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!
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
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
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
Mix water, lime juice and sugar in a deep pot.
Step #4. Dissolve Sugar & Add Limes
Heat over medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices and bring to a simmer.
Step #5. Simmer
Gently simmer for 15 minutes, until they look translucent (thicker slices may take longer).
Step #6. Remove Limes
Place the lime slices on a non-stick baking sheet (like these silicone mats here) or foil.
Step #7. Pour Syrup Over Lime Slices
Pour a little bit of extra syrup into the center of each slice.
Step #8. Let the Limes Sit to Dry
Let the limes sit to dry for 1-2 days. They are now ready to use.
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?
More Kitchen Tutorials to Try
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
How to Candy Limes
Ingredients
- 6 limes
- ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Cut the limes into thin rounds.
- Mix water, lime juice and sugar in a deep pot.
- Heat over medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices and bring to a simmer.
- Gently simmer for 15 minutes, until they look translucent (thicker slices may take longer).
- Place the lime slices on a non-stick baking sheet (like these silicone mats here) or foil.
- Pour a little bit of extra syrup into the center of each slice.
- Let the limes sit to dry for 1-2 days. They are now ready to use.
Equipment
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
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Hattie says
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
Joss D says
Hi, Hattie. I think the candied limes would be fine as they can last quite a long time.
Brooke says
I made this and it was horribly bitter, I'm not sure what I did wrong 🙁
Joss Dyckson says
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.
Rena Kendrick says
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?
Joss D says
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.
JB says
Syrup?
What type?
Joss D says
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.
Emily says
Hi! How do I store these after?
Joss D says
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.
Jennifer Crowe says
Can you put them in a low oven to dry out faster?
Joss D says
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.
Nadine says
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
T says
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!
Joss D says
Oh wow, thank you! That's a nice compliment. I'm glad you liked the recipe!
Karly says
I have got to try this! Thanks for sharing. Love the step by step!
Joss D says
No problem! They are so cute as a garnish and tasty too. Thanks for the comment.