Lemon Simple Syrup
This lemon simple syrup is made using just 3 ingredients and is amazing in everything from cocktails to cake!!
What is Lemon Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is usually made with equal parts water and sugar. The mixture is heated to help the sugar dissolve, which yields a sweet syrup that can be used to sweeten and flavor just about anything!
This recipe makes a lemon simple syrup by adding fresh lemon juice and zest. They pack this syrup with bright, citrus flavor.
Lemon Simple Syrup Ingredients & Substitutions
Like I mentioned above, this recipe is pretty straightforward! However, there are some substitutions and swaps you can make if needed.
- Water – Room temperature tap water works great in this recipe.
- Granulated Sugar – I like using granulated sugar because it’s what I usually have on hand, but you can also use extra fine sugar or caster sugar.
- Lemon Zest and Juice – Fresh lemon zest and juice give this syrup all its flavor. I don’t recommend using bottled lemon juice.
How Do You Make Lemon Simple Syrup?
I love this recipe because it seriously takes less than 5 minutes to make!
Start by pouring the granulated sugar and water into a small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, and stir continuously until the mixture just starts to boil. It usually takes about 3 minutes for my simple syrup to reach a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the zest and juice of 1 small lemon. Pour into a separate container to cool to room temperature, then cover and set aside.
If you’re making this in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How Can You Use This Lemon Simple Syrup?
I’m sure it’s no surprise, but my favorite way to use lemon simple syrup is to brush it on cake layers!! It adds both moisture and flavor, and truly makes any cake irresistible.
I highly recommend leveling cake layers before adding the syrup, so they can easily absorb the syrup.
You can use a silicone pastry brush or a plastic squirt bottle to generously soak each cake layer with syrup. The entire top of the cake layer should look moist once you’ve added it.
I usually brush my cake layers with simple syrup right before I assemble a cake. If you want to make/freeze your cake layers in advance, I recommend thawing them and then adding the simple syrup just before you frost the cake.
I use this technique in my raspberry lemon cake recipe, and it really takes the cake to the next level.
This lemon simple syrup also tastes amazing in cocktails. The sky is really the limit!
How Do You Store Lemon Simple Syrup?
This recipe can be made in advance, or leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
I usually keep mine in a mason jar, but any container with a good lid should work just fine.
Let Me Know What You Think
If you try this recipe, please let me know what you think by sharing a rating below!
Lemon Simple Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
Lemon Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water 240g
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- zest and juice of 1 small lemon
Instructions
Lemon Simple Syrup
- Pour the granulated sugar and water into a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, and stir continuously until the mixture just starts to boil. It usually takes about 3 minutes for my simple syrup to reach a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the zest and juice of 1 small lemon. Pour into a separate container and cool to room temperature. If you don't want any zest in the finished syrup, pour it through a fine mesh strainer. I like to keep my simple syrup in mason jars for easy storage.
- If you’re making this in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Thank you very much
Can you freeze it for later use?
Hi Carol,
Great question! Simple syrup can be frozen! It freezes solid and will stay good frozen for up to 3 months.
If you plan to go this route, I’d suggest using a plastic container. Hope that helps!
This recipe is great for cakes and for sweetening lemonade too. So good.
I’m so glad you liked it!! I love that you’re using it in lemonade too—that sounds so refreshing and fun. Love a multitasking recipe!
Can you use bottles lemon juice? If so, how much?
Hi Chelsey …. do you serve this sauce warmed up or at room temp ?
I have plans to serve it along side a lovely lemon cake
Hi Meg,
Great question! Lemon simple syrup isn’t usually served on the side, it’s actually brushed right onto the cake layers after they’ve baked and cooled a bit. This helps add moisture and an extra pop of lemon flavor throughout the cake.
If you did want to serve some extra with the cake, you could offer it at room temperature in a little pitcher, but the main way it’s used is to soak into the cake itself. Paired with a lemon cake, it makes the flavor even more bright and lovely!
Hope that helps, happy baking!!