Looking to add a zesty twist to your treats? This Candied Lemon Peel is the perfect sweet and tangy addition to desserts or snacks! Transform fresh organic lemons into a delightful confection that’s both chewy and bursting with bright citrus flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make and adds a gourmet touch to countless recipes, or makes for a delicious snack on its own.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Candied Lemon Peel recipe is a true kitchen gem, and I absolutely adore it for its versatility and bright, intense flavor! What I love most is how it takes a humble lemon peel and transforms it into something truly special – a sweet, chewy, and wonderfully aromatic treat. The process of boiling and simmering the peels not only removes any bitterness but also infuses them with a beautiful sugary sweetness, making them soft and nearly translucent. It’s a fantastic way to utilize the entire lemon and create a gourmet garnish or snack that’s far superior to anything store-bought. Plus, saving that infused lemon syrup for future drinks is a brilliant bonus!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Candied Lemon Peel:
- 3–4 large lemons, organic or spray-free (enough to yield about 2 cups of peel strips)
- 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar, plus more for coating (about 6-8 tablespoons)
- 480g (2 cups) fresh water (for simmering syrup)
Swaps and Notes
- Lemons: Organic or spray-free lemons are highly recommended since you’ll be consuming the peel. Large, thick-skinned lemons yield more peel.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard white granulated sugar is essential for both the syrup and the final coating.
- Fresh Water: Used for both blanching the peels and for creating the simmering syrup.
- Pith Removal: Carefully removing most of the thick white pith (the bitter part) is crucial for a pleasant taste and texture. A sharp paring knife works best.
- Even Slices: Cutting the peel into even 1/4-inch strips ensures they cook uniformly.
- Saved Lemon Segments: Don’t discard the juicy lemon segments after peeling! Freeze them for future use in drinks or other recipes.
- Slotted Spoon/Sieve: Essential tools for easily handling the peels.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Candied Lemon Peel made!
- Prepare the Lemons: Start by cutting your 3–4 large lemons into quarters lengthwise. Carefully peel the skin away from the juicy lemon segments. Set aside those juicy lemon pieces in the freezer for future drinks or recipes – they’re great for lemonade or cocktails!
- Remove Pith: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off any remaining fibrous edges near the pith (the white part) from the inside of the peel. It’s also important to remove any thick pith for a better texture and to prevent bitterness. Aim to leave just the vibrant yellow zest and a thin layer of white pith attached.
- Slice Peels: Next, cut the prepared lemon peel into strips about 1/4-inch wide.
- Blanch Peels: Toss the sliced lemon rind into a medium saucepan. Cover them with plenty of cold water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and boil for about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the peels and remove bitterness. Afterward, drain the peels thoroughly in a colander.
- Simmer in Syrup: In that same saucepan (no need to clean it), combine 480g (2 cups) fresh water and 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add your blanched lemon peel back into the sugar syrup. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for about an hour. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure the peels are evenly coated and don’t stick to the bottom. The peels will turn soft and nearly translucent.
- Drain & Dry: When the peels are soft and nearly translucent, prepare a baking sheet or a large cutting board by laying down some parchment paper. Drain the peels from the syrup using a fine-mesh sieve or a slotted spoon. You can save the flavorful lemon syrup in an airtight container for other recipes like lemonades, cocktails (like our This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink For Sunny Days or Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe: Perfect For), or as a drizzle for desserts.
- Initial Drying: Spread the drained candied lemon peel in a single layer on the parchment paper. Allow them to dry at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until they feel tacky to the touch.
- Sugar Coat: In a clean, dry container with a lid (like a plastic food storage container or a large jar), add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Toss in about half of the tacky lemon peel. Sprinkle another 2 tablespoons of sugar over the peel, then pile in the remaining peel and finish with another 2–3 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Shake & Coat: Seal the container tightly with its lid and shake it up vigorously until every piece of peel is perfectly coated in sugar and no longer feels sticky.
- Store: Transfer your delightful candied lemon peel to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place (like a pantry) for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your candied lemon peel in all your favorite recipes or as a delightful snack!
Tips for Success
- Pith Removal is Key: The white pith is bitter. The more you remove (without taking too much zest), the less bitter your candied peel will be.
- Blanching for Bitterness: The initial boiling (blanching) steps are crucial for softening the peel and drawing out bitterness. Don’t skip it.
- Gentle Simmer: When simmering in the sugar syrup, keep the heat low and gentle to avoid scorching the syrup.
- Stir Often: Stirring every 10 minutes during the syrup simmer prevents sticking and ensures even cooking and transparency.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allowing the peels to dry for 2 hours on parchment paper before coating in sugar helps them achieve that non-sticky, perfectly coated finish.
- Sugar Coating Method: The shaking method in a container is the most efficient way to get an even, non-sticky sugar coating.
- Save the Syrup: That leftover lemon-infused syrup is a delicious bonus!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Candied Lemon Peel is incredibly versatile and can be used in many delightful ways:
- Baking Ingredient: Chop finely and add to muffins (like our Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins), cakes (like our Carrot Walnut Cake Delight), cookies, or scones.
- Garnish: Use whole strips as an elegant garnish for desserts, cocktails, or even savory dishes.
- Snack: Enjoy a few pieces on their own for a sweet and tangy treat.
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent confection.
- Coffee/Tea Stirrer: Use a strip as a flavorful stirrer for hot beverages.
- Lemonade/Cocktail Garnish: Perfect for brightening up drinks, complementing recipes like our This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink For Sunny Days or Refreshing Strawberry Mojito Recipe: Perfect For.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Homemade candied lemon peel stores beautifully!
- Room Temperature: Store your delightful candied peel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (like a pantry) for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s fully coated in sugar to prevent sticking and keep moisture out.
- Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary, you can store it in the refrigerator for extended freshness, but condensation might make it a bit sticky initially.
- Freezing: Candied lemon peel freezes well. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature before use.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, tangy, and delightful nature of this candied peel, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free sweet treats and refreshing beverages:
- For another refreshing and easy drink, try our This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink For Sunny Days.
- For a fun and festive beverage perfect for any gathering, check out This Rainbow Sangria Is My Favorite Colorful Drink For Any Celebration.
- And for a unique dessert-inspired sweet sipper, don’t miss The Slippery Drank Is My Favorite Sweet Sipper For Dessert-Inspired Vibes.
- If you’re a fan of classic cocktails, our Classic Margarita Recipe Easy And Delicious is a must-try.
- For a sweet and comforting quick bread, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Lemon Peel recipe is a brilliant way to capture the bright, zesty essence of lemons in a beautiful and versatile sweet treat. It’s perfect for adding a touch of homemade elegance to your baking or simply enjoying as a delightful, tangy snack.
Give this recipe a try and let this delightful candied peel become a new favorite in your pantry! What other fruit peels do you love to transform into sweet treats? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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