Candied Blood Oranges 

Candied blood orange slices are one of those simple orange recipes that look super impressive but are actually simple to make. Just simmer thin slices in a sugar syrup until they turn translucent and glossy, with a chewy texture and sweet-tart bite.

Candied orange slices are great for topping cakes, garnishing drinks, or layering onto a tart, really anything that could use a pop of citrus and color.

They also make great DIY food gifts. Once they’re cooled and dried, you can package them up in a pretty jar an easy, homemade gift. Whether you’re making them for yourself or giving them away, this is a straightforward method that turns a few oranges into something special.

Let’s simmer some up! 

Overhead view of several blood orange cheesecake bars on white plates surrounded by fresh and sliced blood oranges, showcasing the dessert’s rich layers and garnished tops

Ingredients

  • 3 blood oranges
  • 2 cups water
  • 1½ cups sugar
Three whole blood oranges rest on a marble surface beside two glass bowls—one filled with granulated sugar and the other with water, the basic ingredients for making candied oranges

Steps to make Candied Blood Oranges 

1. Thinly slice the blood oranges, discarding the ends.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.

A saucepan filled with a pale sugar and water mixture on a marble countertop, showing the beginning stage of the simple syrup used to candy the oranges

3. Add the blood orange slices to the syrup and gently toss to coat. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.

Slices of blood oranges simmering in a saucepan of syrup during the candying process, with vibrant colors and glossy texture

4. Carefully remove the slices from the syrup and place on a wire rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet.

Slices of blood oranges laid out on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet, glistening with syrup after being candied

5. Allow the slices to dry at room temperature for 24 hours until no longer tacky or sticky.

6. Alternative quick-dry method: Place orange slices in oven at 170°F for 2 hours.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Note: Prepare these candied oranges the day before making Blood Orange Cheesecake Bars.

Close-up of a blood orange cheesecake bar on a white scalloped plate, featuring a golden graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, vibrant red gelatin topping, and a candied blood orange slice centered on top
A full view of the decorated cheesecake bars in a square pan with evenly placed candied blood orange slices on top of vibrant red jelly

Candied Blood Oranges

Yield: Approximately 9 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Drying Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour

Sweet, tangy Candied Blood Oranges are perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or as a pretty food gift

Ingredients

  • 3 blood oranges
  • 2 cups water
  • 1½ cups sugar

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the blood oranges, discarding the ends.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Add the blood orange slices to the syrup and gently toss to coat. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the slices from the syrup and place on a wire rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Allow the slices to dry at room temperature for 24 hours until no longer tacky or sticky.
  6. Alternative quick-dry method: Place orange slices in oven at 170°F for 2 hours.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Note: Prepare these candied oranges the day before making Blood Orange Cheesecake Bars.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 1gSugar: 37gProtein: 0g

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