Can I use lemons or grapefruit instead of oranges?

Absolutely! Pretty much any citrus fruit works beautifully. My grandmother actually preferred candied lemon slices in her holiday baking decor - they're extra tart and make stunning cake toppers. Grapefruit gets wonderfully bitter-sweet (just slice thinner since it's bigger). Blood oranges create these gorgeous ruby-red slices around Christmas!

Help! My slices are sticking to the rack - what gives?

Oh honey, I've been there! The trick is waiting until they're completely cool before moving them. Also, give your wire rack a quick spritz with cooking spray first. If they still stick? Gently peel them off with a butter knife - those little tears just add "rustic charm" (that's what I tell myself anyway).

Is there a way to speed up drying time?

If you're in a Christmas sweets crunch, pop them in the oven at 170°F for about an hour after simmering. But - and this is important! - let them cool completely before trying to decorate. Otherwise, your chocolate dipping will turn into a melty mess (learned that the messy way).

Are these candied orange slices gluten-free?

You bet! Since we're only using sugar, water, and oranges (plus optional chocolate), they're naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chocolate if dipping - some brands add sneaky ingredients. These make perfect edible gifts for friends with dietary restrictions!

3-Ingredient Candied Orange Slices

Candied Orange Slices

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Glossy, slice-through candied oranges perfect for dessert garnishes and holiday decor. Great for chocolate-dipped gifts.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 large oranges
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup sanding sugar (optional)
4 oz dark chocolate (optional)

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Instructions

Slice oranges into 1/4-inch rounds, removing seeds.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer.
Add orange slices, simmer for 45 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Remove slices and let dry on a wire rack for 4-6 hours.
Optional: Dip in melted chocolate or roll in sanding sugar.

Notes

Use a mandoline for even slices.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Perfect for cake toppers or holiday gifts.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 60
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 0
Fat: 0
Saturated Fat: 0
Unsaturated Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 15
Fiber: 1
Protein: 0
Cholesterol: 0

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/candied-orange-slices-recipe-holiday-dessert/