Dark Chocolate Orange Slices are an elegant treat with decadence in every bite. So easy, healthy and a delicious tangy-sweet treat!
Other favorite dried fruit treats we love are Date Bar Cookies and Persian Marzipan Candy.
About Chocolate Orange Slices
- Thick dried slices of orange dipped in luscious melted dark chocolate is a perfect luxurious healthy snack.
- Dried orange slices have natural sweetness, flavor and colors. The process of dehydrating orange slices results in a dry, leathery and sweet fruit center. The finished chocolate orange slice wheels have minimal added sugar.
- It is so easy to make dried fruit treats this way and you can also have your kids join you in the fun.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Now, you have heard this a lot - Chocolate is good for you! But not all of it though. Before we go into the good things, let's not forget that chocolate comes with sugar, high calories and fat. So it is wise to enjoy it in moderation. Especially, the dark chocolate is the better option here, since it has more cocoa and less sugar.
Cocoa, which is used to make chocolate, is known to have biologically active phenolic compounds with antioxidant potential. Studies have shown an association of chocolate consumption with lowering of cholesterol; improved memory through better blood flow to the brain; lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, a research study with dark chocolate has indicated improved performance in fitness training.
One interesting thing about chocolate is that - most good quality chocolate is made with cocoa butter, which is made up of oleic acid (a heart healthy fat), palmitic acid and stearic acid. The latter two are saturated fatty acids. However, research has revealed that stearic acid has neutral affects on cholesterol.
Although palmitic acid does have an effect on cholesterol levels, it makes up only a third of the fat in good quality chocolate. But, that still does not mean that we can eat a lot of chocolate. It only means to say that it is one of those preferred "treats" for you!
How Long Will Orange Slices Last?
These two-ingredient "Dark Chocolate Orange Slice Wheels" will last well for about two weeks in an airtight container. But the chocolate coating on the rind may lose some of its smooth appearance thereafter, with no loss in taste.
If you do not have a dehydrator, you may use this oven method. However, I have not tried it myself.
More Chocolate Recipes:
★ DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE IT A STAR RATING BELOW!
Dark Chocolate Orange Slices
Instructions
- Scrub the surface of the oranges with a vegetable brush and rinse well. Wipe the surface dry using a paper towel.
- Slice the orange crosswise using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife. And cut it into uniform ¼-inch thick slices. Discard the end slices.
- Next, place the orange slices on the trays of the food dehydrator. Stack the trays into the dehydrator and turn it on.
- Then let the orange slices dehydrate until the peel is hard and the fruit center is dry. This can take up to six to eight hours depending on the number of trays stacked. Also, remember to switch the order of the trays to allow uniform drying of the slices.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl for about one minute, at low to medium setting. And stir it every 15 to 20 seconds until melted.
- Next dip the orange slices along the rind side and roll it in the melted chocolate. Lay the dark chocolate dipped orange slices on a parchment lined tray and let the chocolate harden.
- The Dark Chocolate Orange Slice Wheels will be optimum in quality for about 2 weeks. Beyond that, the chocolate may lose some shine, but with no difference in taste.
Notes
- Alternatively if you do not have a dehydrator, you may use this oven method. But I have not tried it yet.
- The amount of chocolate chips needed may vary with the size of oranges and thickness of coating. However, the quantity of the ingredients is a guide.
- Also, make sure to not melt the chocolate chips at a high temperature.
Denise
What a great way to get some fruit and that chocolate fix at the same time! Looks so delicous!
Roxana
Thanks Denise. Yes, really. And the intense orange flavor with the concentrated sweetness of oranges was so good.
Whitney
Love this idea!! These look amazing!
Roxana
Thanks Whitney :)
Abbey
Love how simple this recipe is. Looks totally delicious :)
Roxana
Thanks Abbey.
Kristina
These are super adorable!! And so easy! Thanks for sharing!
Roxana
Thanks Kristina. Yes, and they can be used for other things beyond snacking too.
EA
Yum! And, interesting research on orange peel and intestinal health. I dip fresh oranges in dark chocolate, but I've never tried dehydrating oranges. This looks like a perfect afternoon treat!
Roxana
Thanks :) When the sweetness gets concentrated they have this candy like taste. And it is so good.
Alysa
This makes me want to get a food dehydrator. Yum!
Roxana
You should. You will love it.
Jessica
These look amazing! Love how easy but elegant they are!
Roxana
Thanks Jessica. I know, so easy. This was perhaps my first two-ingredient recipe :)
Amy
These look delicious! It's definitely a must-try for me. :)
Roxana
Thanks Amy. Enjoy!