How To Make Homemade Candles From Fruit Peels: A Creative Centerpiece

If you're looking for an exciting way to add a touch of unique home decor to your space, you're in for a treat.


In this simple guide, I'll show you how to make homemade candles using fruit peels. It's a delightful and eco-friendly way to repurpose your fruit leftovers while creating stunning DIY candle holders.


So, let's get started!


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Materials and Tools You'll Need:

Before we dive into the candle making process, let's gather the essentials:

  • Fruit
  • Wood wicks
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon
  • Candle wax
  • A candle pouring pot
  • A pan or double boiler
  • Dried herbs like lemon balm for added fragrance
How to make homemade candles from fruit

1. Prepare Your Fruit

Select a citrus fruit like a lemon, orange, or grapefruit. For a unique touch, experiment with mangoes – they work beautifully!

Scoop out the fruit

Cut your chosen fruit in half lengthwise.

Citrus fruit candle

Carefully score the fruit where the pulp meets the skin. Use a spoon to scoop out all the fruit and set it aside for a tasty snack later.

Mango peel candle jar

Make sure to soak up the excess juice inside the peel.

Wood wick candle preparation

2. Prepare the Wick

Take your wood wick and insert the bottom into its metal stand.

Creative fruit candle DIY ideas

Cut the wick to size.

Test the wick stands properly in the citrus peel candle holder

Ensure it can stand upright when placed inside the empty fruit skin.

Prep the Wax

3. Melt the Candle Wax

Pour candle wax flakes into a candle pouring pot.

Wax melting instructions

Then, place the pot into another pan or double boiler filled with a few inches of boiling water.

Melt the Wax

As the wax flakes melt, stir with a wooden spoon until you have clear liquid wax.

Pour Wax Into the Fruit

4. Create Your Fruit Candle

Take a spoonful or two of melted wax and pour it onto the bottom of the fruit.

Homemade fruit candle decoration tips

Place the candle wick in its stand in the puddle of wax and hold it for a few seconds until it stands on its own.

Fill the Fruit

Continue pouring the melted wax into the fruit until it reaches the top.

Add dried herbs

You can get creative and enhance the scent by sprinkling dried herbs, like lemon balm, on top of the hot wax.

Fruit skin candle holder

5. Let Your Creation Set

Let the wax cool and set for at least 30 minutes before moving your fruit candle.


Once your fruit candle is set, it's time to light it up and display it. You can place them individually or create a delightful grouping with other fruit candles.


From Citrus Candleholders to Luminaries

Explore the world of candle making with fruit by diving into this tutorial on DIY Lovely Lemon and Herb Luminaries after you've mastered crafting your unique fruit peel candle holders.

Step-by-step guide to crafting candles from fruit

Now that you've learned how to make homemade candles from fruit peels, get creative and enjoy testing other fruit combinations. It's a fantastic way to add a touch of nature-inspired charm to your home decor.


Have you tried making these fruit candles? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you!


More Thanksgiving DIY Projects

For more holiday inspiration, explore some of our favorite Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas.

Sonata Home Design
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Andrea Harden Andrea Harden on Sep 21, 2023
    Do they rot since they are actually real peels/skins, or does the wax somehow preserve them?
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