If you love bright, zesty flavors and gorgeous edible garnishes, you are going to fall head over heels for this Candied Lemon Slices Recipe. These sweet, glossy lemon rounds are not only stunning to look at but also bring a perfect balance of tangy and sugary goodness that enhances desserts, drinks, or even savory dishes. The process is wonderfully simple yet yields such a striking result that feels like a little culinary magic. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for those lemons in new and creative ways all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Candied Lemon Slices Recipe, you just need a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a vital role in turning simple lemons into shimmering, sweet delights. The balance of sugar and water creates the syrup that gently softens and preserves the lemon’s natural tang, while the lemons themselves provide that fresh, vibrant flavor and sunny color that makes this treat so irresistible.
- 1 cup sugar: This dissolves into a sweet syrup that coats and preserves the lemon slices, adding beautiful gloss and a delightful crunch once dried.
- 1 cup water: Acts as the base for the syrup, helping the sugar dissolve evenly and gently cooking the lemons without burning.
- 2 lemons: Fresh, firm lemons with bright yellow skin are best for thin, translucent slices that candy beautifully and add a bright citrus pop.
How to Make Candied Lemon Slices Recipe
Step 1: Slice Your Lemons Thinly
Start by slicing your lemons very thinly, ideally using a mandoline for uniformity. Thin slices allow the sugar syrup to soak in evenly and help the lemons develop that candy-like texture without becoming too mushy. If you spot any seeds, carefully remove them with the tip of a knife to keep your slices perfectly smooth and edible.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
Next, combine the sugar and water in a wide skillet or saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. This step is crucial because a smooth syrup helps the lemon slices absorb just the right amount of sweetness while preserving their citrus zing.
Step 3: Simmer the Lemon Slices
Add the lemon slices to your simmering syrup, arranging them in a single layer as much as possible. Let them simmer gently for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. This slow poaching softens the lemon peel and pulp while allowing the syrup to penetrate, creating that signature candied texture and flavor.
Step 4: Dry the Candied Slices
Remove the lemon slices carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon, then place them on a wire rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet to dry. For best results, let them air dry overnight to become beautifully tacky but not soggy. If you’re short on time, pop them into a low oven at 170°F for about an hour to speed things up. Either way, the result is these stunningly glossy, sweet-tart lemon slices ready to brighten up any dish.
How to Serve Candied Lemon Slices Recipe
Garnishes
Candied lemon slices make show-stopping garnishes for cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and tarts. Their vibrant color and shimmering coating instantly elevate desserts with a fresh citrus aroma and a sweet, chewy bite. You can place them whole on top or even cut them into halves or quarters to decorate drinks, ice cream, or fruit salads.
Side Dishes
Don’t limit yourself to desserts! These candied slices pair wonderfully alongside cheese boards, especially with creamy or tangy cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. They add a sweet and tart contrast that livens up savory dishes at brunch or dinner parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by skewering a few slices for festive cocktail picks, layering them in clear jars for edible décor, or arranging them on plates to frame your main dishes. Their translucent beauty makes every presentation feel special, and they’re also fantastic crumbled over salads or yogurt for a citrusy crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover candied lemon slices from your Candied Lemon Slices Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep well for up to two weeks, staying sticky and sweet, ready whenever you want to add a little sparkle to your meals or treats.
Freezing
You can freeze candied lemon slices if you want to keep them much longer. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they’ll hold up for several months, perfect for pulling out and thawing for special occasions.
Reheating
To refresh the texture after refrigeration or freezing, place your candied slices in a low oven (around 170°F) for 10-15 minutes. This helps revive their glossy appearance and soft chewiness without drying them out completely. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning the sugar.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! Oranges, limes, and even grapefruits can be candied using this method. Just remember that thicker peels may require longer simmering times for the syrup to penetrate fully.
Are candied lemon slices vegan?
Yes, this Candied Lemon Slices Recipe uses only sugar, water, and lemons, making it completely vegan and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Why do the lemon slices stay sticky after drying?
The natural sugars from the syrup cause the slices to remain a bit tacky to the touch. This is normal and part of their charm, helping them stick nicely when used as garnishes or toppings.
Can I store the candied slices in the refrigerator?
While you can refrigerate them, they tend to become overly sticky and can clump together. Storing at room temperature in an airtight container is generally better for maintaining their texture.
What is the best way to slice lemons for this recipe?
Using a mandoline slicer is ideal for achieving the uniform thinness needed for even cooking. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do—just be patient and careful.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this beautiful Candied Lemon Slices Recipe. It’s such a simple way to add elegance, brightness, and a touch of sweetness to so many dishes. Whether you’re decorating a cake or jazzing up your afternoon tea, these little lemon gems will quickly become a beloved staple. Go ahead, grab those lemons, and turn them into something truly special—you won’t regret it!
Print
Candied Lemon Slices Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus optional 1 hour drying time
- Yield: Approximately 25 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Candied Lemon Slices transform fresh lemons into a stunning, sweet garnish perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, tarts, or enjoying as a zesty treat. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these candied slices offer a balance of tartness and sweetness with a glossy finish that adds both visual appeal and flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 lemons
Instructions
- Slice the lemons: Slice the lemons thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Carefully remove any seeds with the tip of a knife if present. Set the slices aside.
- Prepare the syrup: Combine the sugar and water in a wide-bottom skillet or saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer the lemon slices: Add the lemon slices to the simmering syrup, and cook them gently for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even candying.
- Remove and dry the slices: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the lemon slices from the syrup and place them on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet to drain and cool.
- Dry overnight or bake: Allow the lemon slices to dry overnight at room temperature for best results, or alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 170°F (77°C) for about 1 hour to speed up drying. Note that the slices may still feel slightly sticky even when fully dried.
Notes
- Use thin, even slices for better candying and drying.
- Remove any seeds carefully to avoid bitterness.
- The lemon slices will remain a bit sticky after drying—this is normal.
- Store candied lemon slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Great for garnishing desserts, cocktails, or as a sweet snack.
