Meyer Lemon Fudge Recipe

Zesty Meyer Lemon Fudge Recipe: Bright & Irresistible Treat

Sweet and tangy meyer lemon fudge captures the essence of sunshine in every creamy bite.

This delightful dessert blends bright citrus notes with rich, velvety texture.

Zesty meyer lemons infuse a refreshing twist into classic fudge, creating a memorable treat that dances on your palate.

Silky smooth and packed with vibrant flavor, the fudge offers a delectable escape from ordinary desserts.

Each square promises a burst of lemony goodness that will transport you to a sunny orchard.

Prepare to indulge in a citrusy sensation that elevates your dessert game with minimal effort.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible confection that turns a simple sweet into a gourmet experience.

Meyer Lemon Fudge Zesty Sweets

  • Burst with Citrus Flavor: Unleash a tangy, bright Meyer lemon essence that transforms traditional fudge into a zesty, unexpected treat.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft this delightful dessert with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Stunning Presentation: Create a beautiful, smooth-surfaced fudge with a soft yellow hue that impresses guests and looks professionally made.
  • Unique Dessert Experience: Elevate your sweet repertoire by introducing a refreshing twist on classic fudge that surprises and delights taste buds.

Ingredients for Meyer Lemon Fudge

Core Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: A creamy base that provides the rich, smooth texture of the fudge.
  • Sugar: The primary sweetener that helps create the classic fudge consistency.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar during cooking.
  • Butter: Contributes to the rich, smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Meyer Lemon Juice, Meyer Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy taste and aromatic quality to the fudge.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Yellow Food Coloring: Provides a soft, sunny hue to match the lemon flavor, completely optional for visual appeal.
Preparation Helpers:
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper, Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the finished fudge.

Making Meyer Lemon Fudge Easily

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Vessel

Line an 8-inch square pan with wax paper or parchment, ensuring complete coverage.

Give the surface a gentle spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Sugar Texture

Pulse sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds, creating an ultra-fine granulated consistency that will melt smoothly.

Step 3: Create Fudge Base

Combine in a heavy-bottomed saucepan:
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Butter

Heat the mixture on medium-high, stirring occasionally until it begins to bubble and foam.

Step 4: Boil Without Disruption

Allow the mixture to bubble continuously for exactly 5 minutes.

Resist the urge to stir – this is crucial for perfect fudge texture.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Color

Remove the pot from heat.

If desired, introduce a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the visual appeal.

Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate

Fold in white chocolate chunks, stirring persistently until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Infuse Citrus Essence

Quickly stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest, distributing the bright, tangy flavors throughout.

Step 8: Transfer and Smooth

Rapidly pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to create an even, flat surface.

Step 9: Allow Complete Cooling

Let the fudge rest undisturbed at room temperature until it sets completely firm.

This typically takes 2-3 hours.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the parchment edges.

Cut into neat squares and enjoy your citrusy sweet treat.

Pro Tips for Lemon Fudge Perfection

  • Use parchment paper with a light oil spray to ensure easy fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Pulse sugar in a food processor to create ultra-fine crystals, guaranteeing a smoother, creamier fudge texture.
  • Maintain a steady medium-high heat and resist stirring during the 5-minute boiling process to prevent sugar crystallization.
  • Add fresh Meyer lemon zest and juice at the end for a vibrant, citrusy punch that elevates the fudge's flavor profile.
  • Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature before cutting to ensure perfect, clean slices and optimal texture.

Fun Twists on Lemon Fudge Flavors

  • Lime Zest Burst: Replace Meyer lemon with tangy lime zest and juice for a bright, tropical fudge variation.
  • Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse fudge with dried lavender buds for a floral, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Citrus Delight: Swap milk and butter with coconut milk and coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Orange Essence Fudge: Use orange zest and juice instead of Meyer lemon for a classic citrus alternative.

Serving Meyer Lemon Fudge Squares

  • Sunny Brunch Delight: Slice this zesty fudge and serve alongside fresh croissants or scones for a bright morning treat.
  • Citrus Tea Party: Pair thin squares with Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating an elegant afternoon snack perfect for sharing with friends.
  • Dessert Garnish Elegance: Crumble small pieces over vanilla ice cream or sprinkle atop lemon sorbet for a sophisticated dessert enhancement.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package in clear cellophane bags tied with yellow ribbon, making charming homemade gifts for tea lovers and sweet treat enthusiasts.

Storage Tips for Meyer Lemon Fudge

  • Transfer fudge pieces to an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
  • Store fudge in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, maintaining it at around 70°F for optimal texture and taste.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to extend shelf life up to 3 months.
  • Always use clean, dry utensils when handling fudge and keep container sealed to protect against humidity and preserve its creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Regular lemons work, but they’re more tart. Meyer lemons are sweeter and have a unique, less acidic flavor that makes this fudge special.

  • Do I need a food processor to make the sugar fine?

You can use a blender or put sugar in a sealed bag and crush it with a rolling pin. The goal is to create ultra-fine sugar for smoother fudge.

  • What type of white chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality white chocolate with cocoa butter for best results. Avoid white chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers that can affect texture.

  • How can I tell if the fudge is ready without a candy thermometer?

Watch for bubbling and precise 5-minute cooking time. The mixture should look smooth and start to pull away from pot sides when it’s ready.

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Meyer Lemon Fudge Recipe

Meyer Lemon Fudge Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet and tangy Meyer lemon fudge brings zesty sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Creamy white chocolate and bright citrus notes create a luxurious treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1.5 cups sugar, finely processed
  • 2/3 cup fresh whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
  • 10 ounces (283 grams) white chocolate chips

Citrus Flavoring:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh Meyer lemon zest

Coloring:

  • 12 drops yellow food coloring gel

Instructions

  1. Line an 8-inch square pan with wax paper or parchment, applying a light coating of oil spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pulse granulated sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds to create an ultra-fine texture.
  3. Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating over medium-high until the mixture begins to bubble vigorously.
  4. Allow the mixture to boil undisturbed for precisely 5 minutes, maintaining a steady bubble without stirring.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and add yellow food coloring if desired for a vibrant appearance.
  6. Incorporate white chocolate into the hot mixture, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, glossy consistency.
  7. Immediately fold in fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest, ensuring even distribution throughout the fudge.
  8. Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
  9. Let the fudge rest at room temperature for several hours until completely set and firm.
  10. Once fully cooled, slice into small squares for serving.

Notes

  • Always use fresh Meyer lemons for the most vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that elevates the entire fudge experience.
  • Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control during the boiling stage, preventing sugar crystallization and guaranteeing smooth texture.
  • Sift powdered sugar instead of processing granulated sugar for a silkier, more delicate fudge consistency that melts perfectly in your mouth.
  • For gluten-free or dairy-free variations, substitute white chocolate with specialized alternatives and use plant-based milk, maintaining the recipe’s delightful lemon essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 174
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 17 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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