Candied Lemon Slices For Cake Decorating

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED LEMON SLICES: Candied Lemon Slices are SO EASY to make! They make beautiful edible garnishes for baked goods and can be enjoyed as a treat, as well. Such a great way to use up lemons!

top view of candied lemon slices on parchment paper surrounded by sugar

Did you know that lemons in their entirety, peels and all, are edible? With a little bit of cooking magic, you can learn how to make candied lemon slices. This process turns them (or any citrus fruit) into candy! And beautiful decorations for baked goods!

It's a magical secret unknown to most. This trick applies to any citrus fruit. Oranges, grapefruit and limes transform into delicious candied citrus fruits, as well!

Start out with 3 large lemons because, unless you are very adept at using a mandoline or if you are an expert at cutting consistently uniform slices with a knife, you will want to leave room for error. I used my mandoline to slice my lemons and I had a culling rate of approximately 30-35%.

These beauties adorn baked goods so beautifully! I have put them onto cakes, cupcakes and cookies and they make people swoon every single time.

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED LEMON SLICES

STEP 1

Grab 2 to 3 fresh lemons. Using a mondoline or sharp knife, cut lemons into thin slices (approximately 1/8-inch thickness).

In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer over medium-low heat and add the lemon slices in a single layer when the sugar is dissolved.

lemon slices in sugar water in a large saucepan

STEP 2

Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, gently flipping once or twice during the cooking process. When the lemons are slightly translucent, they are finished cooking.

lemon slices cooking in liquid in a saucepan

RECIPE NOTES

If you love lemons and have a lot of them on your hands, make an extra big batch of candied lemons and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Use 1 cup of simple syrup in place of the water and sugar in the recipe, if desired.
Let the candied lemons sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours before storing in an air-tight container.

USES FOR CANDIED LEMON SLICES

Snack on them! Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The lemon peel is edible, so eat up!
Add them to the tops of Raspberry Lemonade Cookies from Cookie Remix.
Garnish your next Lemon Blueberry Cake with them!
Throw them onto your next batch of Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes.

IS LEMON A FRUIT

Because they have seeds, lemons are considered fruit.

CAN DOGS EAT LEMONS

NO! They probably would prefer not to eat them because of their sourness, but lemons are toxic to dogs and should not be consumed.

single candied lemon slice being held upright and dripping

BEST LEMON DESSERT RECIPES

Don't limit yourself to candied lemon slices! If you or anyone in your life loves lemon desserts as much as I do, consider making one or more of these delicious sugary concoctions:

Lemon Curd is a fresh, light and lemony filling or topping that goes great on cakes, cookies, cupcakes or any baked treat!

Lemon Ice Box Pie – The perfect compliment to the zest of lemon is the graham cracker crust. A citrus flavored cream pie is delightful and so delicious. A small slice goes a long way in flavor, it's the perfect summer treat!

If you have a lemon lover in your life, you are going to want to add these Lemon Bars to your baking list pronto! A lemon curd filling tops a perfectly baked shortbread crust, making the most delicious lemony dessert you will ever taste!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars – Simplify cheesecake and pack it full of two delicious types of fruit!

▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
▢ 1 cup water
▢ 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
▢ 2-3 lemons sliced to 1/8-inch thickness

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer (med-low) and add lemon slices in a single layer.
Simmer over medium-low (uncovered) for 15 minutes, gently flipping once or twice during the cooking process.
Transfer the lemon slices to a wire cooling rack or waxed paper and let cool.

If you love lemons and have a lot of them on your hands, make an extra big batch of candied lemons and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Use 1 cup of simple syrup in place of the water and sugar in the recipe, if desired.
You can stir the sugar in the water occasionally as it simmers.
Let the candied lemons sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours before storing in an air-tight container.
Candied lemons will be sugary and tacky even after drying.
They freeze well and can be frozen up to 2 months.

Other popular recipes to try!