Simple Lemon Dessert Sauce
Add a burst of tangy sweetness to your desserts with this easy lemon sauce. Ideal for drizzling over muffins, scones, and more!
This simple lemon dessert sauce adds a bright, citrusy finish to just about anything—from pound cake and muffins to pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. It’s made with a handful of basic ingredients and comes together in just minutes on the stovetop.
The sweet-tart balance is perfect, and the buttery finish gives it a smooth, silky texture. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s a delicious way to elevate your favorite treats.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Bright lemon flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest give this sauce a bold citrus punch that shines through.
Quick and easy. It takes just 10 minutes to make from start to finish with pantry staples.
Versatile dessert topping. Drizzle it over muffins, cake, pancakes, or yogurt for an instant flavor boost.
Serves warm or cold. This sauce is delicious at any temperature—great straight from the fridge or freshly made.
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar – Provides sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth, glossy texture.
- Salt – Just a dash enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Boiling water – Helps activate the thickener and dissolves the sugar.
- Lemon zest and juice – Use fresh lemon for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Butter – Adds richness and gives the sauce a silky finish.
Steps to Make Simple Lemon Dessert Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Slowly add the boiling water while whisking to dissolve the dry ingredients.
- Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and clear.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon zest and juice.
- Add the cold butter in cubes, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Tips
- Use a fine grater or microplane to zest the lemon without removing bitter pith.
- For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch slightly or add a splash of extra lemon juice.
- Stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps or scorching.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
Recipe Variations
- Extra tangy: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract.
- Orange twist: Use orange juice and zest for a sweeter, milder citrus sauce.
- Herbal notes: Infuse with a sprig of fresh thyme, lavender, or rosemary during cooking, then remove before serving.
- Vanilla version: Stir in a few drops of vanilla extract after removing from heat for a mellow flavor.
- Honey lemon: Replace part of the sugar with honey for a softer sweetness and floral notes.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over pound cake, angel food cake, or lemon loaf.
- Add to fresh berries, yogurt, or oatmeal for a fruity boost.
- Serve with pancakes, waffles, or crepes instead of syrup.
- Spoon over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a tangy contrast.
- Use as a filling or glaze for layer cakes or trifles.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooled lemon sauce in an airtight container for up to 10 days. A jar with a tight-fitting lid works best.
Freeze: Freeze in a labeled container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or warm gently before serving.
To Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, whisking to restore smoothness if needed.
Simple Lemon Dessert Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- Dash salt
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 tablespoon butter, cold , cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small saucepan; whisk to blend. Add the boiling water and whisk to blend. Place the pan over medium heat and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and clear.
- Whisk the lemon zest and lemon juice into the sauce. Remove the sauce from the heat and add the cubed cold butter a little at a time, while whisking constantly.
- Serve the sauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
