If you love citrusy flavors and sweet treats, few things compare to homemade candied orange peel.
It’s the perfect combination of bright, zesty orange and tender, sugary sweetness, with just a hint of chewiness that makes every bite satisfying.
What’s even better? You only need a few simple ingredients, and the process is surprisingly approachable, even for beginners.
Whether you’re looking for a snack, a garnish for desserts, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different methods and tweaks, and I’m excited to share my tested tips, tricks, and variations so you can get it just right.
I Recommend These Amazon Essentials for Candied Orange Peels.
1. Non-Stick Saucepan or Small Pot
I recommend this for simmering your orange peels evenly without sticking or burning.
2. Silicone Baking Mat
I recommend this mat for drying candied orange peels and easy cleanup.
3. Citrus Zester or Peeler
I recommend this for easily prepping orange peels for candying.
4. Fine Granulated Sugar
I recommend this essential for coating the candied orange peels perfectly.
5. Small Tongs or Slotted Spoon
I recommend these for safely handling hot peels during the cooking and sugar coating process.
Why You’ll Love Candied Orange Peel
Candied orange peel isn’t just a treat—it’s a versatile culinary gem. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- Simple ingredients: Oranges, sugar, and water—no fancy extras required.
- Quick and easy: In less than an hour, you can have a batch ready for snacking or decorating.
- Versatile use: Add it to cakes, muffins, cookies, or even sprinkle on top of yogurt or oatmeal.
- Homemade charm: No preservatives, no artificial flavors—just pure, vibrant citrus sweetness.
- Gift-ready: Jarred beautifully, this is an elegant and thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of candied orange peel comes from using fresh, high-quality oranges and balancing the sugar perfectly:
- Fresh oranges: Organic and unwaxed are ideal for flavor and safety. Navel or Valencia oranges have beautiful color and sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Creates that signature sweet, glossy coating.
- Water: To boil and soften the peels and create the syrup.
- Optional add-ins: A pinch of salt, a dash of vanilla, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor.
Pro Tip: Using unwaxed oranges is essential because waxy coatings can interfere with candying and make the peels less absorbent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s the tried-and-true method for perfectly candied orange peel:
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
Wash your oranges thoroughly to remove dirt and residues.
Using a sharp knife, peel away the orange zest, carefully avoiding as much white pith as possible (the pith can be bitter). Slice the peel into thin strips, roughly ¼ inch wide.
Step 2: Boil to Remove Bitterness
Place the strips in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Drain and repeat this step 2–3 times to mellow the pith’s bitterness. This makes the final candy sweeter and more tender.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a clean pot.
Stir while bringing it to a gentle boil until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 4: Simmer the Orange Peels
Add the softened orange strips to the syrup. Cook over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll notice the peels turning translucent as they absorb the sugar syrup.
This slow simmer ensures a soft, chewy texture without burning.
Step 5: Dry and Finish
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the candied strips to a parchment-lined cooling rack.
Make sure pieces don’t touch to prevent sticking. Let dry for several hours, or overnight, to achieve the perfect texture and glossy finish.
Tips for Perfect Candied Orange Peel
- Blanching is key: Multiple boils help remove bitterness from the pith.
- Simmer slowly: Low and slow is the secret to soft, tender peels.
- Dry thoroughly: Prevents stickiness and ensures a beautiful glossy finish.
- Choose your orange wisely: Valencia or Navel oranges are ideal for sweetness and color.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding spices like cinnamon, star anise, or cloves to the syrup for a warm, aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
Candied orange peel is wonderfully versatile:
- Dessert garnish: Sprinkle on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or chocolate-dipped desserts.
- Snack: Enjoy straight from the jar—it’s addictive!
- Cheese pairing: Great with creamy cheeses or a charcuterie board for a bright, contrasting flavor.
- Breakfast boost: Chop and add to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls.
- Cocktail accents: Add a twist to cocktails for a sophisticated citrus note.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate-dipped: After drying, dip in dark, milk, or white chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Mixed citrus: Lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels can be used for a zesty variation.
- Reduced sugar: Cut sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet candy.
- Powdered sugar finish: Dusting lightly with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: Extend shelf life by freezing in a sealed container or bag. Thaw before use.
- Reheating: Not necessary, but a quick microwave warming makes peels softer and more pliable.
FAQs
How long will candied orange peel last?
Up to 2 weeks at room temperature; freezing extends storage.
Can I use regular, waxed oranges?
Unwaxed or organic oranges are best. Wax can affect texture and absorbency.
Is boiling the peel multiple times really necessary?
Yes—it reduces bitterness and improves the final candy’s flavor.
Can it be stored in the fridge?
Yes, but room temperature keeps the texture soft and chewy.
Any alternative sweeteners?
Coconut sugar or superfine sugar works, though texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Candied orange peel is one of those homemade treats that feels elegant and indulgent, but it’s surprisingly simple.
Perfect for snacking, gifting, or elevating your desserts, this candy is a delightful addition to any kitchen.
With these tips and variations, you can make it uniquely yours and impress anyone who tries it!
