53 Lemon Desserts to Brighten Your Day
Citrus may be at its peak in winter, but lemon desserts can brighten any season, including the rainiest days of spring. And while lemon bars might come to mind as the optimal way to use up a haul of fragrant lemons—especially after you’ve preserved some of the fruit for savory cooking—you have tons of other options for capturing the bright flavor of this kitchen staple. Below you’ll find easy lemon cakes (both upside down and right side up), tangy, silky cheesecakes, lofty lemon meringue pies, creamy ice pops, buttery cookies, and more. Scroll down to find all of our favorite lemon dessert recipes.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich2/53Lemon Curd
This classic lemon curd recipe calls for nothing other than lemons, eggs, sugar and butter. The curd keeps in the fridge for a week, so you can dollop it on scones, in yogurt, or between layers of meringue.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks3/53Easy Fruit Tart With Pecan Cookie Crust
This gorgeous dessert has a nutty tart shell inspired by pecan sandies and a lemon curd–spiked whipped cream filling. The fresh fruit topping can be as simple or complex as you like; simply sprinkle berries on top for an easy finishing touch or arrange strawberry or mango slices in a rose-like pattern to create a stunning presentation.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Grace Parisi7/53Torta Della Nonna al Limone
Photo by Ted Cavanaugh, Chelsea Cavanaugh, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich9/53Lemon Meringue Pie
A sharp lemon filling, sweet-and-salty meringue, and shatteringly crisp crust combine to make a balanced update to this classic.
Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott11/53Lemon-Pistachio Loaf
This vegan cake has a delicate crumb—it's perfect for an Easter brunch or an any-afternoon snack.
Photo by Andrew Purcell, Prop Styling by Paige Hicks, Food Styling by Carrie Purcell12/53Lemon Curd Tart With Olive Oil
