Candied Orange Peel Snack
Highlighted under: Desserts & Sweets
I love making this Candied Orange Peel Snack whenever I have extra oranges lying around. It's such a simple yet delightful treat that elevates your snack game! The vibrant citrus flavor combined with the sweetness of sugar makes it addictive. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up the peels instead of tossing them! With just a bit of time and minimal ingredients, you can create a delicious snack that's perfect for sharing or enjoying alone with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
When I first attempted to make Candied Orange Peel, I didn't realize how enjoyable it would be to transform citrus scraps into something delicious. I thought it would be complicated, but the process is surprisingly straightforward. I found that using fresh oranges vastly improved the flavor and the end product's texture.
After several batches, I discovered that letting the peels dry for a couple of days intensifies their flavor. Each crunchy bite is like a burst of summer sunshine. Pairing them with dark chocolate for an extra indulgence is a habit I don't plan to break anytime soon!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and zesty flavor that brightens up any snack time
- Versatile: Enjoy as is or use in desserts and garnishes
- A sustainable way to utilize orange peels, reducing waste
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Candied Orange Peel Snack:
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: dark chocolate for dipping
Make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly before using them!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own sweet snack:
Start by peeling the oranges and make sure to keep the peels intact. Remove any excess white pith from the inside of the peels as it can be quite bitter.
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the orange peels to the boiling water and blanch them for about 5 minutes. This helps reduce bitterness.
In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the blanched orange peels to the sugar syrup and let them simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they are coated evenly.
Once the peels are translucent, remove them from the syrup and place them on a drying rack. Allow them to dry completely before enjoying or dipping in chocolate.
These candied peels can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks!
Enhancing the Candied Texture
To achieve the perfect candy texture, the drying process is essential. After removing the orange peels from the syrup, allow them to sit on a drying rack for several hours, or even overnight. This air-drying step is what helps firm up the peels and create that satisfying chewy texture. You can also dust them lightly with sugar before drying to enhance sweetness and keep them from sticking together.
If you're looking for a crisper bite, consider giving the peels a quick bake after they've dried. Place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning; they should come out slightly dried and firm, adding an interesting crunch to the overall taste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A common issue when making candied orange peels is the peels turning out too bitter. This can happen if the pith is not fully removed before blanching or if the blanching time is insufficient. If you find your final product to be too bitter, consider adding a bit more sugar in the syrup next time or combine the peels with a sweeter dessert to balance out the bitterness.
Sometimes, the syrup may crystallize instead of remaining a liquid. To prevent this, ensure that you stir frequently while the peels simmer. If crystallization does occur, you can reheat the syrup with a bit more water and sugar and give it a good stir until it returns to a syrupy consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use any type of orange?
Yes, but I recommend navel oranges for their sweetness and ease of peeling.
→ How should I store the candied orange peels?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
→ Can I use store-bought orange peel?
It's best to use fresh orange peel for the best flavor and texture.
→ Is there a way to make them spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sugar before coating the peels for a spicy-sweet contrast.
Candied Orange Peel Snack
Created by: The Hazelsrecipes Team
Recipe Type: Desserts & Sweets
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: dark chocolate for dipping
How-To Steps
Start by peeling the oranges and make sure to keep the peels intact. Remove any excess white pith from the inside of the peels as it can be quite bitter.
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the orange peels to the boiling water and blanch them for about 5 minutes. This helps reduce bitterness.
In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the blanched orange peels to the sugar syrup and let them simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they are coated evenly.
Once the peels are translucent, remove them from the syrup and place them on a drying rack. Allow them to dry completely before enjoying or dipping in chocolate.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 48g
- Protein: 0g