Candied Orange Peel Homemade Candy

Name: Candied Orange Peel Homemade Candy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 10 pieces
Ingredients: 4 large oranges; 4 cups water; 3 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Additional granulated sugar for coating

Highlighted under: Festive Baking

I recently discovered the joy of making candied orange peel at home, and it has become a delightful little project I look forward to! The process is quite simple, and the result is a sweet treat that perfectly balances the natural bitterness of orange rind with sugary goodness. I love how these chewy little bites can be enjoyed on their own, used to elevate desserts, or mixed into baked goods for a burst of citrus flavor. Trust me, once you've tried homemade candied orange peel, you'll never want to reach for the store-bought version again.

Created by

The Jamescookbook Team

Last updated on 2026-04-01T17:03:38.467Z

When I first attempted candied orange peel, I was surprised by how easy it was to create this sweet treat from scratch. The key is to thoroughly boil the peels to soften them and infuse them with sugar, which helps preserve their vibrant color and citrus flavor. During my first trial, I spent some time adjusting the sugar concentration, and I found that a gradual addition produced the perfect balance of sweetness without overshadowing the orange's natural zest.

It’s also a wonderful way to use up orange peels instead of tossing them away. You can even add spices or other citrus zest to infuse different flavors into the candy. I like to store my candied orange peel in an airtight container, and they last for weeks, making them a great treat to have on hand for when a sweetness craving strikes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Zesty and fragrant, with a perfect sweetness
Versatile for snacking or using in desserts
A fun project that makes great gifts

Understanding Bitterness in Orange Peels

When making candied orange peel, understanding the natural bitterness of orange peels is crucial. The bitterness can be quite pronounced, which is why the boiling process is repeated multiple times. This step is essential to achieving the balanced flavor profile you want—it's not just about the sweetness. Each boil helps leach out compounds responsible for the bitter taste, resulting in a much more enjoyable treat. If you find the peels are still too bitter after three rounds, consider an additional round of boiling before proceeding with the syrup.

During the boiling process, make sure to check the color and texture of the peels. You want them to be pliable but firm enough that they won’t disintegrate in the syrup. If they start to become too soft during boiling, reduce the time slightly, as overcooking can lead to loss of structure. Maintaining this balance is key to perfect candied orange peels.

The Art of Sugar Syrup

Making the sugar syrup is a critical step that determines the final texture of your candied orange peels. It's important to dissolve the sugar completely over medium heat without bringing it to a vigorous boil. A gentle simmer allows the sugar to slowly infuse into the peels, resulting in a glossy finish. If you notice any crystallization starting, lower the heat and stir until it’s fully incorporated.

Once the peels go into the syrup, keep the temperature consistent. If the syrup starts to boil too hard, it can cause the peels to cook unevenly, which affects the final product. You want them to simmer gently for at least 60 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They should become translucent and tender, indicating they’ve absorbed enough sugar and flavor.

Coating and Storing Candied Orange Peels

Coating your candied orange peels in additional granulated sugar not only enhances their sweetness but also helps create a beautiful, sparkly finish. After your peels have cooled on a wire rack, I recommend rolling them in sugar immediately, while they're still slightly tacky. This allows the sugar to adhere better, ensuring a nice coating that will enhance bite texture.

For storage, ensure that the candied peels are fully cooled and dry before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help prevent any unwanted moisture, which could lead to soggy candy. They can be kept in a cool, dark place for several weeks, but if you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigeration. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying them again!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your homemade candied orange peel!

Ingredients

4 large oranges
4 cups water
3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional granulated sugar for coating

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to begin!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a successful candied orange peel!

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly and cut the ends off. Carefully slice the oranges into quarters and remove the inner fruit, leaving only the peel.

Boil the Peels

Put the orange peels in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain the peels and repeat this process two more times to remove bitterness.

Make the Syrup

In a new pot, combine the sugar, 4 cups of water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then add the boiled peels to the syrup.

Simmer the Peels

Allow the peels to simmer in the sugar syrup for about 60–90 minutes until they become translucent and tender.

Cool and Coat

Remove the peels from the syrup and let them cool on a wire rack. Once dry, roll them in additional granulated sugar to coat.

Store Your Candies

Transfer the candied orange peels to an airtight container. They can be enjoyed immediately or stored for up to several weeks.

With these steps completed, you can now enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider infusing the syrup with spices such as cinnamon or star anise during the simmering process.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade candied orange peel can be enjoyed in numerous ways. One of my favorite uses is to chop them finely and mix them into cookie dough for a delightful citrus twist. They can also be added to chocolate bark, where the bitterness of the chocolate beautifully complements the sweetness of the orange peels. Consider using them as a garnish for festive cupcakes or alongside cheese platters for a sophisticated touch.

You can also use candied orange peels to make your own flavored liqueurs. By soaking them in vodka or rum, you can create a delicious citrus-infused spirit that can be enjoyed in cocktails or as an after-dinner drink. Simply combine the peels with your chosen alcohol in a clean jar, and let it steep in a cool, dark place for a few weeks, shaking it occasionally.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh oranges on hand but still want to try candied peels, other citrus fruits like lemons or grapefruits can work wonderfully. Just remember that the flavor profile will change slightly. Additionally, if you're looking for a lower-calorie version, consider using a sugar substitute that can be used for candy-making. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, as some substitutes behave differently in cooking.

For a different texture and flavor, you can also experiment with infusing the sugar syrup with spices such as cinnamon or cloves. This adds a unique twist to the candied peels and makes them stand out if you're planning to give them as gifts. Just be cautious with the amount you use; a little goes a long way!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes, you can use lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels to make similar candies.

→ How should I store candied orange peel?

Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for several weeks.

→ Can I dip them in chocolate?

Absolutely! Dipping candied orange peel in melted chocolate adds a deliciously rich contrast.

→ Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Reducing sugar may alter the texture and preservation, but you may experiment with reducing it slightly for a less sweet candy.