Orange Peel, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your treat.

Bold phrase: Not removing the white pith – Leaving too much of the white pith on the orange peel can lead to bitterness. Use a sharp knife and carefully peel only the outer skin.
Bold phrase: Skipping the boiling step – Failing to boil the peels multiple times can result in overly bitter candied orange peel. Boil and drain 2-3 times to ensure a balanced taste.
Bold phrase: Overcooking the syrup – Cooking the sugar syrup for too long can cause it to harden. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat once it reaches a glossy consistency.
Bold phrase: Not allowing enough drying time – Rushing the drying process can leave your candied peels sticky. Let them dry for several hours or overnight for best results.
Bold phrase: Forgetting to use parchment paper – Placing the peels directly on a cooling rack without parchment can lead to sticking. Always line your cooling rack with parchment paper.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Candied Orange Peel

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be frozen for up to 6 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Candied Orange Peel

Oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and warm for about 5 minutes if needed.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds just until warm; be careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Candied Orange Peel.

How do I ensure my Easy Candied Orange Peel is not bitter?

Boiling the orange peels multiple times before adding them to the sugar syrup is key. This process removes excess bitterness from the pith.

What types of oranges work best for candied orange peel?

Navel or Valencia oranges are ideal due to their bright flavor and thicker skins, which hold up well during candying.

Can I customize my Easy Candied Orange Peel?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or star anise during cooking for extra flavor or roll them in coconut sugar for a unique twist.

How should I store Easy Candied Orange Peel?

For best results, store your candied orange peel in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Easy Candied Orange Peel is not only a delightful treat but also versatile for various uses—from decorating desserts to snacking. Feel free to customize it with different spices or dips to suit your taste!

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