Sweet, zesty homemade citrus candy with just 3 ingredients

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Homemade Candied Orange Peel is one of those old-fashioned treats that feels fancy but is secretly so simple. With just oranges, sugar, and water, you can turn leftover peel into glossy, sweet, citrusy strips that taste way better than anything in a package. Use them for holiday baking, snacking, gift-giving, or dipping in chocolate. This easy candied citrus peel method works with oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit and skips all the weird additives you’ll find in store-bought versions. If you love cozy kitchen projects and zero-waste recipes, this one is a must-save for your baking season and homemade gift boards.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: ~10 servings (about 8 oz candied peel total)

Ingredients

  • 3 large oranges, thoroughly washed & scrubbed
    • (or use lemons, limes, grapefruit, or a mix)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Extra fine granulated sugar, for coating

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Mixing bowl or zip-top bag (for sugar coating)
  • Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Prep the orange peel

  1. Slice off both ends of each orange.
  2. Score the peel vertically into 4–6 segments (like big petals).
  3. Gently peel off each segment of rind.
  4. If you want less bitterness, trim a bit of the white pith (optional, but don’t remove all of it or the peel can get tough).
  5. Slice the peel into ¼-inch wide strips.
  6. Set the peeled orange flesh aside for eating, juice, or another recipe. 🍊

2. Blanch to remove bitterness

  1. Add the sliced peels to a saucepan and cover with cold water.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
  4. Repeat this 1–2 more times (fresh water each time) to reduce bitterness.

3. Make the sugar syrup

  1. In the clean saucepan, add:
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
  2. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture simmers.

4. Candy the orange peel

  1. Add the blanched orange peel strips to the syrup.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. The peel is ready when it looks translucent and the syrup is lightly thickened (soft-ball stage, about 235–240°F if using a thermometer).

5. Coat in sugar ✨

  1. Use a slotted spoon to lift a few peel strips out of the syrup, letting excess syrup drip off.
  2. Drop the hot peel into a bowl or bag of fine sugar. Toss or shake until the strips are well-coated.
  3. Place each strip on a wire rack in a single layer.

6. Dry the peel

  1. Let the sugared peel dry on the rack for 1–2 days, until it’s dry to the touch and not sticky.
  2. Once dry, transfer to an airtight container.

💡 You can skip the sugar-coating and long drying if you plan to use the peel right away in baking and store leftover peel in the fridge or freezer.

Pro Tips

  • Use organic citrus if possible, since you’re eating the peel.
  • Don’t toss the syrup! The leftover citrus syrup is amazing in tea, sparkling water, mocktails, or drizzled over cakes.
  • Softer peel: Limit drying time and keep coated peel in the fridge or freezer without excess sugar.
  • Flavor twist: Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or whole cloves to the syrup while simmering for a warm spice vibe.
  • Chocolate-dipped treat: Once dried, dip one end of each strip in melted dark chocolate and let set – instant fancy candy. 🍫

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Per small serving of candied orange peel (about 3–4 strips):

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
~15 g530g13g0g1g12g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients, peel thickness, and sugar amount. For precise dietary information, please calculate using the exact brands and amounts you use or consult a nutrition professional.

Candied Orange Peel (Better Than Store-Bought!

Turn orange peels into a glossy, sweet citrus treat with just 3 ingredients! These homemade candied peels are perfect for snacking, baking, or gifting — with no additives or artificial ingredients.
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Course: Candy, Dessert Topping, Snack
Cuisine: DIY, Holiday, Homemade
Calories: 53
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Large oranges
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • Extra fine sugar

Method
 

  1. Slice off both ends of each orange. Score the peel into 4–6 segments and peel. Slice the peel into 1/4-inch strips after trimming excess white pith.
  2. Place peel in a saucepan with cold water. Boil for 15 minutes. Drain, rinse, and repeat 1–2 more times with fresh water.
  3. In a clean pan, combine 1 cup water and 2 cups sugar. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and simmering.
  4. Add blanched peel to syrup. Simmer on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
  5. Remove peel with a slotted spoon. Toss in fine sugar to coat.
  6. Place coated peel strips on a wire rack in a single layer. Dry at room temp for 1–2 days until dry to the touch.
  7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month or refrigerate/freezer for longer.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

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Conclusion

Candied Orange Peel is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your baking taste even better. With a little time and just a few basic ingredients, you can transform orange peels into sparkling, zesty candy that’s perfect for snacking, decorating, baking, or gifting. Once you see how easy and delicious homemade candied citrus peel is, you’ll never feel the need to buy the store-bought version again. 🍊✨