How to Candy Limes

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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 our step by step instructions on how to candy limes, we 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.

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

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 limes in 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 to remove 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.

Bring to medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices.

Step #5. Simmer

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

Simmer for 15 minutes, until the white pith looks 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.
Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.

Pour some extra syrup over each slice.

Step #8. Let the Limes Sit & Serve

Candied limes as a garnish on cups.

Let the limes sit for 1-2 days. Serve.

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, 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.

How do you plan to serve your candied limes?

How to Candy Limes - Step by Step Guide
Sliced candied limes on wooden counter.

How to Candy Limes

Joss D
With our step by step instructions on how to candy limes, we will guide you through the simple process of making your next delicious dessert garnish or snack.
5 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 lime slices, approximately
Calories 25 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

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

Instructions
 

  • Cut limes in 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.
  • Bring to medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, add the lime slices.
    Lime slices in a pot, wooden background.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes, until the white pith looks 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 some extra syrup over each slice.
    Candied limes sitting on a silicone mat.
  • Let the limes sit for 1-2 days. Serve.
    Candied limes as a garnish on cups.

Equipment

Deep pot
Silicone mat or foil

Video

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.

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Recipe Rating




    1. 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

    1. 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

    1. 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

    2. 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

  4. 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
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