Candied Orange Peel Recipe

Candied orange peel is a sweet, chewy treat made by cooking orange peels in sugar syrup until soft and glossy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make candied orange peel at home, this guide walks you through it in a clear, no-stress way, even if you’ve never tried candying fruit before.

I still remember the first time I made orange peel candy. I was just trying to avoid wasting peels after juicing oranges, and honestly, I didn’t expect much. But the smell alone, warm citrus and sugar, won me over. Since then, this has become one of those old-fashioned recipes I come back to every winter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a classic homemade candied orange peel recipe, you only need a few basics. No special tools. No fancy ingredients.

• 4 large oranges (navel, blood orange, or Seville all work)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• Extra sugar for coating (optional)

That’s it. If you plan to use this for baking or panettone, stick with thicker-skinned oranges. In my experience, they hold their shape better.

How to Make Candied Orange Peel

Making candied orange peel is a simple process of blanching, simmering, and drying. The steps look long, but the work itself is easy and forgiving.

Step 1: Prepare the Peels

Start by washing the oranges well, then cut off the top and bottom. Score the peel into four sections and remove it. Slice each piece into thin strips. These strips will become your candied orange peels.

Step 2: Blanch to Remove Bitterness

Blanching is what keeps candied orange peel from tasting harsh. Place the peels in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and repeat this step two more times. This process removes bitterness from the pith. Sometimes I do it four times if the peels are thick.

Step 3: Simmer in Sugar Syrup

To make candied orange peel in syrup, combine sugar and water in a clean pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the blanched peels and simmer for 40–45 minutes. The peels should look translucent and glossy. This is when orange peel in syrup turns into real candy.

Step 4: Dry and Coat

Remove the peels and place them on a rack or parchment paper. Let them dry until slightly tacky, then roll in sugar if you like. For dried candied orange peel, let it air-dry overnight.

Tips and Tricks for Best Results

If you want the best candied orange peel recipe, a few small tips make a big difference. First, don’t rush the simmer. Slow cooking gives that soft, chewy texture people love. Second, save the leftover syrup. It’s amazing in tea or cocktails.

I’m not entirely sure why, but peels always taste better the next day. Something about resting overnight just works.

How to Serve Candied Orange Peel

Candied orange peel is more versatile than people think. You can eat it as orange peel candy, dip it in chocolate for a chocolate-covered candied orange peel recipe, or chop it for baking.

For baking, this is perfect in fruitcake, cookies, or an easy candied orange peel recipe for panettone. It also shines in an old-fashioned cocktail as a garnish. I’ve even used it on top of oatmeal, surprisingly good.

Storage and Shelf Life

Candied orange peels keep well if stored correctly. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to three months or freeze them for six months.

If they stick together, toss them with a little sugar. It’s a simple fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make candied orange peel without bitterness?
You remove bitterness by blanching the peels several times in fresh water. This step softens the pith and mellows the sharp citrus taste, which is essential for a good candied orange peel recipe.

Can I use this recipe for baking?
Yes. Candied orange peel for baking works best when cut into small pieces and fully dried. This prevents extra moisture in cakes and breads.

Is candied orange peel the same as crystallized orange peel?
They’re very similar. Crystallized orange peel usually means the peels are fully dried and coated in sugar, while candied orange peel may stay slightly sticky.

Can I make a quick candied orange peel recipe?
You can shorten the process slightly, but skipping blanching often leads to bitterness. In my experience, “quick” usually means fewer drying hours, not fewer boiling steps.

Conclusion

Candied orange peel is one of those recipes that feels old-fashioned but never outdated. It turns scraps into something special, whether you’re baking, snacking, or gifting. Once you learn how to make candied orange peel, you’ll start seeing orange peels differently. They’re not a waste anymore. They’re potential.