Candied Lemon Slices

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious, look no further than these Candied Lemon Slices. This recipe is one of my family’s favorites. It captures the bright, zesty flavor of lemons and transforms them into something truly special. Whether you want to jazz up a dessert, use them as a garnish for tea, or just snack on something sweet, these candied slices will impress everyone at your next gathering.

These Candied Lemon Slices are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick yet fancy. Plus, they make an excellent homemade gift! You’ll love how simple they are to prepare and how their vibrant flavor can brighten up any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious candied lemon slices ready to enjoy.
• Versatile Treat: Use them in desserts, cocktails (non-alcoholic), or as a refreshing snack.
• Make Ahead: These slices can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet-tart taste, making this a fun kitchen project for everyone.
• Lovely Presentation: They add a beautiful touch to any dish or drink!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You likely have most of them on hand already!

For the Candied Lemon Slices

• 3 lemons
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup sugar (for coating)
• 10 pieces melting chocolate (OPTIONAL)

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Candied Lemon Slices:

• Add Other Citrus: Try using oranges or limes alongside lemons for a mixed citrus treat.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the syrup for a warm twist.
• Herbal Touch: Infuse the syrup with fresh mint or basil while simmering for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped: For an indulgent treat, dip the cooled lemon slices in melted chocolate.

How to Make Candied Lemon Slices

Step 1: Slice the Lemons

Start by slicing your lemons thinly, about 1/4-1/8 inch thick. Be sure to remove any seeds. Thin slices ensure that the lemons absorb the syrup well and become perfectly tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup

In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the water and 2 cups of sugar over medium heat. Stir it until the sugar dissolves completely. This step creates a sweet base that enhances the lemon’s natural tartness.

Step 3: Simmer the Lemon Slices

Add the lemon slices to your simmering syrup. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and let them simmer gently for about an hour. Be sure to flip them every 15 minutes; this ensures even cooking and allows all sides to soak up that delicious syrup.

Step 4: Drying Time

Once cooked, carefully remove the lemon slices from the syrup and place them on parchment paper. Let them sit out at room temperature for about 24 hours. This drying process is crucial—it helps achieve that lovely candy-like texture that we all adore.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

After drying, it’s time for a little sweetness! Coat each slice with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. This adds an extra crunch and makes these candied treats even more delightful.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Dipping

For an indulgent finish, melt some chocolate in a microwave-safe dish. Dip your sugar-coated lemon slices into it and let them cool on parchment paper. The combination of chocolate and lemon is simply divine!

Step 7: Storage

Store your candied lemon slices in a covered container in the refrigerator. If you’ve dipped them in chocolate, enjoy them within a day or two since they won’t keep as long.

Now you’re all set to make these fabulous Candied Lemon Slices! Enjoy crafting this delightful treat—your friends and family will love you for it!

Pro Tips for Making Candied Lemon Slices

Creating candied lemon slices at home is a delightful endeavor, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure success every time!

• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons will yield the best flavors and textures. Older lemons may be dry or lack the zesty brightness that makes these slices so enjoyable.

• Monitor the simmering process: Keeping an eye on your lemon slices as they simmer is crucial. This ensures they don’t overcook and become mushy, retaining their lovely shape and texture.

• Cool completely before coating: Allowing the lemon slices to cool down fully before coating them in sugar helps the sugar adhere better and creates that satisfying crunch.

• Experiment with spices: For an exciting twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the simmering syrup. This can enhance the flavor profile and add a warm undertone to your candied slices.

• Store them properly: To keep your candied lemon slices fresh longer, make sure they’re layered with parchment paper in an airtight container. This prevents sticking and preserves their delightful texture.

How to Serve Candied Lemon Slices

Candied lemon slices are not just a treat on their own; they can elevate various dishes and desserts with their vibrant flavor! Here are some creative ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of mint or basil adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the candied lemons, making for an eye-catching presentation.

• Whipped coconut cream: Serve these slices atop a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a beautifully creamy contrast that complements their tartness perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tangy zest of candied lemons, creating a delightful dessert experience.

• Pancakes or waffles: Adding candied lemon slices on top of fluffy pancakes or waffles introduces a bright citrus note that enhances breakfast or brunch dishes.

• Fruit salad: Tossing candied lemon slices into a bowl of mixed fresh fruits adds complexity and flavor, transforming your fruit salad into a gourmet treat.

With these serving suggestions in mind, you can enjoy your homemade candied lemon slices in various delicious ways. Happy indulging!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Candied Lemon Slices recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the candied lemon slices in a covered container.
• Layer slices between parchment paper or waxed paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to two days if chocolate-coated; otherwise, they can last longer if uncoated.

Freezing

• Place the candied lemon slices in an airtight freezer-safe container.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid clumping.
• Freeze them for up to three months; however, they are best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat candied lemon slices; enjoy them cold!
• If you’d like to soften them slightly, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Candied Lemon Slices:

Can I use other citrus fruits for this recipe?

Absolutely! This method works wonderfully with oranges, limes, or even grapefruits. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the slices.

How long do Candied Lemon Slices last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, uncoated Candied Lemon Slices can last up to a week. Chocolate-coated ones should be consumed within one or two days for optimal freshness.

Can I make Candied Lemon Slices without sugar?

For a lower-sugar alternative, consider using natural sweeteners like agave syrup or honey. However, keep in mind that this might alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

Candied Lemon Slices are truly a delightful addition to any dessert table or just as a sweet treat on their own! The bright citrus flavor combined with sweetness creates an irresistible snack. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—it’s a wonderful way to brighten your day! Give it a try and share your experience!