Candied Lemon Slices

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both simple and elegant, you’ve come to the right place! Candied Lemon Slices have a unique charm that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to spruce up your afternoon tea or add a zesty touch to your dessert table, these little gems are just what you need. They’re not only a lovely garnish but also taste incredible on their own!

This recipe has become one of my favorites because it’s so easy to make, and the results are always impressive. Plus, they make for a wonderful homemade gift if you can bear to share them! So gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this sweet adventure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious candied lemon slices ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor—perfect for getting them excited about citrus.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These slices can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Versatile Uses: Use them as a garnish for cakes, add them to cocktails (non-alcoholic options too!), or just enjoy them as a snack!
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweetness and tartness makes these candied lemon slices irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Each one plays an important role in creating those delightful lemon slices you’re going to love.

For the Candied Lemons

• 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 wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Other Citrus Fruits: Mix in thin slices of oranges or grapefruits for a colorful citrus medley.
• Infuse with Spices: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the syrup for an aromatic twist.
• Try Different Coatings: Instead of sugar, consider rolling the lemon slices in toasted coconut for added texture.
• Make it Zesty: A splash of vanilla extract in the syrup can elevate the flavors even more!

How to Make Candied Lemon Slices

Step 1: Slice the Lemons

Start by slicing your lemons thinly, about 1/4-1/8 inch thick. Don’t forget to remove any seeds! This step is crucial because thinner slices will candy more evenly and absorb the syrup better.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup

In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the water and 2 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and let it simmer. This syrup is what transforms the lemons into sweet treats!

Step 3: Simmer the Lemon Slices

Once your syrup is simmering gently, add those beautiful lemon slices. Let them simmer on low heat for about an hour. Remember to flip them every 15 minutes; this ensures they cook evenly and absorb all that sugary goodness.

Step 4: Dry the Lemon Slices

After an hour, carefully remove the lemon slices from the syrup and lay them out on parchment paper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This step is essential as it helps them dry out slightly while absorbing more flavor.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Once dried, it’s time for that final sugary touch! Roll each slice in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until coated perfectly. This gives them an extra sparkle and sweetness that is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Optional Chocolate Dip

If you’re feeling adventurous, melt some chocolate in a microwave-safe dish. Dip your sugar-coated lemon slices halfway into the melted chocolate for an indulgent twist!

Step 7: Store Your Candied Lemon Slices

Finally, store your candied lemon slices in a covered container in the refrigerator. Make sure to place parchment or waxed paper between layers so they don’t stick together. Enjoy within a day or two if dipped in chocolate!

And there you have it—your very own homemade Candied Lemon Slices! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with friends and family, or savor them all by yourself—they’re truly hard to resist!

Pro Tips for Making Candied Lemon Slices

Making candied lemon slices can be a delightful endeavor, and these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time!

• Choose ripe lemons: Opt for fresh, firm lemons that are bright yellow. Ripe lemons have the best flavor and yield more juice, enhancing your candy’s sweetness.
• Control the heat: Keep the simmer low and steady. This prevents the sugar from burning and allows the lemons to gradually soften, leading to a beautiful texture and rich flavor.
• Patience is key: Allow the lemon slices to sit out for a full day after cooking. This drying time helps them develop a lovely chewy texture that makes each bite enjoyable.
• Use parchment paper: Place the candied slices on parchment paper instead of directly on a plate. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to store them later.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to infuse your syrup with herbs like rosemary or spices like ginger. Adding these elements can elevate the flavor profile of your candied lemons!

How to Serve Candied Lemon Slices

Candied lemon slices are not just delicious; they also make for an elegant presentation! Here are some wonderful ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet acidity of the candied lemons.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a luscious touch, serve your candied lemon slices with a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It’s light, dairy-free, and complements the citrus beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with coconut milk adds a creamy sweetness that balances well with the tartness of the lemon slices, making it an ideal pairing.
• Almond Biscotti: These crunchy Italian treats add texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet citrus. They’re perfect for dipping or enjoying alongside your candied lemons.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with herbs like parsley and cilantro offers a bright contrast to the sweetness of the lemon slices while bringing in additional nutrition.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family and friends! Enjoy your sweet creation as a garnish, a snack, or even as part of a charming dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Candied Lemon Slices are not only a delightful treat but also excellent for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and have a sweet garnish ready to elevate your favorite desserts or snacks.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the candied lemon slices in a covered container.
• Place parchment paper or waxed paper between the slices to prevent sticking.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to store the slices for longer, you can freeze them.
• Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen slices to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

• Reheating is not necessary, as these candied slices are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If you’ve stored them in the freezer, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before using.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Candied Lemon Slices:

Can I use other citrus fruits for candied slices?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemons with oranges, limes, or even grapefruits. Just follow the same process!

How long do Candied Lemon Slices last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Candied Lemon Slices will last up to two weeks. If coated with chocolate, it’s best to consume them within a couple of days.

Can I make Candied Lemon Slices without sugar?

Using sugar is essential for achieving that sweet, candied flavor. However, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup if you prefer.

What can I use Candied Lemon Slices for?

These slices can be used as a garnish for cakes, cocktails (non-alcoholic ones), or enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack!

Are there any alternatives if I don’t want to use chocolate?

Certainly! You can sprinkle the candied lemon slices with coconut flakes or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor instead of dipping them in chocolate.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings a burst of sunshine into your kitchen! These Candied Lemon Slices are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to elevate any dish. Enjoy making them and delighting your family and friends with this zesty treat. Happy cooking!