Zesty Homemade Candied Blood Orange Slices Recipe for Beginners

There’s something unforgettable about the first time you slice into a blood orange. You expect the usual pale orange flesh, but instead — deep crimson, glowing like a sunset. The aroma hits you next: floral, slightly tart, with just enough sweetness to make your mouth water.

Now imagine capturing that beauty in edible form — glossy, chewy slices of citrus that sparkle like jewels. That’s exactly what homemade candied blood orange slices deliver. They’re part art, part science, and all flavor. Once you learn how to make them yourself, you’ll never look at store-bought candied citrus the same way again.

Let’s break it down step by step — technique, flavor, and the little details that make all the difference.

Why Homemade Blood Orange Slices Stand Out

When you make candied blood orange slices at home, you get to control every detail — the syrup consistency, the thickness of the slices, the balance of sweet and tart. And the payoff? Pure citrus magic.

Burst with Vibrant Flavor

Candying transforms fresh fruit into something even more intense. The natural oils and acids in the peel deepen the flavor while the sugar syrup balances the tang. Each slice becomes chewy, glossy, and deeply aromatic.

Master an Elegant Technique

Learning the blood orange candying method teaches you precision. You’ll understand how syrup behaves, how temperature affects texture, and why patience matters. Think of it as candy-making meets preservation — and yes, it’s worth every minute.

Versatile Culinary Treasure

Use these beauties anywhere you’d use a garnish or dessert topping:

• Layer them on cakes and tarts.
  
• Dip them in chocolate for homemade blood orange sweet treats.
  
• Float them in a cocktail for instant elegance.
  

Simple Preservation Magic

Candying isn’t just pretty — it’s functional. By replacing the fruit’s water content with sugar, you naturally extend its life. This technique dates back centuries across the Mediterranean and still works perfectly today.

What You’ll Need for These Candied Citrus Slices

Before you start, gather your gear and ingredients. This candied citrus recipe keeps it simple — nothing fancy, just smart technique and clean ingredients.

Citrus Base

• Blood Oranges – Look for firm, heavy ones with rich color.
  
• Regular Oranges (optional) – Add variety if you want a lighter contrast.
  

Sugar Syrup Components

• Granulated Sugar – The foundation of your syrup.
  
• Filtered Water – Keeps the syrup pure.
  
• Corn Syrup (optional) – Prevents crystallization for smoother candying.
  

Finishing and Preservation

• Citric Acid – Brightens flavor and prevents crystallization.
  
• Cooking Spray or Oil – Keeps slices from sticking to drying racks.
  
• Parchment Paper – Essential for clean drying and storage.
  

Ingredient Type	Essential	Optional
Blood Oranges	✅
Granulated Sugar	✅
Filtered Water	✅
Citric Acid	✅
Corn Syrup		✅
Parchment Paper	✅
Cooking Spray		✅

How to Make Candied Blood Orange Slices (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s get into the how to make candied blood orange slices part — where all the fun (and the sugar) happens.

1. Prepare Your Citrus Canvas

Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove wax or residue. Dry them completely. Any leftover moisture will fight your syrup later — and moisture always wins unless you control it.

2. Slice with Precision

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges into ¼-inch rounds. Consistency is everything. Thicker slices will be chewy in the middle; thinner ones may fall apart.

3. Create the Sugar Syrup

In a wide pan, combine 2 cups sugar, 2 cups filtered water, and 1 tablespoon corn syrup (if using). Bring to a gentle boil and stir until dissolved.

4. Simmer and Transform

Lay the slices in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd — if they overlap, they’ll steam instead of candy. (This is where most people mess up.) Lower the heat and let them gently simmer.

5. Watch the Sugar Dance

Attach a thermometer and monitor the syrup. Keep the temperature steady between 225°F–230°F. This ensures slow, even absorption without hardening the peel.

6. Achieve Translucent Perfection

Simmer 50–60 minutes, until each slice looks like stained glass — translucent, glossy, and soft but not mushy. That’s your visual cue that your candied blood orange recipe is on point.

7. Rest and Transfer

Using tongs, lift each slice carefully onto a wire rack sprayed with oil or lined with parchment. Let the syrup drip off.

8. Add the Preservation Boost

Mix ¼ tsp citric acid with 3 tbsp water, then stir it into your remaining syrup. This keeps the syrup smooth and bright.

9. Dry and Crisp

Leave the slices to air dry overnight, or dry them in the oven at 200°F–250°F until they’re no longer sticky to the touch.

10. Store and Save Your Sunshine Slices

Lightly dust with sugar to prevent sticking and store between parchment sheets. Congratulations — you just made perfect sugared orange slices.

Pro Tips for the Best Candied Blood Orange Recipe

This isn’t hard, but precision matters. Here’s how to guarantee pro-level results:

• Choose ripe, firm fruit — soft ones collapse under heat.
  
• Slice uniformly for even candying.
  
• Use a candy thermometer — sugar doesn’t like guesswork.
  
• Dry completely before storing — tacky = trouble.
  
• Store in an airtight jar, layered with parchment.
  

Chef tip: Don’t rush. If the syrup starts to crystallize, add a splash of water and swirl gently — never stir.

How to Store Candied Blood Orange Slices for Later

Because this is more than a candied fruit recipe — it’s preserved citrus that lasts weeks if stored right.

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practice
Room Temperature	3–4 days	Great for immediate use.
Refrigeration	Up to 2 weeks	Layer with parchment in airtight container.
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Freeze flat before stacking.
Reheating	Room temp only	Never microwave; it melts the glaze.

What to Pair with Candied Blood Orange Slices

These slices are flexible — dessert garnish, cocktail accent, or afternoon snack. Try them with:

• Sparkling Dessert Wine – A match made in citrus heaven.
  
• Creamy Mascarpone or Ricotta – The rich texture balances tart-sweet flavor.
  
• Dark Chocolate – Classic pairing for blood orange sweet treats.
  
• Herbal Tea – Adds an aromatic finish to any relaxing evening.
  

Frank’s note: Dip half a slice in melted chocolate and let it set. It’s not optional — it’s essential.

Fun Variations for DIY Candied Orange Peel and Slices

You’ve nailed the basics — now have fun with your citrus candy recipe.

• Exotic Citrus Medley: Combine blood orange, lemon, and grapefruit for color contrast.
  
• Spiced Candied Oranges: Add cloves, star anise, or cinnamon to the syrup.
  
• Chocolate-Dipped Delight: Dip cooled slices halfway in dark or white chocolate.
  
• Herbal Infusion: Add rosemary, basil, or thyme sprigs for a fresh twist.
  

Want something even simpler? Try the simple candied orange slices version — same technique, just regular oranges instead of blood ones.

FAQ: Homemade Candied Blood Orange Slices

Dessert & Citrus-Based Recipe Crosslinks

If you love playing with citrus and fruit-forward desserts like these homemade candied blood orange slices, here are a few more recipes from my kitchen that share the same bright, refreshing vibe.

More Citrus-Inspired Desserts to Try

• Pair your candied blood oranges with homemade peach sorbet — perfect for refreshing citrus sorbet ideas on a warm day.
  
• Explore grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream for fruity summer desserts served with ice cream.
  
• Try caramelized grilled summer peaches when you want caramelized fruit desserts for summer gatherings.
  
• Or switch things up with coconut pineapple bites — tropical-inspired citrus sweets that pair beautifully with candied oranges.
  

Sweet Treats & Candy-Like Desserts

If your favorite part of candying citrus is the glossy sweetness, you’ll love these dessert ideas that echo that same texture and joy:

• Sink your teeth into strawberry cheesecake cookies — decadent fruit-filled cookie treats.
  
• Get playful with cotton candy cookies — colorful candy-inspired cookie recipes that brighten any table.
  
• Bake up blondie dessert bars for soft and chewy dessert bar ideas.
  
• Or go indulgent with dulce de leche cheesecake bars — caramelized dessert bars that melt in your mouth.
  

This homemade candied blood orange slices recipe is proof that simple techniques can produce incredible results. With a little time and care, you’ll turn ordinary oranges into something that’s both artful and delicious — chewy, sweet, and dazzling.

Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll see how easy it is to make other candied citrus recipes — and how addictive these glossy slices can be.

Now go grab those oranges and make your kitchen smell like pure sunshine.

If you enjoyed this guide, follow my Pinterest for more citrus dessert inspiration

This, right here, is the orange candy I want to eat.

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