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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Vegetarian Recipes

    Updated: Nov 27, 2023 · Published: Dec 24, 2018 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Candy Limes

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Images of candied limes with text overlay that says 'candied limes - easy recipe!'.

    Have you ever wondered how to make those deliciously candied limes that professional bakers present with their key lime pies? Candied limes are typically used as a sweet and savory garnishment for key lime pies and can also be used to garnish other desserts or drinks. Some people enjoy them as a stand-alone delicious snack.

    You will be surprised to find out how easy it is to make them. With my step by step instructions on how to candy limes, I will guide you through the simple process of making your next delicious dessert garnish or snack. Be sure to make plenty to go around!

    Sliced candied limes on wooden counter.

    Chef's Note: Make the candied limes a couple days before required as they need to sit for 1 to 2 days before they are ready.

    Jump to:
    • Step #1. Prepare Ingredients
    • Step #2. Slice the Limes
    • Step #3. Add Ingredients to Deep Pot
    • Step #4. Dissolve Sugar & Add Limes
    • Step #5. Simmer
    • Step #6. Remove Limes
    • Step #7. Pour Syrup Over Lime Slices
    • Step #8. Let the Limes Sit to Dry
    • More Kitchen Tutorials to Try
    • 📋Recipe

    Step #1. Prepare Ingredients

    Limes in a glass container and sugar in a small bowl, wooden background.

    You will need the following to candy limes:

    • 6 limes
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 tbsp. lime juice
    • 1 cup sugar

    Step #2. Slice the Limes

    Lime slices on wooden cutting board.

    Cut the limes into thin rounds.

    OPTIONAL: At this point, you may wish to blanch the lime slices in boiling water for 2 minutes in the pot and then drain and chill them in ice water. Do this a few times, using fresh water each time. This will help to remove some bitterness. Then proceed to step #3. This is optional and depends on your preference.

    Step #3. Add Ingredients to Deep Pot

    Sugar and water in a saucepan on wooden background.

    Mix water, lime juice and sugar in a deep pot.

    Step #4. Dissolve Sugar & Add Limes

    Lime slices in a pot, wooden background.

    Heat over medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices and bring to a simmer.

    Step #5. Simmer

    Candied limes in a pot with a wooden spoon, wooden background.

    Gently simmer for 15 minutes, until they look translucent (thicker slices may take longer).

    Step #6. Remove Limes

    Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.

    Place the lime slices on a non-stick baking sheet (like these silicone mats here) or foil.

    Step #7. Pour Syrup Over Lime Slices

    Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.

    Pour a little bit of extra syrup into the center of each slice.

    Step #8. Let the Limes Sit to Dry

    Candied limes as a garnish on cups.

    Let the limes sit to dry for 1-2 days. They are now ready to use.

    Candied limes as a garnish on a cup.

    As you can see, it doesn't take a professional baker or chef to transform plain lime slices into a sweet and delicious candy treat. Not sure where to put the limes? They can be served as a garnishment on a drink like these passion fruit ginger mojitos for example or on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pies, or even in a bowl.

    Candied limes are such a quick and easy treat to make. This makes them desirable for dinner parties and birthdays. They can be served to one person or to a whole group. No matter how you use them, these treats are irresistible.

    Store the candied limes in an airtight container and in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. Leftover syrup can be refrigerated and used to sweeten beverages.

    How do you plan to serve your candied limes?

    How to Candy Limes - Step by Step Guide

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    If you tried this Candied Limes Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Sliced candied limes on wooden counter.

    How to Candy Limes

    Joss Dyckson
    With my step by step instructions for how to candy limes, you will see how simple the process of making your next delicious dessert garnish or snack really is.
    5 from 10 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 36 lime slices, approximately
    Calories 25 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 limes
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 cup sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the limes into thin rounds.
      Lime slices on wooden cutting board.
    • Mix water, lime juice and sugar in a deep pot.
      Sugar and water in a saucepan on wooden background.
    • Heat over medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices and bring to a simmer.
      Lime slices in a pot, wooden background.
    • Gently simmer for 15 minutes, until they look translucent (thicker slices may take longer).
      Candied limes in a pot with a wooden spoon, wooden background.
    • Place the lime slices on a non-stick baking sheet (like these silicone mats here) or foil.
      Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.
    • Pour a little bit of extra syrup into the center of each slice.
      Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.
    • Let the limes sit to dry for 1-2 days. They are now ready to use.
      Candied limes as a garnish on cups.

    Equipment

    • Deep pot
    • Silicone mat or foil

    Notes

    • As an optional step (after slicing the limes), you may wish to blanch the lime slices in boiling water for 2 minutes and then drain and chill them in ice water a few times (using fresh water each time). Then proceed to simmering. This will help to remove some bitterness if that is your preference.
    • Store the candied limes in an airtight container and in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
    • The leftover syrup can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator. It can be used to sweeten drinks.
    • Make the candied limes a couple days before required as they need to sit for 1 to 2 days before they are ready.
    • They can be served as a garnishment on drinks or on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pies.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 25kcalCarbohydrates: 6gPotassium: 11mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 3.5mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

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    Comments

      5 from 10 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Hattie says

      May 28, 2023 at 7:10 pm

      If I used them for a cake, would they be ok on the cake for a few days in the fridge? Cake would be decorated Thursday and the event is Sunday

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        May 28, 2023 at 8:05 pm

        Hi, Hattie. I think the candied limes would be fine as they can last quite a long time.

        Reply
      • Brooke says

        February 05, 2024 at 9:40 am

        I made this and it was horribly bitter, I'm not sure what I did wrong 🙁

        Reply
        • Joss Dyckson says

          February 05, 2024 at 10:42 am

          Sorry to hear, Brooke. With limes it would be difficult to get rid of the bitterness completely. They are usually more bitter than lemons. Blanching the lime slices a few times helps to remove some of the bitterness.

          Reply
    2. Rena Kendrick says

      February 24, 2023 at 2:35 pm

      I blanched whole limes for 2 minutes,
      put in ice water, sliced them, blanched them in fresh boiling water, then am cooking in the simple syrup.. after 40 minutes they still "finish" extremely bitter. Will cooking longer get rid of the bitterness?

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        February 24, 2023 at 3:26 pm

        Hi Rena, I don't think you can completely get rid of the bitterness, but you can try blanching the lime slices 2 or 3 times. This should at least reduce it.

        Reply
    3. JB says

      December 21, 2022 at 10:09 am

      Syrup?
      What type?

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        December 21, 2022 at 11:19 am

        Hi JB, the 'syrup' is just the sugar liquid that was simmered in the pot with the lime slices. The recipe isn't asking for extra syrup. Thanks for the question.

        Reply
    4. Emily says

      September 02, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      Hi! How do I store these after?

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        September 02, 2022 at 2:02 pm

        Hi Emily, you've got options when it comes to storing them. They can be stored in an airtight container either in a cool, dark place or in a refrigerator if you want to keep them longer. They can also be frozen for a few months. Try to keep them away from moisture.

        Reply
    5. Jennifer Crowe says

      January 26, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Can you put them in a low oven to dry out faster?

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        January 26, 2022 at 12:52 pm

        Hi Jennifer. I personally haven't tested drying them in the oven, but I have seen others dry them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the oven at the lowest temperature for an hour or so, until they start to stiffen. You would have to keep a close eye on them.

        Reply
      • Nadine says

        October 04, 2022 at 5:12 am

        I did! I wasn’t successful in leaving them to dry so after two days of attempted air drying i just chucked them in the oven for 1-2 hours on 90C. Worked great

        Reply
    6. T says

      June 29, 2021 at 8:06 pm

      I just made these per your instruction to use as garnish for a key lime pie. Actually first went to Sur la table’s recipe which I didn’t like the instructions for and didn’t follow, so landed on your site. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        June 29, 2021 at 8:19 pm

        Oh wow, thank you! That's a nice compliment. I'm glad you liked the recipe!

        Reply
    7. Karly says

      May 10, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      I have got to try this! Thanks for sharing. Love the step by step!

      Reply
      • Joss D says

        May 10, 2019 at 3:19 pm

        No problem! They are so cute as a garnish and tasty too. Thanks for the comment.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

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