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Use this Lemon Sauce on your favorite desserts. It’s easy to make and goes great with cakes, pancakes, ice cream, and so much more.

closeup of lemon sauce in a glass jar

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Lemon Sauce

One of the things I miss the most about living in Phoenix is the citrus season. I loved having access to all kinds of freshly-picked lemons, limes, and oranges from my neighbors, who were more than happy to share their abundance!

I’m a huge fan of lemon-flavored dishes and treats, and this recipe is one of our favorites. This sauce recipe is so versatile and can be used in so many ways. Plus, it can easily be enjoyed all year long.

This recipe has the perfect amount of sweetness combined with the tartness of the lemon. You’ll love drizzling it over all of your favorite desserts.

How to use Lemon Sauce

Use this sauce with your favorite desserts! A classic way to enjoy this sauce is over Gingerbread Cake. It’s also great over vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit and berries. Try it over bread pudding, too! Here are a few of my other favorite ideas:

lemon sauce dripping from spoon over a glass jar

How to make Lemon Sauce

Ingredients

  • granulated sugar – regular cane or beet sugar work best since they melt well.
  • cornstarch – used as a thickener.
  • water
  • grated lemon peel – freshly grated is preferred.
  • lemon juice – fresh squeezed is preferred.
  • butter – both salted or unsalted work fine. I usually use salted.

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Gradually, stir in the water. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
  2. Remove from the heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  3. Serve warm or cool. Cover and refrigerate any remaining sauce.

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how to make lemon sauce

Lemon Sauce FAQs

➡️ What is the difference between lemon curd and lemon sauce?

While they may sound similar at first glance, there are a few key differences.
* Lemon Sauce is thin and pourable – almost like a syrup. It’s great poured over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, bread pudding, pound cake, gingerbread, and many other desserts.
* Lemon Curd is thicker and typically has to be spread. Curds also contain eggs. Typically, this is used as a filling in desserts like bars, cakes, and pies.

➡️ Can you freeze lemon sauce?

While technically you can, I would not. Freezing and thawing often affect the texture. Since this recipe is easy to whip up, I prefer to make a fresh batch.

➡️ How to reheat lemon sauce?

MICROWAVE: Microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe container on 100% power for 45-seconds, stirring twice. Add additional time in 10-second increments until heated through, if needed.
STOVETOP: Place the sauce in a heat-resistant bowl in a pan of simmering water that comes partially up the side of the bowl. Heat, occasionally stirring, until hot.

Recipe Tips

  • This sauce will thicken as it cools down.
  • Refrigerate this sauce in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Reheat and serve warm.
collage showing how to use lemon sauce - pound cake and pancakes

Other recipes you may enjoy

lemon sauce in jar with lemons on the side
lemon sauce in jar
4.45 from 9 votes
Servings: 8 servings

Lemon Sauce

By Jamie Sherman
Use this Lemon Sauce on your favorite desserts. It's easy to make and goes great with cakes, pancakes, ice cream, and so much more.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions 

  • Mix sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Gradually, stir in the water. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
  • Remove from the heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Serve warm or cool. Cover and refrigerate any remaining sauce.

Notes

  • This sauce will thicken as it cools down.
  • Refrigerate this sauce in an airtight container for up to 10 days. Reheat and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 83kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 24mg, Potassium: 10mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 88IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.03mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on December 23, 2012. Updated on January 5, 2022.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.45 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. Hilary says:

    ooooo … just found this! I pinned it so I could refer back to it. I'm not a baker (have intolerance to gluten) but I love to make sauces. Looks yummy!

  2. Michelle's Tasty Creations says:

    Loving this lemon sauce Jamie! I love anything lemony and this will be great with some pound cake 🙂
    Michelle

  3. Georgie Lee says:

    Ever tried this with meyer lemons? It is very good.

  4. Smart! School {House} says:

    I bet this would be so good drizzled over some cream cheese frosting! I’m so glad you shared it with us on Whimsy Wednesday. We ALWAYS love seeing you here!

    Take care and can’t wait to see what you’ve got going on next time,
    Kelly at Smart! School {House}
    http://www.facebook.com/SmartSchoolHouse?ref=tn_tnmn

  5. Linda@With A Blast says:

    Pinned ! I left a comment with your ginger bread recipe, but my computer had gone all funny again – let me know if it has gone through, please 🙂