Making candied orange peel at home is much easier than it sounds and much tastier than store-bought peels. All you need to do is boil the peels until they soften, then leave them to simmer slowly in the sugar syrup until they become almost translucent — Perfect for baking or enjoying as a snack when you’re craving something sweet.
Ingredients
Yields: 2 Cups
- 4 large oranges (Organic ones with thick skin are best)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar for rolling (optional)
Recipes Suitable with Candied Orange Peel
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Scrub the orange well. Make slits in the peel with a knife into four sections, then peel the peel from the orange, keeping the white part attached. Next, cut the peeled peel into strips about 1/4 inch wide.
Step 2: Place the peels in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for one minute, then drain. Repeat this process two more times — Tip: Don’t skip this step! Quick rinsing is the key to getting rid of the bitterness.
Step 3: Use the same pot to whisk together the two cups of sugar and water, then place this mixture over low heat and add the peels. Cook on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes — The goal is for the peels to become translucent and the syrup to thicken.
Step 4: Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the peels and place them on a wire rack. Let the finished peels dry for about 24 hours until they are slightly sticky but not wet. Roll them in extra sugar if you want some extra crunch.
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Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’ll probably want to keep a jar of candied peels in your pantry year-round. They add a refreshing citrus flavor to cakes and cookies in a way that extracts just can’t, with a lovely, chewy texture that isn’t tough. This candied citrus peel recipe is perfect for dipping in dark chocolate for a quick treat, or for chopping up and adding to oatmeal for a delicious and simple twist. And on top of all that, it’s a clever and tasty way to use up leftover peels and prevent food waste.
Give this a try and let me know how it went! I’d love to hear your favorite way to eat them in the comments.
Candied Orange Peel
This homemade candied orange peel is sweet, chewy, and translucent. It's an easy 4-ingredient treat that's perfect for snacking, baking, or dipping in chocolate.
Ingredients
- 4 large oranges (Organic ones with thick skin are best)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Scrub the orange well. Make slits in the peel with a knife into four sections, then peel the peel from the orange, keeping the white part attached. Next, cut the peeled peel into strips about 1/4 inch wide.
- Place the peels in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for one minute, then drain. Repeat this process two more times — Tip: Don’t skip this step! Quick rinsing is the key to getting rid of the bitterness.
- Use the same pot to whisk together the two cups of sugar and water, then place this mixture over low heat and add the peels. Cook on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes — The goal is for the peels to become translucent and the syrup to thicken.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the peels and place them on a wire rack. Let the finished peels dry for about 24 hours until they are slightly sticky but not wet. Roll them in extra sugar if you want some extra crunch.
Notes
- Keep the leftover syrup in the pot! It's basically a simple syrup flavored with orange and is great in iced tea or lemonade.
- Storage – Place the dried fruit peels in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dark place, they will keep for about a month. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per ServingCalories 110Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 2mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 1gSugar 50gProtein 0g
Just a heads up—the calorie count and nutritional info here are just estimates! The actual numbers might vary a bit depending on the brands and ingredients you use.