As a renowned chef who has travelled the globe mastering cuisines of all cultures, I’m delighted to share this decadent yet easy recipe for Chocolate Covered Orange. Bursting with fresh citrus flavour and enrobed in rich chocolate, they make a sophisticated dessert or edible gift that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
The combination of tart orange and creamy chocolate is a match made in heaven. The bittersweet chocolate provides a cocooning layer around each juicy slice of orange, complementing the bright within.
Not only is this a foolproof recipe, but you can also customize it to suit your tastes by choosing dark, milk, or white chocolate and experimenting with different coatings like nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.
This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand. And the process is straightforward enough for cooks of all skill levels. Read on for step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make picture-perfect, professional-quality chocolate oranges worthy of any holiday spread or hostess gift. For more delightful dessert ideas, be sure to check out this collection.
Chocolate Covered Orange
Equipment
- Saucepan for melting chocolate
- Double boiler or metal bowl that fits over the saucepan (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 medium navel oranges
- 8 oz high-quality dark, milk or white chocolate, chopped
- Toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, shredded coconut (optional)
Notes
Procedure For Making Chocolate Covered Oranges
- Start by washing the oranges thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry.
- Using a sharp knife, slice both ends of each orange so they have flat surfaces to stand upright. Place upright on a cutting board.
- Following the curve of the fruit, slice downward to remove the peel and white pith from the oranges.
- Cut each peeled orange crosswise into rounds, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Set aside.
- Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low to keep the water gently steaming.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a metal bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan without touching the water, which creates a double boiler to melt the chocolate.
- If you don’t have a double boiler, place the chopped chocolate directly in the saucepan off the heat. Stir until smoothly melted and glossy.
- Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and dip the flat bottom of each orange slice into the chocolate, submerging half of each. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
- Place the dark chocolate covered orange slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the chocolate side down. If desired, sprinkle toppings like nuts or sprinkles over the chocolate coating while still warm and fluid.
- Allow the chocolate coating to be fully set at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Layer between pieces of parchment paper if stacking.
- Once set, arrange on a platter to serve. Or individually wrap pieces in waxed paper or cellophane to give as gifts.
Tips and Tricks
As a chef, I’ve acquired some helpful tips for taking these chocolate covered oranges to the next level:
- For the juiciest slices, select thick-skinned navel oranges at their peak ripeness. Blood oranges also provide a gorgeous colour.
- Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion when slicing oranges to prevent mashing the tender flesh. Chill oranges for 15 minutes before easier cutting.
- When melting chocolate, take care not to overheat or burn. Stir continuously and remove from heat just before fully melting.
- Top immediately after coating while the chocolate is still fluid so decorations like chopped pistachios adhere nicely.
Conclusion
From its festive colour to nostalgic chocolate-citrus pairing, dark chocolate covered orange slices are a classic treat for novices and seasoned cooks.
With just a few minutes of active prep time, your kitchen can become a chocolate factory, turning out edible works of art. Not only do these make a stunning presentation on a dessert tray, but they also double as thoughtful edible gifts for neighbours, teachers, and family.
I hope you’ll find immense satisfaction in following this chocolate covered orange recipe, personalizing the chocolate and toppings to your taste, and sharing these handmade confections with loved ones. The combination of techniques and expert tips I’ve provided will help you master the art of chocolate covered oranges.
