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Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)

by Lindsay Cotter · 11/30/2020

Vegan
Jump to Recipe
★★★★★ 4.7 from 19 reviews
titled image (and shown): oven-dried orange slices
titled image (and shown): oven-dried orange slices
titled image (and shown): oven-dried orange slices

These dried orange slices are sprinkled with spices and coconut sugar. Make them for a cocktail garnish or healthy snack. Paleo and vegan!

stack of dried orange slices on white background

As a kid, were you obsessed with the orange fruit slice candies? Um, I was! Every year, my mom would put a big bag of them out for the holidays. The sugar high (and crash!) did some serious damage. Haha.

You see, ever since I started dehydrating vegetables and fruits into “fruit snacks and veggie chips,” I’ve been hooked on testing out more.

The flavor and beauty of oranges is the inspiration for this dried fruit recipe. Especially blood oranges- gosh, they are gorgeous, aren’t they?!

blood orange slices sprinkled with sugar and spices

But I also realize that not everyone has 8 hours to dehydrate food, or even a dehydrator for that matter.

Side note: I need to write a post on how to use a dehydrator. –> REMIND ME! I use this trusty dehydrator! 

Back to my point. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can STILL oven dry fruits and vegetables and STILL save money.

Ingredients for making Dried Orange Slices

overhead image: blood oranges and navel oranges sliced in half on cutting board

The ingredients for a healthy snack don’t get any simpler than this!

  • Oranges– Any variety will work, but you’ll have the best success using a seedless or low-seed variety like navel or blood oranges.

    Blood oranges are my preference, simply because they are SO gorgeous! Also, they are naturally pitted so that saves a TON Of time in kitchen.
  • Coconut sugar– To cut down on the sugar, use a granulated sugar free substitute.
  • Spices– Ground cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt are what I use. Feel free to experiment with other spices though. Nutmeg, allspice, or even apple pie spice would add unique flavor!

The best fruit for your dried fruit snacks should be tart, or slightly tart. This way, you can sweeten them up, but they won’t be overly sweet.

close up image of dehydrated orange slices

Recipe tips and notes

  • Cut the slices as thin as possible.

If the slices are too thick, they will take much longer to dry out. Also, although the peel is edible, thicker slices will have more of a bitter flavor.

If you have a mandoline, this is the perfect time to use it!

  • Store in a cool, dry location.

Be sure to keep them in an airtight container and in a cool, dry area. This helps to prevent any humidity from reaching them. Ziploc bags are perfect!

drying oranges for cocktail garnish

How to use dehydrated oranges

After making the dried orange slices, you can use them as a garnish for holiday cocktails or fruit punch. They are perfect for a sangria or mimosa.

Or, you can mix them in with gluten free muesli, or simply snack on them as-is, peel and all!

They are heavenly! And probably the easiest trick in the book when it comes to trying to be “Martha.” — >  or Martha-esque.

oven dried orange slices as garnish in cranberry cocktails

How pretty does that look? Regardless of this presentation, my key point here is this.

Don’t underestimate the power of making your own food. You can pretty much make anything healthier these days, and save a buck or two while you’re at it.

Oven dried orange slices. Slightly sweetened oven dried orange slices sprinkled with spices and coconut sugar. Great with cocktails, garnishing, or cereals.

WANT TO MAKE OTHER HEALTHY SNACKS?

Snack all day in a guilt-free way by making Homemade Snap Pea Chips. Or, bust out your food processor and make some Honey Chipotle Peach Salsa.

Print
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stack of dried orange slices on white background

Sweetened Dried Orange Slices


★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes
  • Yield: 15–18 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These dried orange slices are sprinkled with spices and coconut sugar. Make them for a cocktail garnish or healthy snack. Paleo and vegan!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 large blood oranges or navel oranges, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar substitute
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch of ground ginger
  • dash of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F.
  2. Wash and dry oranges, then cut into very thin slices (as thin as possible). Lay them flat on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, mix your spices and sugar.
  4. Sprinkle evenly over orange slices.
  5. Dry in the oven at 200°F. for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If your orange slices are thick, they will take longer.
  6. After removing them from the oven, add more spices and/or sugar, if desired.
  7. Store in a cool dry place. Ziplock works great!

Notes

NOTES for EATING –> to make sure the rinds don’t taste bitter, cut EXTRA thin and add sugar and/or spice to edges before baking

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: american

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 21
  • Sugar: 4.6 g
  • Sodium: 10.6 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: dried orange slices, paleo, dehydrated oranges, cocktail garnishes, vegan, healthy snacks

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

TALK TO ME!

Have you ever dehydrated oranges or other fruits?

P.S. Be sure to come visit our Facebook group! We’re getting ready for Christmas and sharing ALL of our favorite recipes. We need your input!

Cheers!

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Categories: Snacks and Appetizers, Vegan Tags: baked, DIY, fruit, snacks

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Lizzie says

    03/13/2021 at 11:38 AM

    How long will these last if stored in an airtight container/zip lock? Days? A week? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      03/13/2021 at 11:39 AM

      Hey Lizzie! I’d say about a 7-10 days before they get too chewy.

      Reply
  2. Jisun says

    01/30/2021 at 9:32 AM

    Are these crispy or chewy? Looks amazing. I need some crispy fruit for decorating my desserts!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      01/30/2021 at 5:03 PM

      It depends on how thin you slice them. Mine are a little crispy on outside and chewy middle. They work great on cakes though! Keep me posted.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        02/11/2021 at 6:29 AM

        Can’t wait to try these out on my friend’s birthday cake!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Lindsay Cotter says

          02/11/2021 at 12:17 PM

          Wonderful! Keep me posted. Send pics!

          Reply
  3. Connie says

    01/21/2021 at 2:58 AM

    Can I use these slices to decorate a chocolate cake with ganache on top? Will it work?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      01/21/2021 at 4:33 AM

      Hi Connie,
      The orange slices are completely edible and would look gorgeous on top of ganache! Just keep in mind that the longer they stay on the cake, the more likely they are to absorb moisture from the ganache.

      Reply
  4. Aaron says

    01/08/2021 at 10:26 PM

    Hi, I love the story of your mom and dad, the way she meets your dad while eating an orange is amazing. By the way, I was been looking for a good recipe and finally, I got this delicious one. It really looks interesting. I might have to try making them. Because I love oranges.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      01/10/2021 at 12:53 PM

      Oh thank you! It’s fun to reshare that story

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    12/03/2020 at 9:31 AM

    Not only are these tasty, they are SO PRETTY! I made them to put on the side of a cake and I got so many compliments. I love the cinnamon and coconut sugar combo- it’s so good together, and so fragrant!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/04/2020 at 10:56 AM

      Perfect on cocktails. I’ll make you a negroni with orange slices. Deal? 😉 Oh the good old days!

      Reply
  6. wilhelmina says

    12/01/2020 at 9:26 AM

    Wow! Learning this method is a game changer! I love how fancy they look. Perfect for adding some fancy to my holiday drinks and dishes!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/01/2020 at 10:22 AM

      Don’t you love how easy it can be to fancy up a simple looking dish or drink?! Thanks for the nice feedback, Wilhelmina!

      Reply
  7. Stephanie manley says

    12/01/2020 at 5:51 AM

    You just upgraded my cocktail night.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/01/2020 at 10:21 AM

      Fantastic, Stephanie… cheers!

      Reply
  8. Toni Dash says

    12/01/2020 at 5:03 AM

    This is really gorgeous and delicious!! I love how easy it is to make!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/01/2020 at 10:20 AM

      Thanks so much, Toni!

      Reply
  9. LAUREN KELLY says

    11/30/2020 at 12:26 PM

    OMG! These are the best!! They smell amazing too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      11/30/2020 at 3:38 PM

      I know right?! They make the whole house smell great! Thanks, Lauren!

      Reply
  10. Cathy says

    11/19/2020 at 1:03 PM

    These look amazing. Would like to make ahead for a thanksgiving cocktail. How long will they keep? Also will halve or quarter and dip in chocolate for a Xmas treat.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      11/19/2020 at 2:52 PM

      I just made some 2 weeks ago and stored them in the pantry. still good! YAY!

      Reply
  11. Kate says

    11/15/2020 at 6:15 PM

    I am making these dried oranges to go with some mulled wine for this holiday season – oranges are in the oven as I type this! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Fateemer says

    11/06/2020 at 5:45 AM

    Oh looking amazing, I must try this. Thank you

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      11/10/2020 at 2:56 PM

      Hope you do try it! Thank you!

      Reply
  13. De says

    08/01/2020 at 2:47 AM

    Hi, I was just wondering if the added sugar/spices is necessary or if it’s optional? I’m just dipping my dried slices into chocolate, so I’m presuming I won’t need to add sugar or spices, or will the orange taste plain if I leave out the sugar and spices?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      08/01/2020 at 12:24 PM

      You can leave out the sugar, it just helps take away any bitterness once baked.

      Reply
  14. Karen says

    04/30/2020 at 3:11 AM

    Hi. Love your story. I have been looking for a good recipe after having a dried orange in a gin at a restaurant – this is the one that sounds the most amazing. How long will a batch keep if stored in airtight container.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      04/30/2020 at 11:43 AM

      I think it should last a few weeks, easy! LMK!

      Reply
  15. Carrie Champness says

    02/24/2020 at 7:36 PM

    These turned out amazing! I had to go longer in the oven to make sure they were dried. How long will they last in a sealed jar?

    Reply
  16. JACKELIN SLACK says

    11/16/2019 at 11:53 AM

    This was the first recipe that came up when I Googled dried orange slices for cocktails, so you know I clicked (because it’s Lindsay, duh!) Looking forward to making these, and I’m sure my house will instantly transform into holiday central. ?. Thanks, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      11/16/2019 at 1:01 PM

      Does that mean you are inviting me over for a cocktail? LOL I used these last week at the open house. An oldie but goodie!

      Reply
    • JACKELIN SLACK says

      11/16/2019 at 1:08 PM

      If you’re up for some Old Fashioneds, come in over!

      Reply
  17. Levi says

    01/17/2019 at 11:46 AM

    Will be using these in Manhattan’s with an added drop of orange bitters. Thanks for the recipe, they’re great!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  18. Aidan says

    12/25/2018 at 10:09 AM

    I’m going to try these for decorating a chocolate orange Buche de Noel I’m making. I wonder if they will dry properly in my little toaster oven, as my oven is spoken for most of the time. I’ve got some Cara Cara oranges ready to be sliced and sugared . . . I’ll have to report back with the results. If the toaster oven doesn’t finish the job, the regular oven should be available in time to desiccate partially dehydrated slices. Of course, it always seems to take less time in my mind than in execution.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/25/2018 at 1:48 PM

      Hi Aidan! I haven’t tried these in toaster oven, but it would work. YOu would just have to crack the door a little bit and keep an eye on it. It might take longer. Let me know if you try it!

      Reply
  19. Wendy says

    12/06/2018 at 7:12 AM

    Easy to make and store cupboard ingredients

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  20. Bill says

    12/20/2017 at 5:35 PM

    Wow, did these ever stick. No sure what went wrong, but every slice was glued to the paper and the paper to the sheet pans. Nothing is salvageable, unfortunately.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      12/20/2017 at 5:41 PM

      Sorry to hear that Bill. What type of sugar did you use? Was it blood orange or regular navel orange?

      Reply
  21. Kris | iheartwellness.com says

    02/23/2016 at 2:29 PM

    Girllllll these are beautiful!! I have never thought to do this, but you know I’m going to try now!!

    I would totally put these in my cereal that would be amazing!!!

    xxoo
    Kris

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/23/2016 at 11:04 PM

      Thanks Kris!! I knew you’d like. And so good to hear from you. xxoo

      Reply
  22. amanda paa says

    02/22/2016 at 3:33 PM

    these are gorgeous! and i love the story about your mom meeting your dad while he was eating at an orange.

    please post about the dehydrator! i keep going back and forth on buying one. would love to get that push i need. xo

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/22/2016 at 4:47 PM

      Girl! you got to get on! or you can oven bake but I truly love my dehydrator! Will post that info soon. xxoo

      Reply
  23. Hollie says

    02/22/2016 at 11:19 AM

    This looks really interesting. I might have to try making them. I love oranges and we have a ton at our house right now.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/23/2016 at 10:52 AM

      So glad you tried them Hollie!

      Reply
  24. Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says

    02/15/2016 at 11:17 AM

    I’m just seeing these now.. but omg! Talk about beautiful!! These are so simple to make, but they are so pretty! Need to try these for sweetening up oatmeal.. and maybe cocktails like you suggested 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/16/2016 at 10:24 AM

      Omg yes! They are so good on oatmeal! Keep me posted

      Reply
  25. Jess @hellotofit says

    02/14/2016 at 4:15 PM

    My dad went through a phase where he dehydrated ALL the bananas 😛 we had dried bananas for MONTHS, and it was glorious. DONT’ FORGET to post about the dehydrator 😉

    Reply
  26. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    02/13/2016 at 6:29 PM

    I love Blood Orange Mimosas so I’m sure I’d adore these as well. Surely, there’s a correlation.

    Also, my baby brother eats lemons whole, peel and all. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/13/2016 at 9:35 PM

      I like your style!

      Reply
  27. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    02/13/2016 at 3:22 PM

    !!! Eating an orange WITH the peel? That reminds me of all those stories I hear of people eating bananas and watermelon without peeling first. I wonder if I’m missing out on something? And I’m seriously LOVING the idea of dehydrating orange slices, especially with sugar and spices. Makes me think of Christmas!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/13/2016 at 9:35 PM

      banana? oh, ya, i could never. Weird. haha

      Reply
  28. Jody - Fit at 58 says

    02/12/2016 at 5:55 PM

    I loved the mom & dad story!!!! My hubby used to love those orange candy gummy type slices!!!! These look amazing!

    Reply
  29. Crystal Escobar says

    02/12/2016 at 3:34 PM

    Great post! This dried orange slice menu is so cute, you’re making me want to make this.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/12/2016 at 9:23 PM

      let me know if you do!

      Reply
  30. Sarah says

    02/12/2016 at 3:07 PM

    Such a beautiful story Lindsay! I love the meaning and memories behind favorite foods. I remember those orange candies growing up but right now all I can think about s how amazing your kitchen must have smelled making these!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/12/2016 at 7:31 PM

      i have to admit, it smelled divine! <3 you

      Reply
  31. Blair says

    02/12/2016 at 2:22 PM

    Aren’t blood oranges one of the prettiest fruits EVER?! Love them! And I really love the idea of garnishing a COCKTAIL with these slices. You’re so darn smart. 🙂 Happy Friday!!

    Reply
  32. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    02/12/2016 at 1:02 PM

    These look magical. I love putting dates in the oven to caramelize them and dry them out if they’re too soft and squishy bc I hate them like that!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/12/2016 at 2:51 PM

      oh genius!

      Reply
  33. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    02/12/2016 at 12:05 PM

    Wait. Your dad at a whole, raw orange?! Whoa. I eat the peels of the chunks I put in my kombucha, but they’re fermented.

    I love blood oranges. This looks tasty… the perfect garnish for a blood orange mimosa. 😉

    Reply
  34. The Food Hunter says

    02/12/2016 at 9:40 AM

    I see these rimming my cocktail glasses.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/12/2016 at 2:45 PM

      i like your style!

      Reply
  35. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

    02/12/2016 at 8:21 AM

    Your dad’s whole-orange eating habit sure has me intrigued! I adore oranges but have been shy to eat them whole – but I just might give it a try – when no one is looking! Though these dried slices I could eat out in the open! I have a counter full of regular oranges and 3 hours to spare – think I’m gonna start slicing! Thanks for this oven baked version of dried orange slices Lindsay!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend!

    Reply
  36. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    02/12/2016 at 7:58 AM

    So pretty! The best citrus we wait for all year!! These would look mighty fine atop my blood orange quick bread 😉

    Reply
  37. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    02/12/2016 at 7:08 AM

    I love oven dried fruit!So I never used to eat the peel or anything like that until I worked at that Mexican restaurant. For some reason, I started eating the (garnish) orange slices whole there. And now I do. It is so weird.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      02/12/2016 at 8:03 AM

      I knew i liked you for a reason! 😉

      Reply
  38. taylor @ food faith fitness says

    02/12/2016 at 6:53 AM

    Well this just looks AMAZING and DELISH! I can’t believe your dad could eat the entire orange!! That’s such a cute story and I’m sure your mom just loves to tell it. 🙂

    Reply
  39. michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    02/12/2016 at 6:30 AM

    Love the story about your dad and I haven’t yet in my life eaten an orange peel! I do eat oranges every day though 🙂 I’ll definitely be trying this since I use all these ingredients anyway and they look amazing!

    Reply
  40. Megan @ skinny fitalicious says

    02/12/2016 at 6:05 AM

    Oh yum! This I need to try. I love dried fruit but not all the extras that come with them.

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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