Sweet Candied Citrus Recipe: A Zesty Treat In Minutes

Zesty, bright, and irresistibly sweet, this candied citrus delight recipe brings sunshine to your kitchen with every golden, sugary slice.

Vibrant citrus fruits shimmer under a crystalline coating that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Generations of home cooks have cherished these glimmering treats that dance between tangy and sugary sensations.

The process might seem intricate, but each step unfolds with delightful simplicity and charm.

Careful caramelization creates a stunning finish that makes these candied gems sparkle like edible jewels.

Stunning as a standalone snack or elegant dessert garnish, these citrus treasures will become your new favorite culinary adventure.

Prepare to fall in love with a confection that celebrates the pure, radiant essence of citrus.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Candied Citrus

• Oranges: Vibrant, thick-skinned fruits that provide the zesty foundation for this sweet treat, selecting ripe and fragrant oranges ensures maximum flavor intensity.
• Vanilla Bean: Elegant flavor enhancer that adds subtle aromatic depth and sophisticated warmth to the candied peels.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary sweetening agent that transforms orange peels into delectable candied delights, creating a sparkling crystal-like exterior.
• Chocolate (Optional): Rich, indulgent coating that elevates the candied peels into a gourmet confectionery experience, perfect for adding luxurious complexity.

• Water: Essential liquid for boiling and softening orange peels, helping to remove natural bitterness and prepare the strips for candying.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that facilitates easy drying and prevents candied peels from sticking during the cooling process.
• Tongs: Precise kitchen tool for safely handling hot and delicate candied peels without damaging their delicate texture.

Tools That Help With Candied Citrus

• Kitchen knife: Sharp and sturdy for precise orange peel cutting.
• Vegetable brush: Helps clean orange peels thoroughly.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling and simmering orange peels.
• Colander: Drains boiled peels quickly and efficiently.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling hot candied peels.
• Drying rack: Allows air circulation for even drying of citrus strips.
• Parchment paper: Catches sugar and provides a clean surface.
• Small bowl: Holds granulated sugar for coating peels.
• Optional items: Chocolate melting pot or microwave-safe bowl for chocolate dipping.

How to Create Candied Citrus in No Time

• Orange Peel Preparation

Carefully wash oranges to clean the peels, which will be used in the candying process. Remove the outer skin, creating delicate strips that will transform into a sweet treat.

• Sugar Bath Immersion

Boil the orange strips twice to reduce any harsh bitterness. This initial cleansing prepares the peels for their sugary transformation, creating a smooth and delightful texture.

• Syrup Infusion

Combine water and sugar in a pot, creating a luscious liquid that will coat the orange strips. Simmer gently, allowing the peels to absorb the sweet essence and become translucent and tender.

• Drying and Crystallization

Transfer the candied strips to a drying rack, letting them rest and develop a delicate, slightly crisp exterior. This patient process ensures a perfect candy-like consistency.

• Sweet Finishing

Roll the dried orange peels in granulated sugar, creating a sparkling exterior. For an extra indulgence, consider dipping the strips in rich melted chocolate, adding a decadent layer of flavor.

Tips and Flavor Boosters for Candied Citrus

• Sweet Preservation Trick: Candied orange peels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their delightful texture and sugary crunch.
• Citrus Variety Adventure: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, or tangerines to create unique flavor profiles and colorful candied treats.
• Flavor Infusion Magic: Enhance the sugar syrup by adding spices like cinnamon stick, star anise, or a splash of bourbon for an extra layer of complexity and depth.
• Gifting Gourmet Idea: Package these candied peels in decorative glass jars or wrap them in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade, elegant food gift that impresses friends and family.
• Culinary Creativity Boost: Chop the candied peels and sprinkle them over desserts like ice cream, mix into cake batters, or use as a garnish for cocktails to add a zesty, sweet touch to your culinary creations.

Ways to Present Candied Citrus Beautifully

• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the candied orange peels beautifully on a vintage platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves, creating an elegant dessert display perfect for weekend gatherings.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package these delightful citrus strips in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, making charming homemade gifts for food lovers and sweet enthusiasts.
• Dessert Garnish Magic: Delicately place chocolate-dipped candied peels atop creamy cheesecakes, mousse, or ice cream sundaes to add a sophisticated citrusy crunch and gourmet touch.
• Tea Time Companion: Serve these candied orange peels alongside afternoon tea, complementing Earl Grey or chamomile with their sweet-tangy flavor and providing a delightful nibble between sips.

How to Save and Store Candied Citrus Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep candied orange peels in an airtight container at room temperature, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 weeks. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration Strategy: For extended freshness, store the candied peels in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They'll maintain their quality for up to 6 weeks, perfect for slow snacking.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual strips tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen candied peels can last up to 3 months, offering a sweet treat anytime you crave a citrusy indulgence.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Package the candied orange peels in decorative glass jars or cellophane bags with a ribbon. These homemade treats make charming edible gifts for friends and family, showcasing your culinary creativity.

Vibrant Candied Citrus Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Candied Citrus Delight showcases zesty orange and lemon peels with delicate sugar crystallization. Guests savor sweet-tangy Mediterranean-inspired treats that sparkle with refined culinary elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 organic oranges
• 2 cups (480 mL/16 fl oz) water
• 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• Additional sugar for coating
• Chocolate for dipping

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Scrub oranges thoroughly under running water, then trim tops and bottoms. Carefully slice peels into four sections and cut into slender 1/4-inch strips.
2. Blanching: Transfer peel strips to a pot of water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Drain completely in a colander, then repeat boiling process to remove bitter undertones.
3. Candying: Combine peels with water, sugar, and vanilla bean in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, allowing peels to become translucent and syrup to condense, stirring occasionally.
4. Drying: Remove from heat and let peels rest in warm syrup momentarily. Extract strips using tongs and arrange on a wire rack over parchment paper. Allow to air-dry for 8-24 hours until completely dehydrated.
5. Finishing: Coat dried peels generously with granulated sugar. Optional: Dip sugar-crusted strips in melted chocolate, placing on parchment paper to set until chocolate hardens completely.

Notes

• Brush Thoroughly: Clean oranges meticulously with a vegetable brush to remove any wax or dirt, ensuring food-safe peels.
• Boil Twice: Double-boiling orange peels removes bitter compounds, creating a smoother, more refined candy texture.
• Drying Matters: Patient air-drying for 8-24 hours guarantees crisp, delicate candied peels that aren’t overly sticky or soft.
• Chocolate Option: Dipping in melted chocolate transforms simple candied peels into a gourmet confection, adding rich complexity and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg