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step by step direction on how to make candied citrus recipe
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5 from 3 votes

Candied Citrus Recipe

This homemade Candied Citrus makes a beautiful and delicious garnish for cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, pies and more.  Use this simple step-by-step guide to candy your own citrus fruit slices and peels with just 3 ingredients.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Drying Time1 day
Total Time1 day 45 minutes
Course: Dessert, Garnish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 77kcal
Author: The Carefree Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Water
  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 3 medium Citrus Fruits oranges, lemons, limes or blood oranges
  • 1 Cup Sugar to roll the candied fruit in (optional)

Instructions

  • To prepare the citrus, wash and slice off each end. Then, using a very sharp knife (serrated knives work great), slice each fruit into ⅕" slices, removing any large seeds, and set aside.
  • In a large pan, add the water and sugar and bring to a boil over high heat.  Add slices of citrus to the pan in a single layer, placing just enough in at a time so that the edges touch but don't overlap.  
  • Reduce heat slightly and cook at a low simmer for about 30 minutes, turning the slices over half way.  
  • Meanwhile, spray a wire rack with non-stick cooking spray and set it inside a baking sheet.  Using a slotted spoon or a fork, remove the citrus slices from the hot simple syrup and place in a single layer on the prepared cooling rack to drain for about 15 minutes.
  • Place about 1 cup of sugar in a side bowl and dredge each candied fruit slice to cover completely, then return to the wire rack to dry completely (Note: this step is optional).
  • Let the candied citrus dry for 12-24 hours at room temperature, flipping them over at least once to make sure they dry all the way through.
  • Once completely dried, you may use to decorate cakes, cookies or even eat plain. Otherwise, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. Enjoy!

Notes

*DO NOT throw away the simple syrup that you cooked the citrus in.  It's infused with all those amazingly yummy citrus flavors and tastes great in mixed drinks!  Let it cool completely, then store in a jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it. 

Nutrition

Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg