Mother'S Lemon Apples

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4

Mother's Lemon Apples offers a delightful blend of tart lemon flavors and sweet syrup, complementing tender apple slices. This refreshing dessert is perfect for those who enjoy citrus-infused treats with a simple, homemade touch, ideal for summer gatherings or family desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole lemon, sliced very thin
  • juice of 1 additional lemon
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Peel apples and slice thin.
  2. Bring to a rolling boil all ingredients except apples.
  3. Add the apples, stirring carefully to cover with liquid.
  4. Cook on medium to medium-high heat until apples are transparent.
  5. Remove apples with a slotted spoon, leaving juice to continue cooking until slightly thickened.
  6. Pour the thickened syrup over apples and allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a brighter flavor, consider using organic lemons as they tend to have a more intense taste. If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups. You can also experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different twist. Ensure the apples are sliced evenly for consistent cooking, and use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mother’s Lemon Apples warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat. You can also enjoy them as a topping on pancakes or oatmeal, or alongside German Honey Cookies for a unique dessert platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a short burst, covered, to maintain their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Lemon Apples contains roughly 170 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

170 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 43.1g 16% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 496.4mg 22% DV
Potassium 990.1mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 35.3mg 39% DV
Calcium 89.2mg 7% DV
Iron 10mg 56% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While any variety works, tart apples like Granny Smith enhance the lemon flavor. Sweet apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, can also be used for a different taste. Mixing varieties can provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I know when the apples are cooked properly?

The apples are done when they become slightly transparent and tender but not mushy. Stirring gently while they cook helps ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your slices.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon apples a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator after they cool completely. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Before serving, you can reheat them gently or enjoy them cold.

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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