Dark Chocolate Orange Peel: A Gourmet Treat

Imagine a tangy candy that turns orange peel into a luxury, well that’s Dark Chocolate Orange Peel in a nutshell.

This is a luxurious treat that combines the rich bitterness of dark chocolate with the bright, citrusy sweetness of candied orange peel.

This delicate dessert is perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of espresso!

How to make delightful and gourmet Dark Chocolate Orange Peel at home?

Dark chocolate-covered orange peel is a tasty treat that needs a sweet base.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients (makes about 30 pieces)

Candied Orange Peel:

• 3 large oranges (organic preferred)
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt (to reduce bitterness, optional)

Chocolate Coating:

• 8 oz (225g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or cocoa butter (optional, for extra smoothness)

Optional Garnish:

• Flaky sea salt (for a sweet-salty touch)
• Crushed pistachios (for added crunch)
• Cacao nibs (for a deeper chocolate flavor)

Instructions

Prepare the Orange Peels

1. Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly.
2. Using a sharp knife, score the peel into 4 vertical sections and carefully remove it, keeping the white pith intact.
3. Slice the peels into ¼-inch wide strips.

Blanch to Remove Bitterness

1. Place the orange peels in a small saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then drain and repeat two more times (this reduces bitterness).
3. After the final blanching, drain and set aside.

Candy the Orange Peels

1. In the same saucepan, combine 2 cups water, sugar, and salt, stirring until dissolved.
2. Add the orange peels and simmer over low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peels to a wire rack or parchment paper to dry for 4-6 hours (or overnight).

Melt the Dark Chocolate

1. Melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil using a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.

Dip the Orange Peels

1. Dip each candied orange peel halfway into the melted dark chocolate.
2. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place on a parchment-lined tray.

Add Finishing Touches (Optional)

• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, crushed pistachios, or cacao nibs before the chocolate sets.

Let Them Set & Enjoy!

1. Allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for 1 month.

Pro Tip: Quality is key for dark chocolate orange peel. If you are aiming for a real gourmet treat use a 90% dark chocolate bar and organic oranges.

How to Enjoy This Gourmet Treat

Dark chocolate orange peel is a tasty, gourmet treat that you can enjoy in many ways.

It’s great for a quick snack or as a fancy dessert topping. It mixes rich chocolate with a burst of orange flavor.

Snack Time Treats

No need to say this treat makes a great snack. In fact it turns a simple break into a special moment. It’s perfect for:

• Afternoon coffee companions
• Pre-workout energy boosts
• Midday sweet cravings
• Office desk pick-me-ups

Gourmet Dessert Additions

Make your desserts even better with dark chocolate orange peel. Here are some fun ways to use it:

1. Crumble over ice cream
2. Garnish chocolate mousse
3. Decorate cake slices
4. Mix into homemade trail mix

Gift-Worthy Presentation

As mentioned before, this delicate treat is a great gift for food lovers. Put it in fancy boxes or small tins for birthdays, holidays, or as a nice gift for your hostess.

Each batch has about 8-10 pieces. They have at least 70% cocoa, making them a fancy and tasty gift.

Creative Ways to Use Dark Chocolate Orange Peel

While this treat is enough by itself it also lends itself to being part of something larger, here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

In Baking and Pastry

Add dark chocolate orange peel to your baked goods for a fancy touch. Here are some ideas:

• Chop finely and fold into brownie batter for a citrusy chocolate kick
• Sprinkle over cream cheese frosting for elegant cake decorations
• Mix into cookie dough for a gourmet chocolate orange treat

Enhanced Charcuterie Boards

This delicious, little treat makes charcuterie boards better. It pairs well with cheeses and meats.

• Arrange pieces alongside aged cheeses like gouda or parmesan
• Create visual interest with strategic chocolate orange peel placement
• Pair with nuts and dried fruits for a complex flavor profile

Unique Cocktails and Beverages

Make special drinks with dark chocolate orange peel. These recipes will make your cocktails stand out:

• Use as a garnish for old fashioned or chocolate martinis
• Infuse hot chocolate with finely chopped pieces
• Create chocolate orange-infused simple syrup for unique mixed drinks

Dark chocolate orange peel is more than a snack. It’s a key ingredient that makes any dish special.

Indulge in the Gourmet Experience

Dark chocolate orange peel is more than a candy. It’s a special treat that mixes rich chocolate with citrus. This mix makes a flavor that is both complex and delightful.

Hill Country Chocolate and others have made this mix into art. The mix of dark chocolate and orange zest is amazing. It’s perfect for those who love chocolate or are looking for something new.

Try these special treats for yourself. They are great for snacks or desserts. Each bite is a journey of flavors, blending chocolate and citrus in a way that’s loved by many.

Are you a fan for easy, simple chocolate treats?

In case you are a sucker for easy, simple chocolate treats check out the recipe for White Chocolate Espresso beans.

Easy as pie.