Candied Lemon Slices

Eye-catching and tangy-sweet, candied lemon slices are a versatile treat that can add a burst of flavor and color to sweet or savory dishes. Used to top cupcakes, cakes, cocktails, salads, tarts, and more, this quick recipe can elevate a variety of dishes.

To make them, thinly-sliced lemons are cooked in a sugar syrup, which draws out moisture from the lemons, and adds sweetness, while preserving their color and shape. Choosing the right kind of lemon is key—opt for sweeter varieties with thin skins (like Meyer lemons) that won't turn bitter after cooking. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the lemons nice and thin for the best texture and presentation after candying.

Learn how to make candied lemon slices. You'll be surprised at the fun ways you think to use them.

Ingredients for Candied Lemon Slices

Just four ingredients are needed to make these lemon slices, and one of them is water. Who knew such a sophisticated garnish would be so easy to whip up at a moment's notice? To make candied lemon slices, you'll need:

• Small lemons: Sliced thinly for brightly colored slices that become candied after cooking in a sugar syrup.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps draw out moisture from the lemon slices, while preserving their shape and color.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the candied lemon slices, enhancing their natural flavor.
• Water: Mixes with the sugar and lemon juice to create a sugar syrup for candying the lemon slices.

Can I Make Candied Lemon Slices With Other Types of Sweeteners?

Using alternative sweeteners may affect the flavor of the candied lemon slices, but it can be done. Swap the sugar with honey, maple syrup, agave, or other preferred sweetener. Prepare as directed, looking for visual cues of when the slices become translucent and softened before proceeding with the recipe.

How To Make Candied Lemon Slices

In just about 20 minutes, your lemon slices will be candied and cooling. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Slice lemons: Cut lemons into 1/8-inch-thick rounds; discard seeds. If you feel comfortable with one, use a mandoline to get uniform slices.
• Step 2. Simmer lemons in sugar: In a large skillet, stir to combine sugar, lemon juice, and water; cook until sugar is dissolved. Add lemon slices, and simmer until slightly translucent and rinds are softened.
• Step 3. Chill lemon slices: Place slices onto a wax paper-lined jelly-roll pan in a single layer. Cool completely. Cover and chill for two hours or up to two days.

Candied Lemon Slices Variations

To make these candied lemon slices even more delicious and eye-catching, consider these variation ideas:

• Herbs: Infuse the sugar syrup with fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, or other herbs for an herbal note.
• Spices: Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger, cloves, and more to the sugar syrup to infuse spice into the lemon slices.
• Floral note: Add vanilla beans, dried lavender, a splash of rosewater, orange blossom water, or elderflower liqueur, or floral extracts to the syrup.
• Alcohol: Add a splash of limoncello, Grand Marnier, rum, or bourbon for a boozy touch.
• Sugary finish: Coat the candied slices with sugar or sparkling sugar for extra sweetness and crunch. They would be beautiful atop a cake with sugared cranberries.
• Chocolate: Dip or drizzle the cooled slices with melted white or dark chocolate.

Ways To Use Candied Lemon Slices

These candied lemon slices make a bright and citrusy garnish for a variety of dishes, including (but not limited to) these bars, pies, cakes, and cocktails:

• Cranberry-Lemon Bars
• Shaker Lemon Pie
• Lemon-Coconut Cake
• Basil-Lemon Bars
• Lemon Icebox Pie
• Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
• Lemon Lush
• Lemon Drop Martini
• Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream
• Lemon-Orange Pound Cake

How To Store Candied Lemon Slices

Store candied lemon slices in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Check for any signs of spoilage before using.

Can I Freeze Candied Lemon Slices?

Candied lemon slices can be frozen for long-term storage. Freeze on a lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, stacking between layers of parchment paper if needed, for up to six months.

More Citrusy Dessert Recipes You'll Love

If you love that tangy-sweet addition of citrus in your desserts, these cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and breads will have you enjoying that vibrant, zesty flavor:

• Fresh Citrus Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream
• Lemon-Lime Poke Cake
• Meyer Lemon Sponge Pudding
• Lemon Meltaways
• Citrus Pull-Apart Bread
• Shaker Lemon Pie
• Lemon Chiffon Pie
• Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.