If you’ve ever wanted your kitchen to smell like a fancy little candy shop (without actually going to one and dropping $14 on “artisan citrus jewels”), this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s cozy, simple, and feels a little magical—because you’re basically turning everyday oranges into glossy, chewy candy slices with just sugar and water.
And yes… it looks impressive. Like “Oh, these? I just made them” impressive. (You don’t have to mention how easy it is. Your secret is safe with me.)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients. Oranges (or tangelos), sugar, and water. That’s it.
- Gorgeous results. Those translucent slices look like edible stained glass.
- Totally giftable. Pop them in a jar with a ribbon and suddenly you’re the person who “makes candy.”
- Customizable. Roll in sugar, dip in chocolate, add flaky salt… choose your own adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 small oranges or tangelos (about 18–20 slices)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
That’s refreshingly low-maintenance, right?
How to Make Classic Homemade Orange Candy (Step-by-Step)
1) Prepare the oranges
Wash your oranges well (especially if they’re not organic—these peels are part of the candy!).
Slice into thin ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline so they cook evenly. Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible—this helps everything finish at the same pace.
2) Make the syrup
In a large skillet or saucepan, combine:
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.
3) Simmer the orange slices
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (not a raging boil—think “lazy bubbles”).
Add the orange slices in a single layer (a little overlap is fine). Simmer for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the peel turns translucent and the slices look glossy.
You’ll know they’re ready when they look like they’ve gone from “fresh orange” to “jewel-toned candy.”
4) Dry the slices
Use tongs to lift the slices out carefully (they’re delicate and slippery—like a toddler who just discovered lotion).
Lay them in a single layer on a wire rack. Let them dry at room temperature, uncovered, for 24–48 hours, until they’re tacky but set—kind of like gummy candy.
Optional Finishes (Because Candy Should Be Fun)
Choose one—or do a few and feel like you run a boutique candy counter.
Frosted sugar coating
Once the slices are mostly set (still slightly tacky), roll them in granulated sugar for a sparkly, frosted look.
Chocolate-dipped orange slices
Melt chocolate and dip slices halfway or fully. Let set on parchment paper.
Pro move: add a tiny sprinkle of flaky salt while the chocolate is still wet. Sweet-salty perfection.
My Best Tips (So Yours Come Out Gorgeous)
- Go for thin, even slices. If some slices are much thicker, they’ll take longer and won’t match the texture of the others.
- Keep it at a gentle simmer. A hard boil can make slices break down or curl weirdly.
- Be patient with drying. The drying time is where the candy texture happens. If they’re still wet or very sticky after 24 hours, give them longer.
- Save the leftover citrus syrup. Don’t you dare toss it. It’s amazing in iced tea, cocktails/mocktails, drizzled over pancakes, or stirred into yogurt.
If your syrup looks thick near the end, don’t panic—it’s not “ruined,” it’s just turning into pure liquid comfort.
A Little Real-Life Note From My Kitchen
This recipe is the kind of thing I make when I want a “I have my life together” moment… even if my laundry is doing that thing where it lives in a basket for three days. The first time I made candied orange slices, I kept walking past the drying rack like, “Wait, I made those?” It’s oddly satisfying—like crafting, but snackable.
Also: if you have kids or roommates, label the drying rack situation. Otherwise, someone will “sample” them before they’re ready. (Ask me how I know.)
FAQs About Homemade Orange Candy
Can I use tangelos or other citrus?
Yes! Tangelos work beautifully (and taste extra bright). You can also try lemons or grapefruit, but keep in mind grapefruit can be more bitter.
How do I store candied orange slices?
Once fully dried and set, store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1–2 weeks. If your kitchen is warm or humid, they may last better in the fridge.
Why are my slices still sticky after 48 hours?
Usually it’s humidity or they just need more drying time. Leave them out longer, or move them to a drier spot. If you’re in a very humid area, you can place them in the oven with the light on (oven off) to create a slightly warmer, drier environment.
Can I dip them in chocolate right away?
Wait until they’re mostly dry and set. If they’re too wet, the chocolate can slide off or turn streaky.
Sweet Little Candy-Shop Vibes at Home
There’s something ridiculously comforting about making your own candy—especially when it’s as simple as this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe. It’s equal parts cozy project and delicious reward, and it turns basic oranges into something that feels special (without you needing a candy thermometer or culinary degree).
If you try it, make a few finishes—some sugar-coated, some chocolate-dipped—because variety is fun and also because you deserve options. And when someone asks where you bought them, just smile like you’re casually magical… and enjoy your Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe moment.
Keep the Sweet Citrus Vibes Going
- If you loved how this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe turns simple citrus into a shiny, gift-worthy treat, you’ll probably also adore these Orange Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies for that same orange-and-chocolate “fancy bakery” energy—no fancy bakery budget required.
- Want another bright, citrusy dessert that’s perfect for cookie swaps and holiday trays? Try my buttery Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies—they’re the kind of cookie that disappears “mysteriously” from the container.
- If your candied slices have you in a full-on “I can candy anything” mood, take that energy to my sparkling Candied Cranberries—they’re sweet, tart, and basically edible holiday decorations.
- And if you’re building a full candy-and-treats spread (or planning edible gifts), don’t miss Christmas Crock Pot Candy—it’s another low-effort, high-reward sweet that feels like you tried way harder than you did.
Before you go—if you made this Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a quick review and tap a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (be honest… but also, I’m rooting for you and your candy slices).
Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 70 minutes (Additional time: 24–48 hours drying at room temperature.)
- Yield: 18–20 slices 1x
Description
This Classic Homemade Orange Candy Recipe makes glossy, chewy candied orange (or tangelo) slices with just 3 ingredients. Perfect for gifting, snacking, and chocolate-dipping.
Ingredients
3 small oranges or tangelos (about 18–20 thin slices)
3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups water
Instructions
Slice the citrus: Wash oranges well. Slice into ¼-inch rounds (a mandoline helps for even slices).
Make the syrup: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add orange slices in a single layer (slight overlap is okay). Simmer 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally, until peels look translucent.
Dry: Remove slices with tongs and place in a single layer on a wire rack. Let dry at room temp, uncovered, 24–48 hours, until tacky but set (gummy-like).
Optional finishes: Roll in sugar for a frosted look, or dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Notes
Drying time matters: Humidity can extend drying time—give them extra time if they’re still very sticky.
Uniform slices = best texture: Try to keep slices an even thickness so they candy evenly.
Save the syrup: Leftover citrus syrup is amazing in tea, cocktails/mocktails, or drizzled on pancakes.
Optional upgrades: Sugar-roll after drying, or dip in dark chocolate for a classic orange-chocolate combo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg