If you’ve never candied fruit before, you’re in for a treat. Forget about those hard lemon drops that you used to buy at the store, and make your own delicious lemon flavor to savor and enjoy. It’s a simple process that offers amazing flavors and tastes. My Candied Orange Slices recipe is proof! The candied lemon flavor pairs perfectly with cakes, cupcakes, or even a serving of Greek yogurt. If you’re a citrus addict like I am, these dried lemon slices with sugar are divine. When you can make a recipe this creative at home, you have to give it a go!
What Is Best for Candied Lemons: Meyer Lemonor Regular Lemon?
For this candied lemon recipe, I’ve found that a regular lemon AND a Meyer Lemon give the flavor that I’m looking for. If you’re unfamiliar with Meyer Lemons, you’re about to fall in love. Meyer Lemons are very similar to regular lemons, but they have a little bit of a sweeter taste to them and are often more round in shape. This makes them nice and circular for plating purposes, and they often have a nice and natural sweetness to them, too. Candied lemons can be made using regular lemons, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar that you add. Since Meyer Lemons are naturally the sweeter of the two, you have to add less sugar when you’re using them to make this candied lemon recipe.
Candied Lemon Slices Ingredients
Isn’t it amazing that you can make candied lemons with JUST three simple ingredients? Forget about stressing out in the kitchen. This recipe is easy and fast.
Lemons: If you have Meyer lemons, use them! If you don’t, regular lemons will work just fine. You can also use other citrus fruit to make candied slices. Water: Tap water is all you need. Use filtered if preferred. Caster sugar: Caster sugar is the same as fine granulated sugar, but it is important to use this type of sugar, so the recipe doesn’t turn out grainy or doesn’t have an odd texture.
How to Make Candied Lemon Slices
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
Cut the lemons as thin as you can. Use a very sharp knife or a mandoline. I like to cut mine to approximately 1/8 inch in thickness.
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Water
In a large saucepan, add the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Step Three: Add the Thin Lemon Slices
Add the lemon slices in a single layer. Simmer for about 25 minutes. Flip the slices 1-2 times during the process.
Step 4: Dry the Lemon Slices
Place the lemon slices on a wire rack to dry (add parchment paper or wax paper under it to collect the syrup dripping). Dry for about 24 hours – until the slices are no longer sticky. Then store in an air-tight container.
How to Store Candied Lemon Slices
Once the lemons are no longer sticky to the touch, you can move forward with storing them. The great part about these candied lemons is that they don’t have to be stored in the fridge. As long as you add them to an airtight container, they can be stored at room temperature.
How To Use
There are a lot of fun and delicious ways to use candied lemon, so you have plenty of delicious options. Some of my favorite ideas are:
Add to the top of baked goods or cakes – like the oranges in this orange and pistachio cake. Place on puddings and custards. Prepare a bowl of ice cream with candied lemon slices on top. Use kitchen shears and cut them up to add to cookie batter, just like you would do with candied lemon peel. Mix with oatmeal or cereals. These make great cocktail and lemonade garnishes too – like for this ginger ale or this peach lemonade. Melt chocolate and dip the candied slices right into it. Arrange them in a small jar, tie it with a ribbon, and voila – you have a homemade gift for the holidays for all your foodie friends.
More Snacks Recipes
Candied Pecans Easy Candied Ginger Candied Pumpkin Tanghulu (Candied Fruit) Candied Walnuts Candied Grapes
If you try this candied lemon slices recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
