Discover the Art of Making Candied Lilacs

Marie Overton
18 minutes ago
3 min read

Spring brings a joyful burst of color and fragrance, and lilacs are among the most captivating flowers of the season. With their beautiful purple shades and sweet scent, they can brighten any garden. But did you know you can transform lilacs into a delectable treat? Candied lilacs not only enhance your desserts but can also elevate your afternoon tea. In this post, I will guide you through the process of making candied lilacs, offering tips to make your culinary creations shine this spring.

The Allure of Lilacs

Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are not just lovely to look at; they also boast a mildly sweet floral flavor that pairs wonderfully with various foods. These edible blossoms can be used in several dishes, from cakes to lemonade. For instance, did you know that using candied lilacs can elevate a simple vanilla cake into a stunning centerpiece? Their unique flavor and airy texture instantly enhance the eating experience.

Making candied lilacs adds sophistication to your dish, whether you sprinkle them on desserts or use them as delicious garnishes. Before we dive into the recipe, let's look at how to choose the best lilacs.

Picking the Right Lilacs

Hands cutting lilac flowers with pruning shears in a garden. A wicker basket is in the foreground, surrounded by lush green leaves.

Selecting the right lilacs is essential for your candy-making adventure. Follow these straightforward guidelines:

Select Fresh Flowers: Choose lilacs in full bloom, vibrant in color, and fragrant. Freshly picked blooms will yield the best flavor. If you’re unsure, try to smell them; the scent should be rich and floral.
Avoid Chemical Treatments: To ensure safety, use lilacs that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals. If available, pick blooms from your own garden or buy from local, organic farms.
Timing is Everything: For the freshest blooms, pick lilacs in the morning after the dew has dried. This helps preserve their beauty and scent.

Ingredients Needed

Gather the following items to create your candied lilacs:

4 clusters of fresh lilac flowers (just the petals)
1 egg white
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon water

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candied Lilacs

Step 1: Prepare the Lilacs

Hands arranging delicate purple flowers on a granite countertop, with clusters nearby, creating a calm and focused atmosphere.

Remove the petals from the stems. Do not use any that are turning brown, have missing petals or have not opened yet.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg White

Hands separate an egg over a glass bowl on a speckled countertop, with the text "1 teaspoon Water" and a white measuring spoon nearby.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white with the water until it becomes frothy. You can use a hand whisk or a fork. Aim for a light, airy texture that allows the sugar to adhere effectively to the petals.

Step 3: Coat the Blooms

Hands painting a lilac flower with a blue brush over a bowl of frothy liquid. Lilac blooms in a wooden bowl on a speckled countertop.

Carefully paint each lilac petal with the frothy egg white, making sure it is fully covered. Let any excess egg white drip off before proceeding to the sugar coating.

Step 4: Sugar Coating

Hands sprinkle sugar on a lilac flower over a wooden bowl, with more lilacs in a dish on a speckled countertop.

Pour the granulated sugar into a separate shallow bowl. sprinkle each coated lilac petal with the sugar, ensuring it is completely covered. This sugary layer is what makes your lilacs sweet and pretty!

Step 5: Drying the Candied Lilacs

Baking tray with lilac flowers on parchment paper, held by a person in a white top with embroidered trim. Flowers are arranged neatly.

Arrange the sugared blooms in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry at room temperature for at least 24 hours. If time is short, place them in an oven set to the lowest temperature (approximately 150°F or 65°C) for about 1 to 2 hours. Keep watch to prevent browning.

Step 6: Storing Your Candied Lilacs

Lilac flowers spill from a metal cup onto a wooden surface. The scene is serene with soft lavender tones and a rustic background.

Once dried, store your finished candied lilacs in an airtight container. They can last for up to a year.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Candied Lilacs

Candied lilacs can enhance your dishes in various innovative ways. Consider these fun ideas:

A cookie with white icing is topped with small flowers on a white plate surrounded by lilac blossoms on a speckled surface.

Decorative Topping: Adorn cakes and cupcakes with candied lilacs for a visually striking and flavorful touch. For example, you can top a chocolate cake with lilacs for a beautiful contrast.
Garnish for Beverages: Elevate your teas or sparkling water with these flowers, transforming a simple drink into a festive treat. For instance, they pair wonderfully with lemonade, adding a pleasant sweetness.
Fancy Trail Mix: Combine candied lilacs with nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate for a unique and tasty trail mix. The flowers add a beautiful element to your snack.
Salad Enhancer: Sprinkle candied lilacs over salads for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. They work particularly well with mixed greens and citrus dressings.