Old Fashioned Lemon Sauce
A vibrant, tangy lemon sauce with buttery richness, perfect for drizzling over desserts or breakfast treats, appealing to citrus lovers and those seeking a bright flavor boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until just boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg and lemon juice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of unsalted. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) after removing from heat. Adjust the lemon juice to your taste; if you like it tangier, add more. This sauce is versatile and can be used over desserts like pound cake or even paired with Microwave Apple Bread Pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lemon sauce warm over desserts like sponge cake or ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Leila's 1-2-3-4 Plain Cake, enhancing the cake's flavor. For a refreshing twist, consider drizzling it over fresh berries or using it as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lemon sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling the egg. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Lemon Sauce contains roughly 284 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value).
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 a different citrus juice instead of lemon?
Yes, you can substitute lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the sauce may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly to balance the acidity of the citrus you choose.
How can I thicken the sauce if it comes out too runny?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by cooking it longer on low heat, allowing it to reduce. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it's simmering until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
This sauce contains butter and egg, so it is not suitable for vegan diets. To adapt it, you could use a plant-based butter substitute and try a silken tofu blended until smooth as a replacement for the egg, but this may alter the flavor and consistency.
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).