If you love the bright, tangy flavor of oranges paired with rich, luscious chocolate, you are going to be absolutely thrilled with this Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe. It transforms simple citrus slices into an irresistibly chewy, sweet treat with a smooth chocolate coating that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you want a show-stopping homemade gift or a delightful party favor, these candied oranges dipped in chocolate offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that truly celebrate the joy of homemade sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh oranges to the warming depth the spices bring, finishing with your favorite chocolate to create a perfect dip.
- Oranges: Choose firm, juicy oranges with thin skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential to candy the oranges and create that gorgeous glossy shine.
- Water: It’s the base for the syrup that gently awakens and softens the orange slices.
- Spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise): These add warm aromatic notes that beautifully complement the citrus and chocolate.
- Your preferred chocolate for dipping: Whether dark, milk, or white chocolate, choose quality chocolate for a silky coating that enhances the sweetness of the oranges.
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
Start by washing the oranges to remove any wax or residue on the peel. Slice them into neat rounds about 0.3 inches thick, so they hold their shape well during cooking. If you find the orange’s natural bitterness harsh, blanch the slices by boiling them for 5 to 10 minutes; this simple step mellows the flavor and makes the candying process even tastier.
Step 2: Simmer the Orange Slices in Syrup with Spices
Combine sugar, water, and your chosen spices in a pot, then add the orange slices. Set the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for around 1.5 hours. This slow cooking draws out moisture from the oranges, infusing them with sweetness and aromatic spice while softening the peel to a delightful chew.
Step 3: Drain and Dry the Candied Oranges
Once candied, carefully drain the orange slices to remove excess syrup, then lay them out on paper towels to absorb any lingering moisture. This step is crucial to avoid sogginess before baking, giving the slices the perfect texture for the next phase.
Step 4: Bake the Orange Slices at Low Temperature
Place the oranges on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 212°F (100°C). Bake for a total of 30 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even drying. This process further intensifies the texture, firming up the candied slices to hold their shape beautifully when dipped into chocolate.
Step 5: Dip in Melted Chocolate and Cool
Once your candied oranges are fully cooled, dip each slice into melted chocolate until coated. This is the moment where vibrant citrus meets creamy indulgence—allow the chocolate coating to harden on parchment paper for a glossy, delectable finish. Your Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe is now irresistible and ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate or a dusting of finely chopped nuts enhances both the flavor and presentation. For a festive touch, try decorating with edible gold leaf or candied ginger bits to complement the spicy notes from the candied oranges.
Side Dishes
These candied oranges pair beautifully with a warm mug of herbal tea, a robust espresso, or even a glass of sparkling wine. Their sweet and slightly tart flavor can cut through rich desserts like cheesecake or complement light pastries and almond cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the chocolate-dipped candied oranges on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, holiday-ready look. Wrapping individual slices in cellophane with a ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts, and layering them in a clear jar creates a stunning visual treat for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your candied oranges in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they are completely dry before storing to keep the chocolate from melting or becoming sticky, preserving their crisp chocolate shell and chewy interior perfectly.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best done carefully by placing the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw them gently at room temperature to prevent any condensation from damaging the chocolate coating.
Reheating
This treat is best served at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly softer bite, let the oranges sit out for a few minutes rather than reheating to avoid melting the chocolate. Their texture is at its best when cool and firm, making every bite a delightful balance of chewy citrus and creamy chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! While oranges are classic for this recipe, mandarins, grapefruits, or lemons can also work wonderfully, each giving a unique twist to the sweet and tangy balance of the chocolate-dipped slices.
What kind of chocolate works best for dipping?
Dark chocolate offers a rich contrast to the sweetness of the oranges, but milk or white chocolate can also be delightful based on your preference. Using high-quality chocolate with good cocoa content ensures a smooth coating and great taste.
How long do the candied oranges last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to two weeks. Beyond that, the texture may start to change and chocolate can lose its snap, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Is blanching the orange slices necessary?
Blanching is optional but recommended if you want to mellow out any bitterness in the orange peel. It helps create a sweeter final product that’s more universally appealing, especially for those sensitive to citrus pith.
Can I prepare these for gift-giving?
Definitely! Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe makes a fantastic homemade gift. Package them in pretty tins or clear bags with ribbons—their vibrant colors and rich flavors are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing the Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe. From the simple, heartfelt ingredients to the careful steps that transform fresh fruit into a stunning confection, it’s a recipe that invites warmth, joy, and a touch of magic into your kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every sweet, tangy, chocolate-covered bite as much as I do!
Print
Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
These Chocolate-Dipped Candied Oranges are a delightful treat combining the zesty sweetness of slowly candied orange slices with the rich, smooth taste of melted chocolate. Perfect as a sophisticated snack or a festive gift, this recipe involves gently simmering orange slices in a spiced sugar syrup, drying them low and slow in the oven, then finishing with a decadent chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Oranges
- 6 oranges, washed
Syrup and Spices
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 2/3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise pod
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup preferred chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet), melted
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Slices: Wash the oranges thoroughly and slice them into rounds approximately 0.3 inches thick. Optionally, blanch the slices in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain.
- Cook the Oranges in Syrup: In a pot, combine sugar, water, and the spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise). Add the orange slices to the pot and cook over low heat for about 1.5 hours, or until the slices are translucent and candied, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Dry: Carefully drain the orange slices from the syrup and place them on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then transfer the slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake the Candied Oranges: Preheat the oven to 212°F (100°C). Bake the orange slices for 30 minutes total, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure even drying and slight crispness.
- Cool Completely: Allow the candied orange slices to cool fully on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step. This cooling helps them firm up before dipping.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt your preferred chocolate until smooth. Dip each cooled orange slice completely into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place the dipped slices on parchment paper to set. Refrigerate briefly if needed until the chocolate hardens before serving or storing.
Notes
- Blanching the orange slices helps reduce their natural bitterness but is optional depending on taste preference.
- You can customize the spices in the syrup to your liking; cardamom or vanilla bean can be delicious additions.
- Store finished chocolate-dipped candied oranges in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate for prolonged freshness.
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and smooth coating.
- Allow chocolate to set completely before stacking or packaging to prevent sticking.
