9 Florida Orange Treats You Definitely Have To Try
Florida’s sunshine-kissed oranges aren’t just for breakfast juice! These sweet, tangy fruits find their way into some of the most mouthwatering treats you’ll ever taste.
From creamy ice creams to flaky pastries, Florida’s orange-infused goodies showcase the state’s most famous fruit in deliciously creative ways.
Ready your taste buds for a citrusy adventure through the Sunshine State’s most irresistible orange delights!
1. Key Lime-Orange Pie
This clever twist on Florida’s famous Key lime pie adds orange zest and juice to the traditional recipe. The result? A perfect balance of tart and sweet that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance!
The Graham cracker crust provides the ideal crunchy foundation for the silky citrus filling. Topped with fresh whipped cream and orange zest, it’s practically impossible to stop at one slice.
2. Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream
Velvety vanilla ice cream swirled with local orange blossom honey creates a flavor explosion that’s uniquely Floridian. The subtle citrus notes dance with floral sweetness in perfect harmony.
Artisanal ice cream shops throughout the state compete for the creamiest version of this beloved treat. Some add candied orange peel or honeycomb chunks for extra texture and flavor depth.
Best enjoyed at sunset while watching dolphins play offshore!
3. Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Peels
Waste not, want not! These sweet-bitter treats transform orange rinds into chewy candy strips half-dipped in rich dark chocolate. The contrast between bright citrus and deep chocolate creates an irresistible flavor combination.
Florida confectioners often use local oranges at peak ripeness. The peels simmer in sugar syrup until translucent, then dry before meeting their chocolate destiny.
Perfect with afternoon coffee or as an elegant dessert garnish!
4. Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice Popsicles
Nothing beats the heat like frozen orange juice on a stick! These popsicles capture pure Florida sunshine in every lick.
Local vendors along beach boardwalks sell these frosty treats, often adding a hint of honey or vanilla for extra sweetness. The pulp creates little bursts of flavor as you enjoy your cool reward.
My family makes these every summer, and they disappear faster than the afternoon thunderstorms roll in!
5. Orange Sunshine Rum Cake
Boozy, moist, and bursting with citrus punch, this iconic Florida dessert soaks up orange-infused rum like a sponge. Each forkful delivers buttery, boozy bliss with bright orange notes cutting through the richness.
The secret lies in poking tiny holes throughout the warm cake before pouring over the orange-rum syrup. This allows maximum flavor absorption while keeping the cake incredibly moist for days.
I snagged a recipe from an 80-year-old baker in Tampa whose family has made these cakes for four generations!
6. Orange Blossom Macarons
French technique meets Florida flavor in these delicate almond meringue cookies! The light-as-air shells sandwich a creamy orange blossom water buttercream that practically melts on your tongue.
Upscale patisseries in Miami and Palm Beach create these colorful treats in vibrant orange hues. Some even incorporate edible gold leaf for extra glamour.
During my sister’s wedding in Naples, these replaced the traditional cake and disappeared within minutes. Even the photographer abandoned his post to grab one!
7. Creamsicle Cheesecake Squares
Childhood nostalgia meets grown-up dessert in these dreamy orange-vanilla layered cheesecake bars. The vanilla bean-flecked base supports a vibrant orange layer that tastes exactly like those ice cream truck favorites!
A buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation. The secret ingredient? A splash of orange blossom water that elevates the citrus flavor beyond ordinary.
Many Florida cafés serve these chilled treats during the hottest months.
8. Orange Coconut Fudge
Beachside candy shops throughout Florida offer this tropical twist on traditional fudge. The creamy chocolate base gets a sunshine makeover with fresh orange zest, juice, and toasted coconut flakes.
The texture strikes the perfect balance between firm and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. Small-batch producers often use copper kettles and wooden paddles, following recipes passed down through generations of candy makers.
Makes the perfect souvenir—if it survives the trip home!
9. Spicy Orange Marmalade
Florida’s citrus farmers transform their juiciest oranges into this spreadable sunshine! Unlike regular marmalade, the Florida version often includes a kick of cayenne or datil peppers for an unexpected heat that balances the sweetness.
Thick-cut orange peel creates a rustic texture that’s perfect on everything from toast to grilled fish. Local farmers markets showcase dozens of varieties, each with its own special twist.
I’ve been known to eat this straight from the jar with a spoon—don’t judge!