Dried Orange Slices - Perfect For Christmas Bakes And For Decorations

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Dried orange slices are so easy to make and look fabulous as decorations on cakes and cocktails. Dried orange slices are easy to make at home and will last for years if you look after them. A perfect way to use them is as dried orange slices for gin or on your Christmas cocktails. They can even be used for decorations around the home. I love using them as decorations for Christmas presents too.

Dried Orange Slices are a stunning element of Christmas in my house. I use them as topping for my bakes (wonderful Christmas cupcake decorations) and for decorations to hang up on the tree and on Christmas presents.

They are also the perfect addition to a homemade wreath or potpourri to make your home smell incredible.

In my recipe below I go through the easy ways to make dried orange slices for Christmas decorations. There are so easy to make and I can’t stress that enough, they just take a while to dry out completely.

At the windows, you really get to show this off. They also lovely tied on to our little wire fairy lights. They add some sparkle to the natural look of the oranges. If you want to try this add some cinnamon sticks too. It will look lovely.

The house will smell amazing and fresh when you make them.

Why you’ll love this dried orange slices recipe

• They are easy crafts which are perfect for edible and non-edible projects.

• Dried orange slices look brilliant for cocktail decorations and for cake decorations.

• Dried orange slices are reusable and sustainable, you make them one year and they’ll last for many Christmases to come. You can also be composted when they do lose their scent.

JUMP TOIngredientsHow to makeTop tipsServing suggestionsEquipmentVariations and substitutionsStoring/making aheadFAQsOther recipes you might likeRecipe

Top Questions

What can use dried orange slices for?Can you eat dried orange slices?How long will dried orange slices last?At what temperature do you dry orange slices in celsius?What are dried orange slices good for?How do I dry orange slices?Are dehydrated orange slices edible?How do you dry orange slices without burning them?At what temperature do you dry orange slices in celsius?Do dried orange slices smell?Are dried orange slices sticky?Can you dry oranges without parchment paper?

Ingredients

This recipe can be made anywhere as you only need an oven and some oranges. Plus a knife and cutting board to slice the oranges.

For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.

ORANGES

Large oranges work best but you can use them in all sizes, if you are making a dried orange slice garland then smaller clementines may work too.

You could even mix and match the sizes of your slices of oven dried orange slices to create a visual design.

Using dried oranges on cakes and cocktails

If you are making a dried oranges slices cocktail and cakes I would suggest making them and storing them away from the ones you want for decorations. Just to keep them hygienic. If you are using them for a cocktail, I recommend dried orange slices for gin, the freshness from the gin and citrus from the oven dried orange slices is a perfect pair.

If you are using dried orange slices on cakes or cocktails the moisture will rehydrate the oranges and they might get a little tacky or sticky. There is nothing wrong with this and it’s completely normal.

I would recommend throwing them in the food waste or bin after they’ve been used as decorations for cakes or cocktails, as we want to keep the culinary ones clean and ready to use. If they are in a good condition you can give them a light clean and add them to the decoration box so you aren’t wasting any.

How to make dried orange slices for Christmas – step by step

Making this dried orange slice recipe is very easy! They just need a long time in the oven to dry out. Simple!

Simply slice the oranges into even slices. Please be careful when using knives. Dab as much of the juice off as you can, use a sheet of kitchen roll to dab off the juice. Place then slices on to the shelves of the oven. This helps the air get around them top and bottom. If they are on a baking tray it will take a lot longer as the air can’t get all the way round them.

Leave them for 3 hours.

You should check the dried orange slices and turn them over and least once in that time. After 3 hours turn the oven off and leave the oven dried orange slices in the oven with the door closed.

As the oven cools the oranges will dry out even more. Just make sure you remove them before putting the oven for your next dinner.

Sometimes they might still be a little sticky so they can either go back in the oven or they can be left to dry out fully somewhere cool. I tend to leave them on a plate in a cool part of the kitchen and they’re done within a day.

I would recommend checking on the orange slices every 45 minutes to make sure they haven’t fallen through the oven shelves. Plus every time you open the door the whole house will fill with fresh orange smell.

1. Slice the oranges into 5-8mm slices. It looks thick but when they dry out they will go a lot thinner.

2) Once the pieces are sliced put them on kitchen paper and absorb as much juice as you can.

3) Place the orange slices on the oven shelves.

4) Pop in the oven for approximately 3 hours. But check the orange and turn them over after 45 minutes and then leave them. You can check after each hour just to be sure they are doing okay to stay safe.

Top Tips and Troubleshooting

Once the time is up leave them in the oven as the oven cools and they are ready. They might be a bit sticky or tacky but leave them somewhere dry to fully dry in the air if that is the case.

I recommend cutting the orange slices to 5mm thick. If you can make them thinner then they won’t need as long to dry or if they are a bit thicker then they will need a little longer. Thinner slices work best for your orange slice garlands.

Dried orange slices for gin

If you a regular reader of my blog you will know how much I love cocktails and creating easy ones that you can make at home. Making dried orange slices for gin is a great way to use the slices to make a cocktail look extra special so easily and with barely any effort.

Follow the recipe below to make the dried oranges in the oven.

When you are ready to have a cocktail night you can either add the dried orange slices in the hole to the glass or do a small cut to get them to balance on the side of the glass. Both ways they will look gorgeous and take your cocktails at home to the next level.

Check out my cocktail recipes to be inspired on what you can make.

Serving Suggestions

As these dried orange slices are a simple element to add to all your recipes there are so many serving suggestions to offer. Here is a list of my favourite recipes to use with orange slices:

CAKE

Dried orange slices make for wonderful cake decoration, they add a festive feel to your cake or tray bake and they smell wonderful. Try decorating these traybakes with dried orange slices.

Mincemeat Cake

Mulled Wine Traybake

Gingerbread Tray Bake

PUFF PASTRY DESSERTS

Another staple in my house, puff pastry is never far away, especially around this time of year. I love adding these oven dried orange slices to all my puff pastry desserts. Like my Nutella Puff Pastry Snowflake or the Puff Pastry Christmas Tree.

COCKTAILS

Cocktails can also be decorated with dried orange slices, try adding a half of the oven dried orange slices to the rim of your glass. Especially for the Jaffa Cake Gin and Tonic or for your favourite Christmas cocktail.

DECORATIONS

Garlands are always up at this time of year, the first year I made these oven dried slices, I strung them up all over the house as a garland. Dried orange slice garlands look so wonderful in the kitchen and they can be used year after year. By using this dried orange slice recipe you can make lots of winter garland decorations.

And so much more! Any festive recipe works so well decorated with these slices while drying orange slices in the oven, you can enjoy a cocktail.

Equipment

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Substitutions and variations

Use another citrus for this recipe, you can dry most citrus fruits in the way you could use lemons for a fresh and spring scent to your home or try limes work well. Although use different recipes with these different fruits.

Storing the dried oranges / Making ahead of time options

Once they are dry you can treat them like any other Christmas decoration. Hang them on the tree, sew them onto garlands or hang them from a branch or window. The middle flesh of the orange will allow the light through but give a beautiful orange glow.

Storing them is pretty easy and they will last for years if done right. Once you’ve made them pop them in a box or bag in a cool place. If you have time you can put them in a box with greaseproof paper but once they are dried they should be absolutely fine.

I have some which are about 5 years old which are still perfect for decorations. They are great at lasting if you don’t get them moist otherwise they might start going bad.

They will change colour over time so I think they will last a few years easily. If they lose their colour and you don’t want to throw them away. You can add them to a bag of Christmas potpourri or make your own.

Once you’ve used the dried orange slices for cake decorations/if they’ve come in contact with other food it would be best to dispose of them after use. The moisture from cakes and icing can cause them to start them going bad.

Adding dried oranges to Christmas presents

Dried Orange Slices look very elegant tied onto a brown paper wrapped present with string and maybe a pine cone or cinnamon stick too. You can also add them to finely decorative wrapping paper. Dried orange slices look stunning against dark blue and green for a luxurious present tied with a white ribbon.

FAQS from Google

What can use dried orange slices for?

I have made so many batches of these in time for Christmas. I use them for cake decorations, decorations for the tree and even tied to the presents to add a little foodie treat to go with the gift tag. Since they last for years you can make a load and keep them for last minute decorations.

I love having some saved for a last minute Christmas cake or cupcakes. The dried oranges always look gorgeous so they are a quick decoration which everyone will love.

Can you eat dried orange slices?

Yes you can east dried orange slices including the peel.

When you have made your oven-dried your orange slices, you can use them as a garnish and decoration for cakes, breakfasts and of course cocktails!

How long do dried orange slices last?

Dried orange slices will last a few years, if not more if looked after well. Over time they will lose their colour slightly but they are still beautiful and useful. At home, I use the older ones in vases of Christmas potpourri where they will be able to blend into a mix. The first one I ever made 7 years ago are still used but not as orange anymore. They still look lovely.

Once dried store them in a cool dry place. My Christmas stash is kept in the attic with the Christmas decorations when not being used. There they are cool and should be out of the way of any moisture. You could make them years ahead for decorations. They are great at lasting if you don’t get them moist otherwise they might start going a little bit rotten.

It’s best to not keep the ones you’ve used for cake decorations or cocktails. If they’ve come in contact with other food, the moisture can cause the oranges to start rotting.

At what temperature do you dry orange slices in celsius?

In the UK the oven temperature is 90-100 degrees celsius. For Americans and those cooking on Fahrenheit cookers, I would recommend it being about 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are dried orange slices good for?

Dried orange slices make a wonderful Christmas decoration and they make an even better edible cake decoration. Although they are edible, I wouldn’t eat them, they’re rather chewy.

How do I dry orange slices?

You dry orange slices by popping the slices of orange flat on a baking tray in the oven. It’s easy to make dried orange slices by following my recipe.

Are dehydrated orange slices edible?

Yes, dehydrated orange slices are edible. However, they are very chewy, so whilst dried orange slices are not my go-to snack. They are my go to cake decoration.go-to

How do you dry orange slices without burning them?

You dry orange slices without burning them by turning the oven off after it’s reached temperature and allowing the orange slices to dry in the oven as it cools. Try to only open the oven door once or twice, I know the smell is tempting but it allows the oranges to dry properly.

Do dried orange slices smell?

yes, dried orange slices smell wonderful. The house fills with an orange scent while they cook and once fully dried, they keep their smell but the smell of dried orange slices may fade over time.

Are dried orange slices sticky?

Dried orange slices are not sticky when fully dried. However, if they gather moisture they can go sticky. It’s not a problem and you can dab it with some kitchen roll to remove the moisture.

Can you dry oranges without parchment paper?

Yes, you can dry oranges with parchment paper by placing your orange slices on a non-stick pan instead of on top of the parchment paper.

What oven temperature do you dry orange slices?

You dry oranges at about 100 degrees Celsius or 200 Fahrenheit. After about 3 or 4 hours you turn the oven off and allow it to cool with the slices inside to fully finish drying them.

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Recipe

Dried Orange Slices

Sisley WhiteDried orange slices are so easy to make and look fabulous as decorations on cakes and cocktails. Dried orange slices are easy to make at home and will last for years if you look after them. A perfect way to use them is as dried orange slices for gin or on your Christmas cocktails. They can even be used for decorations around the home. I love using them as decorations for Christmas presents too. 4.72 from 14 votes Print Recipe Pin RecipeCook ModePrevent your screen from going darkPrep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes minsCourse Cakes, Cocktails, Decorations, Sweet TreatsCuisine American, British, InternationalServings 25 piecesCalories 12 kcal

Equipment

• Chopping board
• Knife
• Kitchen Paper

Ingredients 1x2x3x

• 4 (4) Oranges

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 100ºC / about 200ºF and remove the shelves. 
• Thinly slice the oranges. It still looks thick at this time but when they dry out they will go a lot thinner. If you can cut them smaller then that also works and will be quicker to dry out. Mine are normally between 3-5mm.
• Once the pieces are sliced put them on kitchen paper and absorb as much juice as you can.
• Place the orange slices on the oven shelves. Using parchment paper will stop the air flowing all the way round the oranges and can make them soggy.
• Pop in the oven for approximately 3-4 hours depending on how thick the slices are. But check the orange and turn them over after 45 minutes and then leave them. Check after each hour.
• Once the time is up leave them in the oven as the oven cools and they are ready. They might still be a bit sticky or tacky but leave them somewhere dry to fully dry in the air if that is the case.
• Allow them to cool and enjoy using them as decorations.

Video

Notes

• In the UK the oven temperature is 90-100 degrees celsius. For Americans and those cooking on Fahrenheit cookers, I would recommend it being about 194-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once the time is up leave them in the oven as the oven cools and they are ready. They might be a bit sticky or tacky but leave them somewhere dry to fully dry in the air if that is the case.
• If you want to dry the orange slices on a lower temperature they will take a lot longer to dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Keyword Dried Orange Slices, Dried Orange Slices for Christmas, dried orange slices recipe, dried oranges, how to make Dried Orange Slices, oranges Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!