Candied Orange Peel Homemade Candy

Name: Candied Orange Peel Homemade Candy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10 pieces
Ingredients: 4 large oranges; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Additional sugar for coating

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

I absolutely love making Candied Orange Peel at home. It’s surprisingly simple and transforms ordinary orange peels into a delectable sweet treat that I can enjoy or gift. The bright citrus flavor mixed with the sugar’s sweetness is incredibly addictive. I am always amazed at how a bit of patience and the right technique can elevate something so simple into a beautiful candy that tastes far more sophisticated than it really is!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-14T17:02:18.457Z

When I first tried my hand at making Candied Orange Peel, I was blown away by how easy it was. I used fresh oranges, and the result was a perfect balance of sweetness and zest. The trick is to simmer the peels gently and follow up with the right amount of sugar to achieve that wonderful, sticky coating that makes each bite divine.

During my attempts, I discovered that letting the candied peels dry thoroughly before coating them in sugar enhances their texture and prevents them from being overly sticky. It’s an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Vibrant citrus flavor that adds a fresh zing to your day
Versatile candy that works great in desserts or as a standalone treat
Wonderful gift option that looks elegant in a jar

The Importance of Blanching

Blanching the orange peels is a crucial step in this recipe, as it helps to remove the bitter flavors from the pith. When boiling the peels, aim for a light simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid breaking them apart. After each blanching, the peels should feel softer and slightly pliable, indicating they’ve purged some of their bitterness. This technique not only improves flavor but also enhances the candy's texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.

If you find that the peels are still too bitter after the three blanching cycles, an extra round can be beneficial. Just remember to keep an eye on them to prevent excess cooking, which could make them too soft. The goal is to achieve a balanced flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the oranges.

Crafting the Perfect Sugar Syrup

Creating the sugar syrup is where you can truly develop flavor. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution, which prevents scorching. It's important to stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved before adding in the peels; this avoids any crystallization that could result in a grainy texture in the finished candy. Once the syrup is clear and glossy, you can decrease the heat, allowing the peels to soak up the sweetness.

If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor to your syrup, consider incorporating a splash of light corn syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract just before adding the peels. This not only keeps the syrup smooth but also adds a subtly complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the bright citrus.

Storing and Serving Recommendations

After coating the candied peels in sugar and allowing them to dry completely, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their texture. Use an airtight container to keep air out, which can lead to stickiness. If you prefer, separating layers with parchment paper can help prevent them from clumping together. Stored this way, the candied peels can last for several weeks, making them perfect for making treats ahead of time.

For serving, you can enjoy the candied orange peels as a standalone snack or chop them up to incorporate into baked goods like muffins or cakes. They also make a beautiful garnish for cocktails or desserts, providing both visual appeal and a burst of flavor that can elevate any dish.

Ingredients

To make Candied Orange Peel, you'll need the following fresh ingredients:

Ingredients

4 large oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional sugar for coating

Make sure to follow the steps carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Candied Orange Peel:

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel, trying to get as little of the white pith as possible. Cut the peels into strips and set aside.

Blanch the Peels

Place the orange peels in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes. Drain the peels and repeat this blanching process 2 more times. This helps remove the bitterness.

Make the Sugar Syrup

In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Candy the Peels

Add the blanched peels to the sugar syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for about 40 minutes, or until they become translucent. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Coat in Sugar

Once the peels are done, remove them from the syrup and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Roll the warm peels in sugar to coat them and let them dry completely.

Once dried, store the candied peels in an airtight container. Enjoy them as a snack or use them in your favorite recipes!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, you can add a touch of vanilla extract to the sugar syrup while it cooks!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of oranges or want to experiment, similar citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits can be used. However, keep in mind that lemons are significantly more tart, so you may need to adjust the sugar content in the syrup. Grapefruit peels provide a delightful bitter-sweet flavor that offers a unique twist on traditional candied peels, making it worthwhile to try in this recipe.

For those looking to refine their candy's texture or sweetness, substituting half the granulated sugar with a type of sugar like coconut sugar can provide a different flavor profile with a hint of caramel. Just be aware that this may affect the final color and sweetness level, so adjustments might be needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your candied peels seem too tough, it could be a sign that they weren’t blanched long enough or simmered in the syrup for the right duration. Make sure to monitor them closely during the simmering process; they should turn translucent, indicating they’ve absorbed enough syrup without becoming overcooked. If you accidentally overcook the peels, they may become undesirably chewy.

Conversely, if the peels are too soft or mushy, this could result from an overly vigorous boil during processing. Next time, ensure a gentle simmer is maintained, and try cutting thicker strips for added durability. Patience in the process yields the best results!

Make-Ahead Tips

Candied orange peels are an ideal make-ahead treat to have on hand. Once prepared, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. If you plan to use them as gifts, consider preparing them a week in advance. They will develop deeper flavors as they sit, enhancing their sweetness and overall complexity.

For added convenience, you can also freeze the coated peels. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature. This makes it easy to have a citrusy treat available whenever you need a sweet snack or a fancy dessert update.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes, you can definitely use lemon or grapefruit peels for a different flavor!

→ How should I store candied orange peels?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Is it possible to make this sugar-free?

You can use sugar substitutes designed for candy-making, but results may vary.

→ What can I do with leftover syrup?

You can use it as a sweetener for drinks or drizzle it over desserts.