Hot Lemon Sauce

Prep: 5 min

A tangy and sweet hot lemon sauce with bright lemon flavor, perfect for drizzling over desserts or breakfast dishes, appealing to citrus lovers and those craving a quick sweet-tart topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 or 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 or 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • dash of salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well in a bowl or saucepan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, use the full cup of sugar and adjust the cornstarch accordingly. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly. Adding a hint of cayenne pepper can give an extra kick to your sauce. This hot lemon sauce can also be drizzled over dishes like Holly Farm Potatoes for a citrusy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This hot lemon sauce is perfect for drizzling over desserts like Vanilla Giffolds or even as a zesty topping for pancakes. It also works well with savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meals. For a delightful pairing, serve it alongside a slice of 3 Minute Delight Poppy Cake for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hot lemon sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its consistency. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it back up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hot Lemon Sauce contains roughly 176 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

176 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 9.8g 13% DV
Carbs 19.2g 7% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 6.4g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 523.7mg 23% DV
Potassium 63.5mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 77.8mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 5.5mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 16.1mg 1% DV
Iron 1mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the sauce, providing a brighter and more vibrant taste. Just make sure to strain out any pulp or seeds to keep the sauce smooth. Freshly grated lemon rind will also add a lovely zest to your sauce.

How can I make this sauce less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the hot lemon sauce, simply decrease the amount of sugar you use, starting with 1/2 cup. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a bit more lemon juice or a dash of vinegar for acidity, which can enhance the overall flavor.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this hot lemon sauce is vegetarian-friendly as all the ingredients are plant-based. The use of butter can be replaced with margarine or a vegan butter substitute for those following a strict vegan diet. It pairs well with various vegetarian recipes and enhances many dishes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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