Candied fruit is a wonderful treat. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or they can be used to top your favourite desserts. If you receive a large quantity of fruit and you don’t want it to spoil, this is also a great way of preserving them. Even if you have never candied your own fruit before, you will find it really easy with these simple steps.

How to make candied fruit:

  • Select your favourite fresh fruit.
  • Cut your fruit into slices that are about 5mm thick.
  • Prepare your candy mixture by combining half a cup of sugar with one cup of water. You can multiply this recipe if you have a lot of fruit.
  • Bring the sugar mixture to a boil on your stove.
  • Once the mixture is boiling, the sugar should dissolve.
  • Now you can add your sliced fruit to the pot and allow to cook on medium to low heat. You may need to turn the fruit slices from time to time.
  • Cooking usually takes 40 – 50 minutes.
  • The fruit is done once it becomes transparent but is still in tact.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fruit.
  • Place the candied fruit on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • If you like, you can also roll your fruit in sugar once they have cooled enough.
  • Chill in the refrigerator and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Useful tips

You can use several different types of fruit. The best type of fruit are those that are firmer. You don’t want to use fruit that is over ripe or fruit that is known for falling apart. If you are not sure if the fruit will hold up, you can always cut a few pieces and test it out. If you like, you can also make candied peels like lemons, limes and oranges. These are great for making your next fruit cake. Not only are candied fruit delicious, you can make candied nuts too! Again, you can use them to make those desserts even better.

Remember, if you are not sure which fruits you should use to make candied fruit, you can always consider the store bought products. Fruits like cherries, for example are a scrumptious option. Of course, you will need to remove the seeds first.