Candied Citrus Peel Recipe: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making your own candy, especially when it’s as vibrant and zesty as candied citrus peels! The process is simple yet rewarding, turning everyday orange and lemon peels into a sweet treat that bursts with flavor. Trust me, once you try this Candied Citrus Peel Recipe, you’ll never look at citrus peels the same way again. It’s amazing how such humble scraps of fruit can be transformed into delightful morsels that are perfect for snacking or garnishing your favorite desserts.

As you work through this recipe, you’ll experience the joy of creating something uniquely yours. The sweet and tangy balance of the candied peels makes them not only satisfying to eat but also a beautiful addition to any dish. So, grab your citrus fruits, and let’s dive into the world of homemade candy!

Ingredients for Candied Citrus Peel Recipe

To whip up your own delightful candied citrus peels, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 oranges: Choose fresh, firm oranges. The zestier the orange, the more flavorful your candy will be!
• 2 lemons: Like the oranges, make sure they’re fresh. The tartness of the lemons adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
• 2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar works best for this recipe, as it dissolves easily in the syrup and helps the peels become beautifully sweet.
• 1 cup water: This is for creating the syrup that the peels will simmer in – just enough to dissolve the sugar and create that luscious coating.

That’s it! With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a treat that’s both sweet and tangy. Don’t worry if you’ve never made candy before; it’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding!

How to Prepare Candied Citrus Peel Recipe

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring your sweet vision to life! Making candied citrus peels is a straightforward process, and I’ll guide you through each step. Let’s make some candy magic!

Step 1: Wash the Citrus Fruits

First things first, we need to wash those beautiful oranges and lemons thoroughly! This step is crucial because you want to remove any wax or residues that might be lingering on the skin. Give them a good scrub under running water, and don’t be shy about it! A clean surface makes for tastier candied peels.

Step 2: Peel the Oranges and Lemons

Next, it’s time to peel! Carefully remove the skin of the oranges and lemons, trying your best to get just the outer zest and leaving behind as much of the white pith as possible. The pith can be bitter, and we want our candied peels to be sweet and tangy. I like using a sharp vegetable peeler for this, as it helps me control the thickness. If you end up with some pith, no biggie—just try to minimize it for the best flavor!

Step 3: Cut the Peels into Strips

Now, let’s cut those peels into strips. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness; this ensures they cook evenly and gives you that perfect bite. You can make them thicker or thinner depending on your preference, but keep in mind that thinner strips will candy faster. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even create fun shapes!

Step 4: Prepare the Syrup

Time to make the syrup! In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, stirring gently until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Watch it closely, as you don’t want it to boil over—trust me, that’s a sticky mess! Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Citrus Peels

Now, add your freshly cut citrus peels to the syrup. Let them simmer gently for about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn translucent and shiny. Keep an eye on the pot; if it starts to bubble too vigorously, just lower the heat a bit. This is where the transformation magic happens!

Step 6: Cool the Peels

Once your peels are beautifully translucent, it’s time to cool them down. Carefully remove the peels from the syrup using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack. Let them cool completely—this is important because it helps set the candy and makes coating them easier later on!

Step 7: Coat with Sugar

Finally, it’s time for the sweet finish! Once the peels are cool, roll them in a bowl of granulated sugar until they’re nicely coated. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the peels sparkle. Don’t be shy with the sugar; you want them to be well coated! And there you have it, your homemade candied citrus peels, ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make your candied citrus peels, here are some handy tips to ensure your candy turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!

• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer chewier peels, cut them a bit thicker. Just remember, thicker peels will take a little longer to candy. Conversely, if you like a quick candy, go for thinner strips!
• Experiment with Citrus: Don’t feel limited to just oranges and lemons! You can try grapefruits or limes for a fun twist. Each citrus brings its unique flavor profile to the table, making your candied peels even more exciting!
• Use Leftover Syrup: After you’ve finished making your peels, don’t toss that syrup! It’s a fantastic addition to cocktails, iced teas, or even drizzled over desserts. Just store it in a jar in the fridge, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready to go!
• Cool Completely: Be patient during the cooling process! Letting the peels cool completely on the wire rack ensures they firm up nicely, making the coating process much easier.
• Try Flavoring the Sugar: For an extra touch, you can mix a bit of cinnamon or vanilla into the sugar before coating the peels. This adds a delightful hint of flavor that complements the citrus beautifully.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to make the best candied citrus peels ever! Enjoy the process, and remember, it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

While I’ve provided some nutritional information for these delightful candied citrus peels, it’s important to note that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, if you’re counting calories or keeping an eye on sugar intake, keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and not set in stone. Always double-check with your own ingredients for the most accurate information!

FAQ about Candied Citrus Peel Recipe

Got questions about making your own candied citrus peels? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best answers to help you on your candy-making journey.

What types of citrus can I use for this recipe?

You can use just about any citrus fruit you like! While I’ve stuck to oranges and lemons for this recipe, grapefruits and limes work beautifully too. Each fruit brings its unique flavor, so feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand!

How do I know when the peels are done simmering?

Great question! You’ll know your peels are ready when they turn a lovely translucent color and have that shiny appearance. This usually takes about 45 minutes of simmering, but keep an eye on them. If they start to look like they’re losing their color, it’s time to take them off the heat!

Can I skip the sugar coating step?

You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it! The sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also gives the peels that delightful sparkle. If you’re looking for a less sweet option, you can simply dust them lightly instead of rolling them in sugar. But trust me, the full coating is worth it!

How should I store my candied citrus peels?

To keep your candied treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for up to a couple of weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose that lovely texture. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I use the leftover syrup for anything?

Absolutely! That syrup is liquid gold! You can use it to sweeten your tea, drizzle over pancakes, or mix into cocktails for a citrusy twist. Just store it in a jar in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious addition ready for your next dessert or drink!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This candied citrus peel recipe comes together in just about an hour! With simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your homemade candy in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Using leftover citrus peels means you’re reducing waste and making something delicious without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win!
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits or adjust the thickness of the peels to suit your taste. You can make it uniquely yours!
• Deliciously Versatile: These sweet treats aren’t just for snacking. Use them to elevate desserts, cocktails, or even as a gorgeous garnish on your favorite dishes.
• Impressive Flavor: The sweet and tangy balance of the candied peels is simply delightful. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a burst of flavor!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your homemade candied citrus peels is super easy! To keep them fresh and delicious, simply place them in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for up to two weeks, but trust me, they might not last that long because they’re so tasty!

If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can refrigerate the container. Just keep in mind that chilling them might alter their texture a bit, so let them come back to room temperature before you dive in. This little wait will help restore that delightful chewiness!

As for reheating, candied citrus peels are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no need to heat them up. Just pop them out of the fridge, let them sit for a few minutes, and they’re ready to be savored again. Enjoy your sweet little creations whenever the craving strikes!

Print