Easy Vegan Candied Kumquats Recipe: Sweet & Tart Citrus Treat 🍊🍯

Candied Kumquats: An Easy Vegan Treat

mason jar vegan candied kumquats

Make this easy Vegan Candied Kumquats recipe for a sweet treat that is bursting with the taste of fresh citrus!

These candied kumquats are made with simple ingredients, including fresh kumquats and agave nectar (a vegan substitute for honey), making the recipe both vegan and gluten-free.

The resulting treat boasts a bright, sweet, and tart flavor explosion with a beautiful, bold orange color.

It’s quick to prepare and cook, with a total time of about 20 minutes.

Serve them immediately or store them in a mason jar in the refrigerator for later use!

Understanding the Unique Kumquat 🍋

Kumquats are the star of this recipe, offering a distinct and balanced flavor profile.

What is a Kumquat?

Appearance: A small, orange-sized citrus fruit native to China, often grown in California. They look similar to a small orange or mandarin.
Flavor Profile: They are known for their unique sweet and sour flavor. The peel is sweet and edible, while the pulp inside is tart. Biting into a whole kumquat delivers a simultaneous sweet and tart experience.

The Best Variety for Candying

Meiwa Kumquats: If you can find this variety, I recommend Meiwa kumquats, which are typically larger and has a sweeter, tangy flavor, making them ideal for this recipe.
Flexibility: While Meiwa is a favorite, any variety of kumquat found at the grocery store or farmer’s market will be delicious when candied.

Vegan Sweetener and Versatile Uses 🌱

This recipe ensures a delicious outcome by using a natural, plant-based alternative for sweetening.

Agave Nectar as a Vegan Swap

Why Agave? Traditional candied citrus often uses honey, but this recipe swaps it for agave nectar to keep it vegan
Profile: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of an agave plant. It’s a clear, golden liquid Enjoy Candied Kumquats

Uses for Candied Kumquats

Once cooled, these flavorful slices can be enjoyed in many ways:

Simple Treat: Eat them as a sweet and tangy treat on their own.
Toppings: Add them as a vibrant topping for **yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal**.
With Baked Goods: Pair them with rustic sourdough bread, biscuits, scones, or croissants.
Drinks: Use them to garnish or flavor cocktails and mocktails.

🍊🍯 Vegan Candied Kumquats Recipe

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 15 Minutes | Yield: 2 to 4 Servings

🍊 Ingredients

1 cup Kumquats, sliced thin
¼ cup Granulated Sugar
¼ cup Water
2 T Agave Nectar
1 t Vanilla Extract

🥄 Supplies

Saucepan
Knife and Cutting Board
Heat Resistant Spoon (Stainless Steel, Silicone, etc.)
Mason Jar (for storage)

📝 Instructions

Prep Fruit: Cut the kumquats into thin, round slices and remove any visible seeds.
Dissolve Sugar: Measure the sugar, water, and agave nectar into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved and doesn’t stick.
Cook Kumquats: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the kumquat slices in a single, flat layer so they are mostly covered with liquid.
Simmer: Return the pan to the stove and set the heat to low. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring the slices occasionally.
Thicken Syrup (Part 1): Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, use a heat-resistant spoon to scoop the kumquat slices out of the hot liquid and place them into your mason jar.
Thicken Syrup (Part 2): Return the saucepan with the remaining liquid to the stove. Cook the liquid for another 5 minutes to reduce and thicken the syrup.
Combine & Cool: Pour part or all of the thick liquid over the kumquats in the jar to cover the fruit as needed. Let the jar cool completely.
Serve: Serve immediately, or seal and store the candied kumquats in the refrigerator.

Ready to Try This Unique Citrus Treat? ⬇️

This simple recipe is an excellent way to utilize the flavorful, yet often overlooked, kumquat and results in a stunning, versatile garnish or dessert!