Candied orange slices
Turning citrus fruit into a sweet delight is easy! Learn how to make these delicious candied orange slices using nothing more than oranges, sugar and water. You can choose to dip them in dark chocolate, or leave them as is. Either way, these candied orange slices make a delicious treat and a beautiful gift too.
Greeks are no strangers to making dessert out of fruit, sugar and water. In fact, there is a whole category of recipes called spoon sweets or glyka tou koutaliou (sometimes also called kobosta) where a fruit is cooked with enough sugar and water to produce a thick syrup. The fruit, along with the syrup can keep for a long time and makes for a delicious offering when company comes calling. Some of my favourites are quince spoon sweet, or cherry spoon sweet. A little of this type of dessert goes a long way, and often it is only a spoonful which is served (hence the name) on a small and pretty plate along with a glass of cold water and a nice Greek coffee.
Although these candied oranges slices are not Greek per se, I know that everyone (Greeks included!) will love them.
Why this recipe works
Although this is a really simple recipe, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration, and I have thought of them all for you!
The orange slices get preboiled twice, to remove any of the bitterness that may be present. What you are left with is an intense orange flavour that is sweet and not unpleasant at all.
The proportion of sugar and water is perfect. Your candied orange slices will be sweet and will have a nice texture when dried.
I give you the option to either dip the orange slices in chocolate, or not. I will also give you some tips on how to use these
Key ingredients
This list is short! With only a few ingredients you can make something really special!
Oranges – I use organic oranges whenever I can because the peel is also eaten. Whether you use organic oranges or not, be sure to wash them well. Also, try to find oranges that don’t have too many seeds.
Sugar – White granulated sugar is the ingredient that will candy your orange slices
Water – You will need a few changes of water as the orange slices get boiled a few times.
Chocolate – This is optional, but if you do dip your orange slices in chocolate I would recommend a dark chocolate. The flavour contrast is great!
How to make candied orange slices
Instructions
Step 1
Wash your oranges well and slice them into rounds that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. If you see any seeds, remove them carefully.
Step 2
Fill your pot with water and add the orange slices. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon carefully remove the orange slices, and pour out the water. Fill your pot with water again, and repeat the process. After an additional 5 minutes, remove the orange slices once again and pour out the water.
Step 3
In the same pot combine the equal parts water and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir gently until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to simmer and add in the orange slices. Simmer for 45 – 50 minutes, gently pressing down with the back of a spoon occasionally to ensure that all of the orange slices get submerged in the sugar syrup.
Step 4
Gently remove the orange slices and place on a wire rack set over a baking tray (to catch any dripping syrup). Allow to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. They will remain soft and chewy.
Optional steps for dipping orange slices in chocolate
Step 5
Create a double boiler. Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil. find a heatproof bowl that will sit on top of the pot. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir carefully and constantly. The steam and heat from the boiling water will melt the chocolate.
Step 6
When the chocolate has completely melted remove from the heat. Tilt the chocolate to one side of the bowl and dip in half of your orange slice – I prefer to do only one side, but you can do both sides if you prefer.
Step 7
Return to wire rack so that the chocolate can set. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator.
Cooking tips and helpful hints
This is really a very easy recipe, but here are a few tips to make it even easier!
Slice your oranges no thicker than 1/4 inches; if they are much thicker than that it will take a long time for them to dry out.
Use organic oranges whenever you can since you will be eating the peel.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my oranges fall apart when they are being cooked?
There are a few reasons why your orange slices do not remain intact. It could be that you sliced them too thinly, or that you have them at a strong boil. It could also be that your orange slices had many seeds, and by removing the seeds you affected the integrity of the orange itself. Finally, your orange slices may fall apart during the simmering process if they are old and dried out.
Can I dry my candied orange slices in the oven?
I really don’t recommend it. If you do however because you are pressed for time, I would keep the oven at a very low (the lowest) temperature, and even consider keeping the oven door slightly ajar with a kitchen towel. This is because you want your finished product to be soft and chewy, not dry and hard.
What is the difference between candied orange slices and dried orange slices?
Candied orange slices are poached in a sugar syrup and they end up being chewy and soft. They are sometimes called glace orange slices. Dried orange slices on the other hand are firm and crisp. They are dehydrated and retain their bitterness and are brittle.
Whereas candied oranges are used as, or in, desserts, dried orange slices are often used to garnish drinks, or
How do you take the bitterness out of candied oranges?
This is the reason why I pre-boil my orange slices two times, changing the water each time. The pith of the orange can be quite bitter and this boiling helps to remove the bitterness. It is not a step you want to skip!
Recipe variations
Make candied lemon slices
Follow the recipe exactly but instead of oranges, use lemons. In fact, you an use any citrus fruit, including limes, grapefruits and blood oranges.
Dip your candied oranges in granulated sugar
For added texture and sweetness, after your candied oranges slices have dried for four or five hours, coat them with granulated sugar and then allow them to finish drying.
Make candied orange peels
Instead of using orange slices, remove the peel from oranges and cut it into strips. Follow the recipe as described above; the only difference is that you will not have to dry the candied orange peels for as long.
How to store your candied orange slices
I like to keep my candied orange slices in a well sealed container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for longer. I layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to one another.
How to serve your candied oranges slices
You can serve them on a pretty platter as part of a dessert buffet, or an afternoon tea. You can also use them to decorate cakes, such as this amazing chocolate orange cake or the classic Greek dessert called portokalopita.
Related recipes that feature oranges
Baked feta with orange and olives
Peach and orange Metaxa cocktail
Candied orange slices
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wire cooling rack if small, use two
- 1 baking tray or cutting board to set the wire rack on
- 1 double boiler
Ingredients
- 2 oranges, preferably organic
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups sugar
- 30 grams dark chocolate optional
Instructions
- Wash your oranges well and slice them into rounds that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. If you see any seeds, remove them carefully.2 oranges, preferably organic
- Fill your pot with water and add the orange slices. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon carefully remove the orange slices, and pour out the water. Fill your pot with water again, and repeat the process. After an additional 5 minutes, remove the orange slices once again and pour out the water.
- In the same pot combine the equal parts water and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir gently until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to simmer and add in the orange slices. Simmer for 45 - 50 minutes, gently pressing down with the back of a spoon occasionally to ensure that all of the orange slices get submerged in the sugar syrup.3 cups water, 3 cups sugar
- Gently remove the orange slices and place on a wire rack set over a baking tray (to catch any dripping syrup). Allow to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. They will remain soft and chewy.
To dip in chocolate - optional
- Create a double boiler. Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil. find a heatproof bowl that will sit on top of the pot. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir carefully and constantly. The steam and heat from the boiling water will melt the chocolate.30 grams dark chocolate
- When the chocolate has completely melted remove from the heat. Tilt the chocolate to one side of the bowl and dip in half of your orange slice - I prefer to do only one side, but you can do both sides if you prefer.
- Return to wire rack so that the chocolate can set. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator.