Candied orange peel is one of those delightful treats that can brighten up any dish or snack. I just adore how versatile it is—whether you’re adding it to cookies, cakes, or simply enjoying it on its own, it brings a burst of sweet citrus flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of sunny afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who taught me the magic of transforming something so simple into a delightful candy. Trust me, once you try making your own candied orange peel, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients List
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
How to Prepare Candied Orange Peel Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Oranges
First things first—let’s give those oranges a good wash! I can’t stress enough how important this step is. You want to remove any wax or pesticides that might be on the skin. Just run them under cool water and gently scrub the surface with your hands. If you’ve got a veggie brush, that works wonders too. A clean peel means a tastier candy!
Step 2: Peel the Oranges
Now, let’s get peeling! Carefully remove the outer layer of the orange, taking care to avoid taking too much of the white pith. That pith is bitter, and we want our candied orange peel to be sweet and flavorful. I find using a sharp vegetable peeler helps keep the strips nice and thin. If you do end up with some pith, don’t worry—just trim it off once you’re done peeling!
Step 3: Cut the Peels
Once you’ve got your peels, it’s time to slice them into thin strips. Aim for about 1/4 inch wide—this will help them cook evenly. The thinner the strips, the quicker they’ll absorb that syrupy goodness! Plus, they’ll look pretty on your plate. Just take your time; it’s all about the love you put into your candy!
Step 4: Boil the Strips
Next up, we’re going to boil those peels! Place your orange strips in a pot of water and let them boil for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps soften the peels and removes some of that bitterness. Trust me, you want to do this! After boiling, drain the peels and set them aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Syrup
Now, let’s make our syrup! In a clean pot, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Stir it up until the sugar starts to dissolve, then bring it to a boil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you see bubbles forming and it starts to look a bit syrupy—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Simmer the Orange Peel
Time to add those peels back to the pot! Carefully drop your boiled orange strips into the syrup and reduce the heat to low. Let them simmer for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the syrup; it should be bubbling gently. You want the peels to soak up that sweet goodness, so stir occasionally to make sure they’re all getting their fair share!
Step 7: Cool the Peel
Once the 45 minutes are up, remove the pot from heat and let the peels cool in the syrup. This is a key step! Cooling in the syrup allows the flavors to deepen and makes the peels more delicious. Just let them sit for about 30 minutes, soaking in all that sweet, citrusy goodness.
Step 8: Dry the Peel
Finally, it’s time to dry your candied orange peels. Carefully take them out of the syrup and place them on a sheet of parchment paper. Spread them out so they’re not touching each other. Let them dry for about 6 hours or overnight if you want them really firm. Once they’re done, they’ll be ready to enjoy or use in your favorite recipes!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional information can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate and may not be entirely precise. Here’s a general breakdown for one piece of candied orange peel:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Enjoy your homemade treat in moderation, and feel free to adjust the sugar levels to suit your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for beginner cooks!
- Transforms simple orange peels into a delightful candy treat.
- Versatile addition to cookies, cakes, or just enjoyed on their own.
- Great way to reduce food waste by using the peels.
- Can be stored and enjoyed later, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.
- Customizable sweetness—adjust the sugar to match your taste!
- Brightens up your desserts with a burst of citrusy flavor.
- Impressive homemade gift idea for friends and family.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your candied orange peel turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to keep in mind:
- Adjust the Sugar: Don’t be afraid to tweak the sugar levels to suit your taste! If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar to the syrup. Just remember, you can always taste the syrup before adding the peels to get it just right!
- Even Strips Are Key: Make sure your orange peel strips are cut evenly—about 1/4 inch wide is ideal. This ensures they cook uniformly, so none of them get overcooked or undercooked. It makes a big difference in the final texture!
- Watch the Simmer: Keep an eye on the syrup while it’s simmering. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up. The syrup should be bubbling gently, not boiling furiously.
- Drying Time Matters: Be patient when drying the peels! The longer you let them sit on the parchment paper, the chewier and more flavorful they’ll become. If you’re in a hurry, a few hours will do, but overnight is best for that perfect candy texture.
- Experiment with Other Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try adding spices like cinnamon or ginger to the syrup for a unique twist! It’s a fun way to customize your candied orange peel for different recipes.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious candied orange peel! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste along the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade candied orange peel is super easy! Just place the cooled peels in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about a week, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, and they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re completely dry before storing; this will help prevent any stickiness or spoilage!
As for reheating, there’s no need to worry! These little gems are best enjoyed at room temperature straight from the container. If you find they’ve become a bit too soft, you can give them a quick trip to a warm oven (about 200°F or 93°C) for 5-10 minutes to help firm them up again. Just keep an eye on them, so they don’t get too hot. Trust me, you want to savor that perfect texture!
FAQ Section
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other citrus peels like lemons, limes, or grapefruits. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor profile. For instance, lemon peel will give you a zesty kick, while grapefruit peel has a slightly more bitter taste, which can be delightful when candied. Just remember to adjust the sugar levels accordingly, as some fruits are naturally sweeter than others. Have fun mixing it up!
How long does candied orange peel last?
When stored properly, your homemade candied orange peel can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you want it to last even longer, you can freeze it! Just layer the peels between parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about three months, so you can enjoy that sweet citrus flavor whenever you want!
What can I do with leftover syrup?
Oh, don’t throw away that syrup! It’s liquid gold! You can use it to sweeten drinks like tea, cocktails, or sparkling water for a refreshing twist. It also works wonders drizzled over desserts like ice cream or pancakes. Feeling adventurous? Try adding it to your baking recipes, like cakes or muffins, for a delightful citrus flavor boost. The possibilities are endless—get creative and enjoy every drop!
Print
Candied Orange Peel: 8 Steps to Sweet Citrus Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candied orange peel is a sweet treat made from the peel of oranges. It is often used in baking or as a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly.
- Peel the oranges, removing as much of the white pith as possible.
- Cut the peels into thin strips.
- Boil the strips in water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add the orange peel to the syrup and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the peel cool in the syrup.
- Once cooled, remove the peels and place them on parchment paper to dry.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use the leftover syrup in drinks or desserts.
- Adjust the sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Confectionery
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied orange peel, orange candy, homemade candy
