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Homemade Dried Orange Slices for Easy Holiday Baking

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These homemade dried orange slices are a budget-friendly, versatile holiday staple that makes your house smell amazing. Use them as cake toppers, cocktail garnishes, gift decorations, or simply snack on them.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 large fresh oranges (preferably navel, organic)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • 3 cloves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Add optional spices if using. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain out spices if used.
  3. Wash oranges thoroughly. Slice off the top and bottom of each orange. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice oranges into even rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop orange slices in for 2-3 minutes to blanch. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
  5. Place blanched slices in a shallow dish. Pour warm simple syrup over them, ensuring each slice is coated. Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Using tongs, lift slices out of syrup, letting excess drip off. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheets, not overlapping.
  7. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping slices halfway through. Slices should be dry to the touch but still slightly pliable.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). They will firm up as they cool.
  9. Check for doneness: slices should be leathery and slightly translucent. If any are still moist in the center, return to oven for another 30 minutes.

Notes

Don’t skip the blanching step—it removes bitterness from the pith. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices. Oven temperatures vary; if slices brown too quickly, lower the temperature. For best results, use convection setting if available and rotate pans halfway through. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: dried orange slices, homemade dried oranges, holiday baking, citrus decorations, edible gifts, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/homemade-dried-orange-slices-for-easy-holiday-baking/