Dessert Citrus Sauce

Brighten up your desserts with this luscious and zesty Dessert Citrus Sauce! Bursting with the refreshing flavors of fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices, this versatile sauce is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness from granulated sugar and a creamy finish from a hint of butter. The aromatic trio of orange, lemon, and lime zests adds an extra layer of vibrant citrus flavor, making it a show-stopping topping for everything from vanilla ice cream to fluffy pancakes or buttery pound cake. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy homemade sauce thickens beautifully with a simple cornstarch slurry, creating a smooth and glossy texture. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a delightful way to elevate any dessert with a burst of tangy freshness. Plus, it stores easily for up to a week—perfect for meal prep or spontaneous indulgences!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup fresh orange juice
• 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.25 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon zest of an orange
• 1 teaspoon zest of a lemon
• 1 teaspoon zest of a lime

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and granulated sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth to create a slurry.

Step 3

Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the juice mixture.

Step 4

Continue whisking the mixture constantly to prevent lumps, and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter to the saucepan and stir until it has melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest, lemon zest, and lime zest for an added burst of flavor.

Step 7

Allow the sauce to cool slightly. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Step 8

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(483.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	756.7

Total Fat 24.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 8.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g	0%
Total Sugars 117.2g
Protein 2.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 41.5mg	0%
Iron 0.5mg	0%
Potassium 446.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.2%

Protein: 1.1%

Carbs: 70.7%