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Candied Lemon Slices

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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!

❤️ 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

🧁 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

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!
4.99 from 82 votes
Print Pin Rate
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

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
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5 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 5 stars
    I had no idea candied lemons were this easy to make. I’ll be making these often. Yum!

  3. 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!

  4. 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.