Homemade Candied Orange Peel

Homemade Candied Orange Peel

2 servings
Candied orange peel is a sweet, citrusy treat that can be used in a number of festive desserts and also makes a great make ahead gift. Discover the best recipe for homemade candied orange peel.

Ingredients

  • navel oranges
    3 large
  • granulated sugar

    divided

    2 ½ c
  • water

    plus more for initial blanching stages

    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Rinse the oranges thoroughly and cut off the tops and bottoms. Score the skin into quarters and remove the skin (both zest and pith, or orange and white parts).

  2. 2

    Cut the peels into ¼ inch strips, reserve the orange for another use.

  3. 3

    Place orange peels in a saucepan and cover the peels with water. Over medium high heat bring to a boil for five minutes. Drain the peels return to the pan with more water and repeat the blanching process for a total of 3-5 times. Blanching is done to remove the bitterness, taste the peel after each blanching to ensure they are not bitter before cooking in the sugar syrup.

  4. 4

    Add 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the peels to the syrup and cook for 45-60 minutes adjusting the heat to maintain a simmer and ensure the peels are covered in syrup. The peels will be done when once the are soft and slightly translucent.

  5. 5

    Drain the peels, reserving the orange simple syrup for another use. Toss the peels in the remaining sugar and transfer to a wire rack. Dry for 3-4 hours and then transfer to an airtight container.

Homemade Candied Orange Peel

Homemade Candied Orange Peel

90 min2 servings

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About this Recipe

Transform simple navel oranges into a delightful sweet treat that's perfect for holiday baking or a thoughtful homemade gift with this classic Homemade Candied Orange Peel recipe. This small-batch approach allows you to enjoy fresh, vibrant citrus candy without an overwhelming quantity, making it ideal for festive desserts and personal enjoyment.

This recipe captures the vibrant, tangy essence of citrus in a tender, chewy form, making it an incredibly versatile ingredient for countless desserts. It's a classic method that ensures a bright, clear candied finish, resulting in a homemade confection far superior to many store-bought options that often lack that intense, fresh orange flavor.

Prepare to experience the delightful contrast of intense citrus brightness balanced by a sweet, slightly firm, and wonderfully chewy texture. Each piece of candied orange peel offers a burst of aromatic orange flavor, making it an irresistible bite on its own or as an elegant garnish. While requiring a bit of patience, the process itself is straightforward, culminating in a beautiful homemade confection that tastes as good as it looks.

While navel oranges provide a classic flavor, you could experiment with other thick-skinned citrus like grapefruit or lemons for different flavor profiles. For an extra touch of warmth, a pinch of cinnamon or star anise could be added to the simple syrup during the cooking process, infusing the peel with aromatic notes.

This homemade candied orange peel is a perfect addition to fruitcakes, panettone, or chocolate bark, and also makes an exquisite standalone treat. Package it beautifully for a charming, edible gift during the holidays, or simply enjoy it as a sophisticated after-dinner bite.

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