Chocolate-Dipped Oranges with Sea Salt
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious treat, Chocolate-Dipped Oranges with Sea Salt are about to become your new favorite snack. Juicy, naturally sweet orange segments get a rich, velvety coating of dark chocolate, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty bite. The best part? They take less than 20 minutes to make—no baking, no fancy equipment, just simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you're whipping up a last-minute dessert, a healthy-ish snack, or an impressive party treat, these chocolate-dipped oranges are guaranteed to hit the spot!
Equipment
- ✔ Cutting board & knife – For peeling and segmenting the oranges (if not using pre-peeled mandarins).
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – To melt the chocolate smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – For stirring the chocolate as it melts.
- Fork or tongs – To dip the orange segments neatly into the chocolate.
- Parchment paper or wax paper – To prevent sticking when placing dipped oranges on the tray.
- Baking sheet or plate – To hold the dipped oranges while they set.
- Paper towels – To pat the oranges dry before dipping (important for getting the chocolate to stick).
- Refrigerator (optional) – To speed up the chocolate-setting process.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large oranges navel, mandarin, or blood oranges
- 1 cup dark chocolate 60-70% cacao, roughly chopped or in chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil optional, for smoother melting
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt like Maldon or Himalayan
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios for added crunch
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut for a tropical twist
- 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra citrus flavor
- Drizzle of white chocolate for a contrast in color and flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
- Peel the oranges and separate them into individual segments.
- If your oranges have excess pith (the white part), gently remove it to keep the flavors clean and fresh.
- Pat the orange segments dry with a paper towel to ensure the chocolate sticks well.
- Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
- Place the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until smooth. (Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for a gentler melting process.)
- Once melted, let it sit for about a minute to slightly cool—this prevents the orange segments from cooking when dipped.
- Step 3: Dip and Decorate
- Dip each orange segment halfway into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Place the dipped oranges on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it hardens.
- (Optional) Add other toppings like chopped pistachios, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra texture and flavor.
- Step 4: Set and Serve
- Let the chocolate-dipped oranges sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate starts to firm up.
- For a faster setting process, place the tray in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Once fully set, enjoy immediately or store for later!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips
✔ Prepare up to 24 hours in advance – These chocolate-dipped oranges taste best when made fresh, but you can dip them a day ahead and store them properly to keep them from drying out.✔ Wait for the chocolate to fully set before storing – This prevents smudging and sticking.
✔ If making for a party or event, consider prepping a large batch and storing in a single layer in the fridge for easy serving. 💡 Pro Tip: If you’re making these for gifting, place them in a decorative box or airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking!
Storage Instructions
🧊 Refrigerator:✔ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
✔ Bring to room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. 🚫 Freezing:
Not recommended! Freezing can cause the oranges to release moisture when thawed, making the chocolate turn chalky or grainy. 💡 Best Practice: If you need to store them longer than 3 days, consider dipping candied orange slices instead of fresh ones, as they hold up better over time. By following these simple make-ahead and storage tips, you’ll always have fresh, delicious, and perfectly set chocolate-dipped oranges whenever you’re ready to enjoy them!