How To Candy Orange Slices With 3 Basic Ingredients

The only thing that can make candied orange slices better is the satisfaction of making them yourself. Luckily, you only need three basic ingredients to do so: white granulated sugar, water, and oranges. While smaller oranges will be less likely to fall apart in the candying process, you can also simply slice medium and large oranges into semi-circles to make them work.

To put these ingredients to work, heat the sugar and water in a large saucepan until the sugar has melted and the mixture starts to boil. Then, add in quarter-inch-thick orange slices and lower the heat. Let the orange slices simmer in the pan, turning them over occasionally, until they become translucent. Lastly, set the slices to air dry at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. They will feel like gummy candy when they are settled and dried. If the candy is soggy, it has not cooked in the syrup for long enough.

To ensure the candied orange slices are the best they can be, stir the sugar and water as they heat up so that the sugar does not stick to the pan. Additionally, be careful not to overcrowd the pan when adding the orange slices. While the slices cook, keep an eye out for caramelization; if the sugar syrup begins to turn golden brown, cut the heat and remove the slices from the syrup.

Whether as a topping or on their own, there are many ways to enjoy candied orange slices. This sweet treat can be enjoyed on their own or enhanced by being dipped in different types of chocolate. The pops of sweetened citrus that candied oranges provide can even liven up a salad or trail mix that might feel like it is mostly made of peanuts.

Whether they are making an orange upside-down cake even more irresistible or lending notes of sweetness to a rich chocolate cake, these delectable discs truly shine as a topping to many baked goods. From a refreshing Aperol spritz to Anthony Bourdain's favorite cocktail, candied orange slices are also a delicious decorative element that add a sweet twist to many beverages that are usually dressed with a fresh orange slice or peel.

There are two great perks to making candy orange slices, the first of which is that these snacks will last for at least a month, refrigerated or not. The second is that the now orange-flavored leftover sugar syrup can be saved for other delectable endeavors. It can be paired with candied orange slices to accent baked goods, drinks, and other things. Just be sure to refrigerate it in an airtight container.