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    Home » Recipes » Sweets

    Candied Lemon Slices

    Published: Apr 29, 2022 by Kristen Wood - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Skip to Recipe Pin Recipe

    Candied lemon slices are an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for topping cakes and cookies. Learn how to make delicious candied lemons here!

    Candied lemon slices resting on a silver metal rack with a silver spoon poking through one of them.

    If you are a citrus lover like myself, you are going to LOVE this recipe! Candied lemons could not be easier to make, yet they add such an elegant and sophisticated touch to everything they are used for. Also, they are truly delicious. You take all the sour notes of lemon and transform them into something magical. This method also makes a great way to use up any extra lemons you have on hand before they go bad. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🗒️ Ingredient Notes
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🧁 Uses
    • 🥡 Storing
    • 💭 Top Tips
    • ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍋 More Delicious Lemon Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Super easy to make.
    • Sweet, tart, rich, decadent and flavorful.
    • Can be used a large variety of ways.
    • Vibrant and beautiful—makes a stunning decorative element!
    • Naturally vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free.
    6 lemon slices rest on a small silver rack.

    🗒️ Ingredient Notes

    Lemons: Since you will be eating the peels and all, I do recommended buying organic lemons to avoid harmful pesticides. Look for deep yellow lemons with smooth skins for best results.

    Sugar: Using white cane sugar will produce the prettiest results and is recommend if you plan on decorating baked goods or garnishing dishes with these candied lemons. If looks are unimportant, you can use coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option (though the flesh will turn brown!).

    Lemon juice: A touch of lemon juice both tenderizes the lemon peels and adds additional flavor to these candied lemon slices.

    A silver rack topped with slices of candied lemons and silver fork resting through one.

    🔪 Instructions

    Step 1: Thinly slice the lemons with a sharp knife or mandoline.
    Step 2: Dissolve the sugar in the water over high heat, then add the lemons. Reduce the heat to a low simmer.
    Step 3: Simmer the lemon slices until they are translucent.
    Step 4: Carefully place the candied lemons onto wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer to dry overnight.
    Step 5: Enjoy!

    🧁 Uses

    • As a beautiful garnish for cupcakes, cheesecake, lemonade, cocktails, ice cream or even a cup of tea.
    • You can chop candied lemons and incorporate into baked goods, homemade candy recipes, or even a favorite salad.
    • The syrup that remains in the bottom of the pan after making candied lemon peels is also known as lemon simple syrup and it can be stored and used to mix into warm and cold beverages alike.
    • This candied lemon slices recipe makes an excellent gift for the foodies in your life
    • As a delicious snack!
    A small silver rack topped with thin lemon slices.

    🥡 Storing

    You can keep candied lemon slices stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

    A silver fork pokes through a candied lemon on a wire rack.

    💭 Top Tips

    While tempting, allow the candied lemon peels sufficient time to dry before using them for best results.

    For the easiest and prettiest results use a mandoline to make your lemon slices over using a sharp knife.

    You can use this same recipe to candy other citrus fruits like grapefruit , meyer lemons, oranges or limes.

    A close shot of a translucent yellow lemon slice on a silver grate.

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you eat the rind of candied lemons?

    Yes. When candying lemons, the rinds soften, tenderize and soak up the sugar syrup making them delightfully edible and delicious.

    Does candied fruit need to be refrigerated?

    While refrigeration produces the best results, you can store candied fruit in a cool, dry place as an alternative.

    Can you freeze candied lemon slices?

    Yes. You can freeze candied lemons for up to 4 months.

    A hand rests on a pink table as it lifts a silver fork poked through a thin candied lemon slice.

    🍋 More Delicious Lemon Recipes

    Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

    Chickpea Flour Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

    Lavender Lemonade

    📖 Recipe

    Candied Lemon Slices

    Candied lemon slices are an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for topping cakes and cookies. Learn how to make delicious candied lemons here!
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Middle Eastern
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 16 slices
    Author: Kristen Wood

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup granulated sugar see Notes below
    • ¾ cup water
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 lemons sliced
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    Instructions

    • In a large saucepan over high heat add the sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
    • Add the lemon slices, then turn the heat to a simmer (medium-low). Simmer gently for 40 minutes, or until the slices are translucent and the liquid has reduced considerably.
    • Transfer the candied lemon slices to parchment paper and arrange in a single layer. Allow the lemon slices to dry overnight or at least 8 hours before enjoying or storing.

    Notes

    White cane sugar produces the prettiest the results and allows the lemons to dry with a clear coating. Having said that, if you prefer a healthier option and aren't concerned about looks, coconut sugar can be used instead.
    You can reserve the sugar syrup leftover in the post after simmering the lemons. This is also known as lemon simply syrup and it makes an excellent addition to warm and cold beverages alike.
    Please read the full post above for lots of valuable tips, tricks and information.
    These make a great topping for our Gluten Free Lemon Drizzle Cake!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!
    Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anita says

      April 30, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is a smart way to use up a big bag of lemon from Costco. I now have tons of candied lemon in the freezer, ready to be added to tea or cakes.

      Reply
    2. Andrea says

      April 30, 2022 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea candied lemons were this easy to make. I'll be making these often. Yum!

      Reply
    3. Anjali says

      April 30, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      I couldn't believe how easy it was to make these candied lemons!! They looked so pretty and were so easy to make - we used them as a garnish for our morning tea!

      Reply
    4. Tara says

      April 30, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      Oh how fun! This definitely is the perfect use for leftover lemons. They would add such a wonderful touch to cakes and pies.

      Reply
    5. Alina says

      April 30, 2022 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      This is such an easy recipe! Awesome!

      Reply

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    kristen wood

    About Kristen Wood

    Hi, I'm Kristen! A mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!

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