Homemade Candied Citrus Peel transforms simple orange and lemon rinds into a sweet, chewy treat with a tangy zing. Simmered in a rich sugar syrup and rolled in fine crystals, these glossy, flavorful strips are ideal as a standalone snack, cocktail garnish, or a vibrant addition to baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic confectionery is a beautiful way to reduce waste and celebrate citrus season. With just three ingredients, you can turn everyday fruit peels into jewel-like bites that are naturally vegan, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a handmade gift, a dessert topping, or a zesty snack, this recipe delivers an elegant and nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- large oranges
- lemon
- sugar
- water
Directions
- Peel the oranges and lemon, avoiding too much of the bitter white pith. Slice the peels into thin, even strips.
- Place the peels in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Repeat the boiling and draining process two more times. This helps soften the peels and reduce bitterness.
- In a clean saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved to form a syrup.
- Add the citrus peels to the syrup and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the peels are translucent and tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peels to a wire rack or parchment paper to drain briefly.
- While still tacky, roll the strips in additional granulated sugar to coat.
- Spread the sugared peels on parchment and let them dry at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
- Once dry, store in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 130 kcal per serving
Variations
- Grapefruit Version: Substitute or add grapefruit peel for a slightly more bitter twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Once dried, dip half of each strip in melted dark chocolate for an elegant upgrade.
- Spiced Syrup: Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cloves to the syrup for a warm, spiced undertone.
- Mixed Citrus: Use a combination of lemon, lime, and orange for a colorful medley.
- Superfine Sugar Coating: Use superfine sugar for a finer, more even texture on the final coating.
Storage/Reheating
Store candied citrus peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month. They do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Why do I need to boil the peels multiple times?
Boiling the peels three times softens them and removes excessive bitterness from the pith.
Can I use just orange or just lemon?
Yes, either fruit can be used individually depending on your taste preference.
Is it necessary to coat them in sugar after simmering?
Coating adds texture and sweetness, but it’s optional. They can also be used plain for a less sweet result.
How do I prevent the peels from becoming too hard?
Simmer gently and avoid overcooking. If the syrup evaporates too quickly, add a little water to maintain gentle bubbling.
Can I reuse the leftover syrup?
Yes, the citrus-infused syrup is excellent for sweetening tea, cocktails, or soaking cakes.
Do I need to refrigerate candied peels?
No, they can be stored at room temperature if kept in a dry, airtight container.
Can I make these with lime peels?
Yes, lime peels work well and add a sharp, fragrant twist to the mix.
How do I slice the peels evenly?
Use a sharp paring knife and aim for uniform strips about 1/4 inch wide to ensure even cooking and presentation.
Can I use this recipe as an edible gift?
Absolutely. Package the candied peels in small jars or treat bags for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
What can I use candied citrus peel for?
They make excellent garnishes for cakes, cookies, cocktails, or can be chopped and folded into scones and breads.
Conclusion
Homemade Candied Citrus Peel is a timeless, rewarding recipe that makes the most of citrus scraps while yielding a beautiful, flavorful treat. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, these sugary strips add zest to any dish or occasion. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as a garnish, they’re a sweet reminder that sometimes the best things come from what we often discard.
PrintHomemade Candied Citrus Peel
Zesty orange and lemon peels simmered in sugar syrup then coated in crystals — chewy, sweet, and perfect as a snack or garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Peel the oranges and lemon, then slice the peels into thin strips.
- Place peels in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then drain. Repeat this boiling and draining process two more times to reduce bitterness.
- In a clean saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to make a simple syrup. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the drained citrus peels to the syrup and cook on low heat for 45 minutes until translucent and tender.
- Remove peels from syrup using tongs or a slotted spoon and let excess syrup drip off.
- Roll the warm peels in additional sugar to coat evenly.
- Lay coated peels on parchment paper and allow to dry at room temperature for 4–6 hours until no longer sticky.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Use as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, or as a sweet snack.
- Save leftover syrup for drinks or baking — it’s citrus-infused!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg