There is something utterly magical about bright, glossy orange slices cloaked in rich, velvety chocolate—the perfect combination of citrusy brightness and decadent sweetness. This Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe transforms simple oranges into an irresistible treat that feels both elegant and cozy, making it ideal for gifting, snacking, or jazzing up any dessert table. The process is surprisingly straightforward, despite the stunning results, and once you taste these luscious confections, you’ll be hooked for life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe is a joy because the ingredients list is wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma.
- 6 oranges: Fresh, firm oranges provide the juicy base and bright citrus flavor that shines through every bite.
- 3 cups sugar: This sweetens the syrup and helps the oranges candy beautifully, giving them that glossy, tender texture.
- 1 2/3 cups water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and gently simmering the orange slices to infuse flavor and soften them just right.
- Spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise): These warm spices add a subtle depth and festive aroma that complement the citrus zest perfectly.
- Your preferred chocolate for dipping: Whether you love dark, milk, or even white chocolate, choose one that melts smoothly and pairs well with the tangy oranges.
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Oranges
Start by washing the oranges thoroughly, then slice them into rounds about 0.3 inches thick to ensure even candying. If you’re sensitive to bitterness, blanch these slices in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften and tame that sharp pith flavor, setting the stage for a sweeter final treat.
Step 2: Simmer in Spiced Sugar Syrup
In a large pot, combine sugar, your chosen spices, and water, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Nestle the orange slices into the syrup and simmer gently over low heat for about one and a half hours. This slow cooking infuses the fruit with sweet, spicy notes and tenderizes each slice to that perfect candy consistency.
Step 3: Drain and Dry the Orange Slices
Once tender and translucent, carefully remove the oranges from the syrup and let the excess drip off. Lay them out on paper towels to absorb any leftover moisture, creating a slightly tacky surface that helps the chocolate adhere beautifully.
Step 4: Low Oven Bake to Set
Arrange the orange slices on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 212°F (100°C). Bake for 30 minutes in total, flipping halfway through to encourage even drying. This step intensifies the candying effect and gives a slight chewiness that contrasts delightfully with the smooth chocolate coating.
Step 5: Dip in Melted Chocolate
After letting the slices cool completely, dip each one carefully into melted chocolate, coating it fully for that luscious finish. Set them on parchment to harden, and you’ll soon have gleaming, mouthwatering candies ready to impress anyone lucky enough to taste them.
How to Serve Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or crushed pistachios on the chocolate before it sets. The salt enhances the rich chocolate notes while the nuts add a lovely crunch and a pop of color, making each bite a beautiful sensory experience.
Side Dishes
These candies partner wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or a robust coffee, offering a sweet counterpoint to the warm beverages. They also shine on a cheese board alongside aged gouda or creamy brie, where their citrus brightness provides a delightful palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap these orange-and-chocolate morsels in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, arrange them artistically on a large platter—perhaps dusted lightly with cocoa powder or cinnamon—for a stunning dessert centerpiece during holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chocolate-dipped candied oranges in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally in a cool, dry place. They will maintain their texture and flavor beautifully for up to two weeks, perfect for enjoying bit by bit or sharing with friends over time.
Freezing
If you’re preparing in advance or want to preserve these treats longer, freezing works well. Place the slices in a single layer on parchment-lined trays, freeze until firm, then transfer to airtight containers. Thaw gently at room temperature before enjoying to maintain that satisfying chew and crisp chocolate shell.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no need for reheating. Simply let frozen or refrigerated slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes and your Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe magic will be restored with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lemons, grapefruits, or blood oranges all work wonderfully and can add their own unique flavor twists to your chocolate-dipped candies.
What type of chocolate is best for dipping?
Choose high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly; dark chocolate offers a sophisticated balance against the citrus, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier finish. White chocolate can be lovely too but may need tempering for the best texture.
Do I have to blanch the orange slices?
Blanching is optional but recommended if you want to reduce bitterness from the pith. Skipping this step will give a more robust citrus flavor but with a slightly bitter edge that some enjoy.
How long do these candied oranges last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they can stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks at room temperature.
Can I skip the baking step?
Baking helps set the texture and dry the slices slightly for better chocolate adhesion. Skipping it may result in a moister, softer candy that’s harder to handle.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe is such a heartfelt delight, blending simple ingredients into a festive treat that’s both stunning and addictive. Whether you’re making them as gifts or simply treating yourself, these candied beauties offer a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and citrusy goodness that warms the heart every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy with those you love!
Print
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
Delight in these beautifully candied orange slices, slowly simmered in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with warm spices, then gently dried in the oven before being luxuriously dipped in your preferred chocolate. Perfect as a elegant treat or a gift, these chocolate-dipped candied oranges balance zesty citrus brightness with rich, sweet chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
Oranges
- 6 oranges
Syrup
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 2/3 cups water
- Spices: 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 1 star anise
Chocolate
- 200 grams preferred chocolate for dipping (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Slices: Wash the oranges thoroughly and slice them into approximately 0.3-inch thick rounds. Optionally, blanch the slices in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to reduce bitterness and then drain.
- Cook in Sugar Syrup: In a large pot, combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, then add the orange slices. Cook slowly for about 1.5 hours, allowing the slices to candy and absorb the spiced syrup flavors.
- Drain and Prepare for Drying: Remove the candied orange slices from the pot and drain off any excess syrup. Lay the slices flat on paper towels to absorb additional moisture, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Dry in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 212°F (100°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the orange slices for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even drying and a slightly chewy texture.
- Cool and Dip in Chocolate: Allow the orange slices to cool completely after baking. Melt your chosen chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave. Dip each cooled slice into the melted chocolate until fully coated, then lay them out on parchment paper to set and harden.
Notes
- Blanching oranges reduces bitterness but is optional if you prefer a more intense orange flavor.
- Ensure oranges are sliced evenly for uniform candying and drying.
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the chocolate before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Use parchment paper during baking and chocolate coating for easy cleanup.
- Store the finished chocolate-dipped candied oranges in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
