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Candied Kumquats

Candied kumquats in a glass jar with a small metal spoon.
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5 from 2 reviews

Candied kumquats take minutes to make and add a little extra sweetness to this distinctly tangy fruit. They make a perfect topping for anything from salads to ice cream, and a gorgeous garnish for all kinds of baked goods!

  • Author: Alexandra
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 19 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Category: candied fruit
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cups (198 grams) vanilla sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) water
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 2 cups (312 grams) halved kumquats, seeds removed

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, water, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod in a small saucepan over high heat. Use a wooden spoon to mix the syrup together as it warms up. Bring to a full boil over high heat, and then immediately reduce heat to simmer. Let simmer for 4 minutes.
  2. Add kumquats to saucepan and cook for 10 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure all of the kumquats get submerged in the syrup.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to remove kumquats from the syrup, transferring them to a mason jar. Return syrup to saucepan and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until reduced by about half of its original volume. Don't leave the syrup unattended - you don't want it to get so hot that it begins to caramelize!
  4. Pour the syrup over the kumquats in the jar. Seal and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Ingredients Notes:

  • Although you can buy vanilla sugar, there are plenty of easy ways to make it at home. I often just add a fresh vanilla bean to a large mason jar filled with granulated sugar. Let it sit for at least a couple of weeks before using, and then replenish the sugar in the jar as you use it.
  • Vanilla beans are usually much more economical to buy online than in the grocery store. You can also substitute with 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract.
  • When you slice your kumquats, use the tip of your knife to remove any seeds that are visible. Don't worry if you miss a few - they're perfectly edible!

Equipment Notes:

  • A 1 1/2 quart saucepan is an ideal size for this recipe as written.
  • Make sure that the utensils you use can withstand high heat! A wooden straining spoon like the one in this utensil set works perfectly.

Other Recipe Notes:

  • Candied kumquats will keep in the refrigerator for at least one month.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled and made in a larger saucepan. Use the scaling buttons at the top of the recipe card to scale the ingredients automatically!