Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (2024)

by Julia | Appetizer Addiction / 11 Comments

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Chocolate covered orange peels are the perfect treat for any occasion! Great for gifting, snacking or as a healthier treat. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (1)

Chocolate covered orange peel is altogether with peanut butter stuffed chocolate covered dates my favorite treats this winter. Not only they taste delicious but they also look pretty and when packaged nicely, they are the perfect gifts for your friends or family.

There is no doubt that they would also disappear fast from your Holiday table. Now when it comes to Holidays we all love the dinner and cookies but we also need something that keeps us going until the dinner is served.

Appetizers always come to rescue and one of my favorites are bacon wrapped dates and roasted garlic jalapeno dip. Parmesan asparagus twists are also a popular appetizer in my family. What about yours? What is your favorite appetizer?

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (2)
Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (3)

How to make chocolate covered orange peel – step by step

So how do you make candied orange peel easy you ask? The whole process is simple and easy. First you wash the oranges well. Second, you peel the orange. To do it, cut of the top and bottom.

Then run your knife from top to bottom (make about 4-5 incisions into the peel). This will help you remove the peel without any flesh.

Then all you have to do is slowly peel the orange. Cut each peel into thin strips. I like the strips thin so I get about 30 strips out of one orange.

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (4)

The peel is pretty bitter which some people like but I don’t. That is why I boil them for 5 minutes, drain them, change the water and boil for a further 5 minutes. You can boil them longer, especially when the peels are very bitter.

Then place the drained orange peels in a pot where you have already prepared simple syrup. Simmer them for 45–60 minutes or until they are translucent.

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (5)

Transfer them onto a wire rack so they can cool down and more importantly the excess syrup can drip off.

The last step to making chocolate-covered orange peels is dipping them in melted chocolate and placing them onto a sheet of baking parchment or aluminum foil. I place them in the fridge so the chocolate sets faster.

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (6)
Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (7)

How can I store candied orange peel?

The cooled candied orange peel can be stored in a glass jar covered with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator and it will last up to 2-3 weeks.

Chocolate covered orange peel does not last that long in my house as I keep on “snacking” on it throughout the day once it’s been made. However, it will last for at least a week, if stored in the fridge in an air-tight container.

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (8)

What you should know before making chocolate covered orange peel

  • The most important thing for me here is to make sure that I buy organic oranges for this recipe so I am not using peels with a possible pesticide residue on them. Now there are ways how to get rid of the chemicals from fruits and vegetables so if you follow them before you cut your fruits, I’d say you should be fine.
  • I am using dark chocolate (70% cocoa content) which makes it a healthy snack as well.
  • You can use candied orange peel in baking. It adds great flavor to quick breads or muffins.
  • The chocolate will set in the fridge already after 15 minutes but to make sure it is set on the inside as well, leave it in for at least an hour.
  • Do not skip the boiling. This will help reduce the bitterness that is “present” in the peels. It will not remove it completely though. Now some orange peels might be more bitter than others that is why I prefer dipping them fully in chocolate. The chocolate balances the bitterness.
Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (9)

More chocolate covered treats:

  • Chocolate covered cranberries
  • Chocolate dipped mandarin slices
  • Frozen chocolate banana bites

Yield: about 60 pcs

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels

Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (10)

Chocolate covered orange peels are the perfect treat for any occasion! Great for gifting, snacking or as a healthier treat. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 large oranges
  • 1 cup water (250 milliliters)
  • 1 cup sugar (250 milliliters)
  • 3 ounces dark chocolate, 70% cocoa content (90 grams)

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges thoroughly under running hot water.
  2. Cut the top and bottom off. Make 4 or 5 vertical incisions running all the way from top to bottom of the peel and into the flesh.
  3. With your hands, remove the peel carefully. Cut each piece into thin strips and transfer them into a pot. Pour over about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain. Pour fresh water (2 cups) in the same pot and add the peels in. Repeat the same process. This will remove some of the peel’s bitterness.
  4. In a small saucepan, dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water, add the peels and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the peels are translucent.
  5. When done, spread them out on a wire rack so the syrup can drip off and the peels can cool completely.
  6. Melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water. Dip the peel in chocolate and using a fork, transfer it onto a baking parchment or aluminum foil. Let them set completely in the fridge (for about an hour) before serving/enjoying them.

Notes

  • Count one orange per person if you want to give this as a gift.
  • These keep in the fridge for at least a week.
  • The overall time does not include time needed for the chocolate to set (about 1 hour) nor the time needed for the peels to cool (time may vary but count with 30 minutes).
  • You will get about 30 strips out of 1 large orange.
  • In 15 mins already hardened but slightly soft on the inside. Depending on the thickness of the peels this time can vary. I recommend 1 hour in the fridge.
  • I recommend reading the post for more tips and detailed instructions.
  • Optional: Sprinkle the chocolate covered peels with salt.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

60

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 25Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

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Comments

  1. Paula

    Thank you

    Reply

  2. RitaB

    Julia, thank you so much for this recipe, the photos and the detailed instructions!! I made theses today and they were perfect!! I probably could have cut the strips a little wider (next time) but other than that these were absolutely delicious and easy to make. This is definitely a keeper!!!
    PS-I have loved these for as long as I can remember and I would always have to buy these by the piece as a treat if I happened to be at a candy store that had them. Thank you, thank you!!

    Reply

    • Julia | Appetizer Addiction

      You are welcome and thanks so much for your feedback! Hope you find more tasty recipes here, even though most of them are savory 🙂

      Reply

  3. Mariamalia

    Hi
    I have a question sometimes my sugar crystallizes , I am using 1:1 water/sugar. Maybe I am cooking it too long? Until the syrups evaporates? Should I just take out the orange peels when they are translucent? And save the syrup?? What can I do, the peels get dry and hard and I can’t coat them with sugar when this happens .
    Thanks my husband loves this recipe !!!

    Reply

    • Julia | Appetizer Addiction

      Hi Mariamalia. The syrup should not evaporate. You only simmer (on low heat) the peels until they are translucent. Yes, you can save the syrup if you like.

      Reply

  4. linda sudimack

    could you use a 1:1 sugar sub unstead of real sugar here?

    Reply

    • Julia | Appetizer Addiction

      Hi Linda, I have never worked with sugar substitutes so I am afraid I won’t be able to help.

      Reply

  5. anoush

    Thanks a lot for the great recipe .i have made it and the flavor of chocolate and orange together is awesome, but i have faced a problem and that is they are good as long as long as they are kept in the freezer, When i bring them out the chocolate cover starts melting. Any suggestions?

    Reply

    • Julia | Appetizer Addiction

      Hi Anoush. Yes, this can happen if the chocolate has not been tempered properly or tempered at all.

      Reply

  6. Carol Hall

    How long will they keep?

    Reply

    • Julia | Appetizer Addiction

      Hi Carol. They don’t last long in our household so not sure. I also like to freeze them and take a few whenever I feel I need a little snack. They should keep well for at least a week (make sure to cover them completely with chocolate – it will preserve them for longer). Hope this helps!

      Reply

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Chocolate Covered Orange Peels Recipe - Appetizer Addiction (2024)

FAQs

Why does orange work with chocolate? ›

The bitterness of the chocolate complements the sweetness from the orange flavor and fresh fruit, making for a dessert that isn't overly sweet.

Can you do anything with orange peels? ›

Orange peels help with dry and itchy skin. because it hydrates, it gets rid of dead skin cells, leaving your skin glowing. Don't throw out the peels and all the benefits.

What is the history of candied orange peel? ›

Candied peel as we know it today came to us via the Arab culture in the 16th century. Travellers reported that chefs there served candied fruits at lavish banquets and sometimes just the peel was used in imaginative ways within dishes to give a small but intense flavour of orange or lemon.

Is orange peel high in sugar? ›

However, before proposing a valorization route for orange peel, the physicochemical characteristics of this waste must be known. The literature indicates that the orange peel contains 23% sugar, 22% cellulose, 25% pectins and 11% hemicellulose [3,4,5].

Is it OK to eat a whole orange peel? ›

The bottom line

Though often discarded, orange peels are rich in important nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols. Still, they're bitter, can be hard to digest, and may harbor pesticide residues.

Why are chocolate oranges so expensive? ›

Chocolate navel oranges are also less sour to the taste compared to regular oranges. As of December 2021, only three orange cultivators were growing chocolate navel oranges, all in Spain. The season is generally short and they are generally significantly more expensive compared to regular oranges.

What is chocolate and orange called? ›

Terry's Chocolate Orange is a subtle combination of delicious chocolate and natural extracts of orange.

What are those chocolate oranges called? ›

The Terry's Chocolate Orange comprises an orange-shaped ball of chocolate mixed with orange oil, divided into 20 segments, similar to a real orange, and wrapped in orange-skin patterned foil.

What are the disadvantages of orange peels? ›

Some people may be sensitive to certain ingredients in orange peel powder, such as essential oils, which could cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Is orange peel good for anxiety? ›

Among them, we must highlight the great option that orange peel is for anxiety. It contains incredible medicinal properties, especially with positive effects on the control of nerves, insomnia and disorders of this type.

Why eating orange peel is good for you? ›

Orange peels are abundant in antioxidants, which combat free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of oxidative stress and various diseases. These antioxidants may also contribute to healthier, younger-looking skin. Zest it: Grate orange peel and sprinkle it on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Are candied orange peels healthy? ›

Candied Orange Peels are beautiful, festive, and are full of nutrients. The orange peel has more vitamin C than the actual fruit of the orange. Likewise, the fruit peel also has about three times as much the amount of Vitamin A, B-Complex, and minerals such as manganese, calcium, and zinc.

Why do people boil orange peels? ›

Orange peel tea is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can strengthen the immune system and help to prevent diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and the flu. Orange peel tea is also a great weight loss option, as it has excellent amounts of potassium.

What is the Italian name for candied orange peel? ›

Candied Orange Peel / Scorza D'Arancia Candita.

Are orange peels high in calories? ›

Orange peel, raw contains 5.8 calories per 6 g serving. This serving contains 0 g of fat, 0.1 g of protein and 1.5 g of carbohydrate. The latter is g sugar and 0.6 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

How many calories are in a whole orange with peel? ›

Oranges, with peel, raw contains 107 calories per 170 g serving. This serving contains 0.5 g of fat, 2.2 g of protein and 26 g of carbohydrate. The latter is g sugar and 7.7 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Oranges, with peel, raw contains 0.1 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving.

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