Candied Orange Peel with Warm Spices

Name: Candied Orange Peel with Warm Spices
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients: 2 large oranges; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup water; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground clove

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

I absolutely love making Candied Orange Peel with Warm Spices. The sweet, citrusy aroma fills my kitchen and brings back memories of cozy winter days. The process is surprisingly simple, yet the result is incredibly satisfying. I enjoy the way the warm spices intertwine with the bright flavor of the oranges, creating a perfect balance. It's a delightful treat that’s simply perfect for sharing or adding to baked goods. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover orange peels without wasting them!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-14T16:42:19.607Z

When I first attempted to candy orange peels, I was amazed at how much flavor came from something so simple. I decided to add a blend of warm spices to enhance the natural citrus notes, and that’s when the real magic happened! The aroma wafting through the house was intoxicating, making my family eagerly anticipate the final product.

One crucial tip I learned is to ensure that the orange peels are sliced thinly; this not only helps in achieving a tender texture but also enhances the candying process. Trust me, it’s worth taking that extra time for perfect slices!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:
The unique combination of warm spices adds depth to the sweet citrus flavor.
Perfectly tender texture that offers a delightful chew.
A wonderful way to impress friends and family with a homemade treat.

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to successfully crafting Candied Orange Peel lies in the quality of your oranges. Choose organic oranges if possible to avoid pesticide residues, as you will be using the peels directly. Look for oranges that are firm and fragrant, with vibrant skin. The sugar used in this recipe not only sweetens but also preserves the peels, so don’t skimp on it. Consider using a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar for a richer flavor profile, as brown sugar adds a subtle molasses note that enhances the warmth of the spices.

The spices you incorporate are just as crucial as the fruit itself. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove create a warm spice blend that complements the citrus brightness of the oranges. Each spice brings a different flavor element—cinnamon adds sweetness, nutmeg contributes earthiness, and clove introduces a bit of warmth and depth. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for an extra layer of complexity if you feel adventurous!

Perfecting Your Technique

Blanching the peels before candying is an essential step that helps to soften them and reduce bitterness. Make sure not to over-blanch; five minutes is usually just right. If the peels feel too tough after cooling, they can always be blanched again for another minute or two. This technique prepares them perfectly for absorbing the delicious syrup, creating that ideal tender and chewy texture that is so satisfying in each bite.

When simmering the peels in syrup, keep an eye on your heat level. A gentle simmer is what you want; if it boils too vigorously, the syrup might evaporate too quickly and lead to caramelization rather than candied peels. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating and to prevent sticking. You'll know they’re ready when the peels look glossy and slightly translucent—a beautiful indicator that they’ve absorbed enough syrup and flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Candied Orange Peel

2 large oranges
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground clove

Make sure to prepare your workspace before starting to ensure a smooth process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Candied Orange Peel with Warm Spices:

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly, then cut off the ends and slice them into quarters. Carefully remove the flesh, leaving just the peels. Slice the peels into thin strips.

Blanch the Peels

In a pot of boiling water, blanch the orange peels for about 5 minutes to soften them. Drain the peels and set them aside.

Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Candy the Peels

Add the blanched orange peels to the syrup, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the peels are translucent.

Dry and Finish

Remove the peels from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and dry for at least 1 hour.

Once dried, you can store your candied orange peels in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can dust the cooled peels with sugar before storing them to add a sparkly finish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once your Candied Orange Peels have completely dried, they can be stored in an airtight container. They will keep well for at least two weeks at room temperature. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are fully dried before freezing, and you can layer them between parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Thaw them by leaving them out at room temperature or gently reheating them in a low oven if you want them to regain some of their chewiness.

For long-term storage, keep in mind that the peels can also be coated in granulated sugar after drying to help preserve their texture and sweetness. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds a lovely sugary crunch on the outside, elevating your treat into something especially bon appétit-worthy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Candied Orange Peels make a delightful addition to an array of baked goods. Try chopping them finely and mixing them into cookie or muffin batter for a citrusy twist, or stir them into granola for an energizing breakfast option. They also pair beautifully with chocolate; consider dipping them in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant treat. Not only do they taste divine, but they also make for beautiful gifts when packaged nicely in a jar tied with a ribbon.

Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits! Grapefruit and lemon peels can be similarly candied, allowing for variations of flavor that can cater to different preferences. Just keep in mind they may require slight adjustments in the simmering time based on their thickness and bitterness. Don't hesitate to mix and match spices as well—ginger and star anise could provide an exciting new twist!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use lemon or grapefruit peels instead?

Yes, you can use lemon or grapefruit peels! However, adjust the sugar in the recipe to account for their stronger tartness.

→ How long do candied orange peels last?

When stored in an airtight container, candied orange peels can last for up to a month.

→ What do I do with leftover syrup?

The leftover syrup is delicious on pancakes, waffles, or as a sweetener for tea!

→ Can I freeze candied orange peels?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag.