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    TaraTeaspoon » Desserts » Candy + Treats

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    Published: by

    Candied Lemon Zest

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Comments
    Candied Lemon Zest Pinterest Pin
    Candied Lemon Zest for Pink Lemonade Cake Pinterest Pin

    Glossy, sweet candied lemon zest is the perfect topper to a citrusy cake. Learning how to make candied citrus zest is so easy.


    Close up image with text of candied lemon zest on top of pink lemonade cake

    Candied zest is simply the rind of citrus simmered in a sugar syrup. But the results are far from ordinary. The rind gets shiny and the bitter flavor disappears, but the candy retains its citrus taste.

    Fun cake topper

    I use a generous pile of candied zest on my Pink Lemonade Cake. You can use it to top any type of dessert, or chop it up and add it to cookies or muffins.

    How to make candied citrus zest:

    The first thing to do is wash citrus. Use the same soap you use to wash dishes! It is non-toxic (you wash your silverware in it!) and breaks down any wax sprayed on your citrus.

    Next peel the rind from the citrus and remove the white pith. This is a vital step as you want the rind thick enough to have structure, but without the white inside that can be bitter.

    I use a vegetable peeler to cut wide strips, then I use a sharp paring knife to slice off the white pith.

    The next step is to simply boil the zest in sugar syrup. You can cut the zest into smaller strips before or after you candy it.

    Storing Candied Lemon Zest

    Candied citrus zest will keep in the fridge, tightly covered for several weeks, and the sugar syrup that goes along with it can be used in cocktails as a simple syrup.

    I store the candied zest in the syrup to keep it glossy and soft. I like to store it in a glass jar, but you can use a leak proof plastic container if you like.

    MY FAVORITE FROSTINGS AND CAKE TOPPERS:

    Close up image with text of candied lemon zest on top of pink lemonade cake

    Easy Candied Lemon Zest

    Tara Teaspoon
    Candied lemon zest is beautiful on top of any dessert or chopped and added to cookies and baked goods.  So pretty and tasty! Recipe makes about ¼ cup of zest and ½ cup lemon syrup.
    4.80 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 tablespoons zest
    Calories 97 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • Zest from 2 lemons
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ cup sugar

    Instructions
     

    • With a sharp vegetable peeler, cut long strips of zest from lemons, being sure not to take any of the bitter white pith. Slice the strips into ⅛-inch-thick strands.
    • Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan; add the zest and simmer until translucent, about 20 min. Remove from heat and let cool in the syrup.
    • Strain zest and use for garnish. Use the syrup in drinks or on pancakes. You can refrigerate both for 2 weeks.

    Notes

    Nutrition is for 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons syrup.
    You can use it to top any type of dessert, or chop it up and add it to cookies.
    It will keep in the fridge, tightly covered for several weeks, and the sugar syrup that goes along with it can be used in cocktails as a simple syrup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 25gSodium: 2mgSugar: 25g
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

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    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    « Polka Dot Cake With Meringue Kisses
    Pink Lemonade Cake »

    Filed Under: Cake, Candy + Treats, Tips And Techniques Tagged With: candied lemon zest, Citrus, garnish

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brittany Smart says

      July 19, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      Such a tasty cake topper!

      Reply
    2. Mary Bench says

      May 23, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      So pretty! Thank you!

      Reply

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