Candied Orange Slices
These homemade candied orange slices are simmered in a simple sugar syrup, dried, and dipped in rich dark chocolate. They're a beautiful finishing touch for mini orange cheesecakes and make a delicious treat for holiday dessert trays or homemade gifts.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 225kcal
Ingredients
- 3-4 Oranges Sliced 1/8" thick - Small Naval Oranges
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Morsels
Instructions
- Wash and slice the oranges. Thoroughly wash and dry the oranges. Cut into even rounds approximately ⅛–3/16 inch thick. Remove any seeds, leaving the peel intact.
- Blanch the slices. Bring a saucepan of plain water to a boil. Add the orange slices and boil for 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, then drain. This helps reduce bitterness in the peel.
- Simmer the orange slices. Carefully add the oranges to the syrup, keeping them in a single layer when possible. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peels soften and the slices look translucent. Work in batches if necessary..
- Dry the slices. Remove the oranges with tongs and place them on a wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to dry at room temperature for 12–24 hours, until no longer wet but still slightly tacky.
- Prepare the chocolate. If making chocolate-dipped oranges, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Dip the oranges. Dip half of each dried orange slice into the melted chocolate. Place on clean parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set completely. Leave some slices plain for variety.
- Serve or package. Use the finished orange slices to decorate chilled mini orange cheesecakes, arrange both varieties on a holiday dessert tray, or layer them between parchment paper in a food-safe gift box.
Notes
- Orange size: Small oranges or mandarins work best for bite-sized treats and individual cheesecake garnishes.
- Plain variation: Skip the chocolate for a bright, sweet citrus treat.
- Chocolate variation: Dip half of each slice in dark or semisweet chocolate.
- Cheesecake garnish: Choose smaller slices and add them shortly before serving.
- Holiday trays: Arrange plain and chocolate-dipped slices together for color and variety.
- Homemade gifts: Allow the slices to dry completely, package in food-safe containers, and include refrigeration instructions.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with parchment paper between layers. Make close to the intended serving or gifting date for best quality.
- Yield: Varies depending on orange size and slice thickness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Slice | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 0.2mg
