How to Make Lilac Sugar (Includes Tips and How to Use)

I always look forward to the lilac blooms that beautify our backyard every spring. Their fragrant scent not only fills the air with one of my favourite aromas but also inspired me to create seasonal recipes that extend the joy of lilac season in my kitchen. First up is lilac sugar—a versatile and aromatic addition to your pantry that can elevate not only your baking, but beverages, and even beauty routines if you wish. So let me show you how to make lilac sugar, ideas of how to use, and why it’s a must-have in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

• What is Lilac Sugar?
• How to Harvest Your Lilac Blooms
• Ingredients For Lilac Sugar
• How To Make Lilac Sugar
• Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lilac Sugar
  • How Long Does Lilac Sugar Last
• Ways To Use Lilac Sugar
• What Does Lilac Taste Like
• Recipe Recap

What is Lilac Sugar?

Lilac sugar is simply granulated sugar infused with the delicate floral essence of lilac blossoms. It’s a wonderful way to capture the fleeting beauty and fragrance of lilacs and enjoy them throughout the year.

How to Harvest Your Lilac Blooms

Harvesting lilac blooms is a simple process, but here are some easy tips on how to do it:

1. Selecting Blooms: Choose lilac clusters that are fully open and vibrant in color. Avoid flowers that are wilted, starting to lose color or starting to turn brown.
2. Cutting: Using clean, sharp garden shears, cut the lilac stems at an angle, about 8-10 inches below the flower head. This ensures you have enough stem to work with and encourages healthy regrowth for next year.
3. Cleaning: Shake the blooms gently to remove any insects. Optionally, rinse the flowers with cool water and let them air dry on a towel to remove any dirt or residual bugs.
4. Storing: If not using immediately, place the cut stems in a vase with water to keep them fresh until you are ready to use them.
5. Preparing: When ready to collect the blooms, pull each little flower out individually. Ensure there are no green parts, which will be bitter. Alternatively, you can also use a pair of scissors to snip each flower at the base (above the green part).

Ingredients For Lilac Sugar

• Fresh lilac blossoms
• Granulated white sugar (organic cane sugar for a vegan option)

How To Make Lilac Sugar

Step 1. Preparation

• Harvest fresh lilac flowers from a clean, unsprayed area. Shake outdoors to help remove any bugs.
• Optionally, rinse the flowers and let them dry thoroughly to prevent moisture issues. Alternatively, you can also rinse and dry the flowers in a salad spinner.

Step 2. Layering

• Add a layer of lilac blooms at the bottom of a clean, dry glass jar.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of sugar to cover the blossoms. Add another layer of lilac blossoms, then cover with more sugar.
• Repeat layers until the jar is full, making sure to end with a sugar layer.
• Seal the jar and give it a good shake to mix the blossoms and sugar.

Step 3. Infusion Process

• Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least one week.
• Shake the jar daily to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution of the lilac flavor.

Step 4. The Finishing Touches

• After a week, strain out the lilac flowers using a fine mesh sieve, if desired.
• Alternatively, leave the blossoms in for added visual appeal and intensified flavor. I personally love how they look in baked goods.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lilac Sugar

• Preventing Clumping: If the sugar becomes too wet, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to dry for a few hours. If you’re short on time, place in the oven at 200°F for just a few minutes until dry. Let it cool before re-storing.
• Storage: Store lilac sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How Long Does Lilac Sugar Last

Properly dried lilac sugar can last up to a year. Give it a good shake before using to remove any clumping.

Ways To Use Lilac Sugar

• Baking: Replace granulated sugar with lilac sugar in recipes for sugar cookies, cakes, and muffins. It adds a subtle floral note that enhances the flavors of your baked goods.
• Beverages: Sweeten tea or lemonade with lilac sugar for a refreshing, floral twist.
• Body Scrub: Mix lilac sugar with coconut oil to create a luxurious homemade body scrub. The combination of the sugar’s exfoliating properties and the lilac’s scent makes for a spa-like experience right at home.
• Gifting: Package lilac sugar in decorative jars as unique gifts for friends and family. This makes a perfect hostess gift or even a great party favour for weddings, baby showers and any other spring / summer event!

What Does Lilac Taste Like

This lilac sugar recipe has a mild, floral flavor with subtle citrus undertones. It pairs beautifully with lemon and other citrus desserts, making it a fantastic addition to summer recipes. It’s also perfect for creating simple syrup, which can be used to flavor cocktails, mocktails and especially lemonade.

Recipe Recap

Making lilac sugar is a simple and rewarding way to preserve the enchanting essence of lilac blooms. Whether you’re using it in baking, as a sweetener for teas, or as a luxurious body scrub, lilac sugar brings a touch of spring to your everyday life. I encourage you to experiment with this delightful ingredient and discover new ways to incorporate its floral charm into your recipes.