Candied Lemon Slices
Candied Lemon Slices is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 25 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $3.60 total, $0.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 Organic Lemons (well rinsed, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch))
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for simple syrup)
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 2 drops Yellow Food Coloring (optional, for bright color)
Instructions
Rinse Lemons
Rinse the organic lemons under cold running water, scrubbing the peel gently to remove any residue.
Time: PT2M
Slice Lemons Thinly
Place the lemons on a cutting board and slice them into very thin rounds (about 1/8 inch). A mandoline works best for uniform slices.
Time: PT5M
Make Simple Syrup
In a saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Add 2 drops yellow food coloring if desired and stir to dissolve.
Time: PT5M
Bring Syrup to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium‑high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 95°C
Simmer Lemon Slices
Add the lemon slices to the boiling syrup, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 95°C
Dry the Candied Lemons
Using tongs, transfer the lemon slices to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them air‑dry at room temperature until no longer sticky (about 15 minutes).
Time: PT15M
Serve or Store
Enjoy the candy lemon slices immediately or store them in an airtight container.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 25
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 6g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Organic Lemons: regular lemons (wash thoroughly)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, honey (use less)
- Instead of Water: any neutral liquid
- Instead of Yellow Food Coloring: turmeric powder (tiny pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline
- Saucepan (2‑quart)
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Tongs (optional)
- Candy Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice Lemons Thinly
- Simmer Lemon Slices
- Dry the Candied Lemons
Chef Tips from the Video
- A mandoline guarantees uniform thickness, which leads to even candying.
- If you prefer a natural hue, add a pinch of turmeric instead of artificial food coloring.
Troubleshooting
Slices are still sticky after drying
Leave them on parchment longer or place the sheet in a 90°C oven for 5‑10 minutes to finish drying.
Slices turn bitter
Remove any seeds before cooking and avoid over‑cooking; simmer no longer than 45 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; up to 2 months
Room temperature: Cool, dry place, up to 3 days
Make-Ahead Tips
- Candied lemon slices keep well for several days; make them up to a week ahead for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Candy Lemon Slices in American cuisine?
Candied citrus fruits have been a staple in American holiday baking since the 19th century, originally imported from Europe where candied peel was used in cakes and puddings. Candy Lemon Slices are a modern, bite‑size twist that reflects today’s love for portable, sweet‑tart snacks.
What traditional regional variations of candied lemon exist in American or European cuisine?
In Italy, candied lemon peel (scorza di limone candita) is often glazed with sugar and used in panettone. In the Southern United States, lemon slices are sometimes boiled with honey for a softer texture. The thin slice version popularized by home cooks like More Nick is a newer, snack‑focused style.
How are Candy Lemon Slices traditionally served in the United States?
They are commonly served as a garnish for cocktails, atop cupcakes, or as a sweet snack alongside tea. Some families also pack them in lunchboxes as a refreshing treat.
During which occasions are Candy Lemon Slices traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
They are popular around holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s when candied fruits are part of festive spreads, and they also appear at summer picnics because of their bright flavor.
What other American desserts pair well with Candy Lemon Slices?
They complement vanilla or lemon cupcakes, cheesecake, ice cream sundaes, and even fruit tarts, adding a burst of citrus and texture.
What makes Candy Lemon Slices special compared to other candied citrus preparations?
The thin, translucent slices provide a delicate chew and a more intense lemon flavor than thick candied peels, while the quick drying step gives them a slightly crisp edge that many find appealing.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Candy Lemon Slices?
Common errors include cutting the lemons too thick, which prevents proper candying, over‑cooking the syrup which can make the slices hard, and forgetting to remove seeds that add bitterness.
Why does this Candy Lemon Slices recipe simmer the lemons for 45 minutes instead of boiling them briefly?
A gentle simmer allows the lemon slices to slowly absorb the syrup, turning translucent without breaking down the rind. A rapid boil would cause the slices to become mushy and could scorch the sugar.
Can I make Candy Lemon Slices ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, in the refrigerator for a week, or frozen for up to two months. Ensure they are completely dry before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?
The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that often feature simple, budget‑friendly recipes and handy kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel More Nick's approach to candy making differ from other cooking channels?
More Nick emphasizes minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical tips like using organic lemons and food‑grade coloring, making candy projects feel accessible to beginners compared to more elaborate, technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
