Lemons are available year-round, of course, but they're especially good when they're in season. You hardly need a reason, however, to include lemon flavor the next time you're making dessert. The contrast of tart acidity and sugary sweetness is a classic pairing: Think old-fashioned lemonade, or Lemonhead candies, both of which are irresistibly good.
So let that flavor combo make your homemade desserts extra special as well. And here, we have all kinds of ways to make lemony desserts, from the simple (lemon sandwich cookies) to the extra-impressive. The citrus is particularly delicious in lemon cake recipes, but it also makes everything from cookies, pies, tarts, bars, muffins, scones, and more taste amazing.
One of the great traits of lemon, however, is that it doesn't need to be the star ingredient. A touch of lemon zest, or a little lemon juice will brighten up strawberry desserts or blueberry recipes and add a pop of flavor to sugar cookies and crème brûlées. And easy-to-make lemon curd is the ideal topping for all manner of sweet treats, from bundt cakes to meringues to cupcakes.
So whether you're baking to manage stress, trying to make dessert-night a little more interesting, or thinking up something sweet to celebrate a loved one or occasion, try one of these editor-favorite lemon desserts. You won't be sorry.
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1
Meyer Lemon-Blueberry Cake
These cute little bundt cakes are delectable with the tart, rich, lemon curd topping. You can also make one big cake, but the little bundt cakes are worth the special pan.
Get the recipe.
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2
Spring Daisy Lemon Layer Cake
This Easter-themed cake is also perfect for celebrating birthdays, special occasions, or for-the-heck-of-it whenevers... especially for daisy lovers (or loved ones named Daisy).
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3
Jasmine Madeleines With Lemon-Poppy Seed Glaze
Can't travel to Paris for a delicious brunch? Just whip up this French confection—it's the next best thing!
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4
Lemon Creme Sandwich Cookies
Store-bought lemon cookies make these bites come together in mere minutes.
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5
Meyer Lemon Pie
Lemon is just the beginning. Serve this citrusy pie with a homemade fruity compote.
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6
Meyer-Lemon Tart with Gingersnap Crust
This sweet, simple tart is the ideal combo of three different flavors: the lemon tart, the ginger crust, and the almond whipped cream.
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7
Lemon-Buttermilk Tart
Rich buttermilk and fresh lemon zest give this decadent pie so much flavor.
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8
Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie
With refrigerated pie crust and a jar of marshmallow cream, making this pie is, well, as easy as pie.
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9
Pistachio-Lemon Bundt Cake
This satisfying treat gets its kick from rum-infused batter dotted with roasted pistachios. Yum!
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10
Duke's Lemon Drop Sheet Cake
Call it a citrus triple threat: This sheet cake features lemonade, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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11
Coconut Lemon Bars with Marshmallow Frosting
An airy marshmallow topping and scrumptious coconut crust put these lemon bars in a class of their own.
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12
Lemon-Lavender Bars
A floral note complements the citrus bite of these classic bars from Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell of Beekman 1802.
Get the recipe.
RELATED: Dessert Recipes from the Beekman Boys
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13
Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones
The key to a light and airy scone? Don't overwork the dough.
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14
Berry and Lemon Pavlova
Who doesn't love the light, crispy, airy meringue of a pavlova? You can use jarred lemon curd, as the recipe suggests, or make your own.
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15
Lemon-Coconut Cake With Mascarpone Frosting
This easy cake pairs tart lemon with rich, decadent mascarpone frosting.
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16
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These soft and buttery sugar-coated cookies taste even better with a splash of citrus flavor.
Get the recipe at Frugal Mom Eh.
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17
Lemon Crumb Muffins
Finished with a sticky lemon glaze, these muffins make for a delightful breakfast treat.
Get the recipe at Baker by Nature.
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18
Whipped Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake
Phyllo dough gives this ultra creamy cheesecake a nice flaky crust.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
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19
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
One bite into these cupcakes reveals the sweet surprise: a homemade lemon curd filling.
Get the recipe at Life, Love and Sugar.
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20
Lemon Layer Cake With Lemon Cream Cheese Buttercream
This velvety cake is almost too stunning to eat. (Almost!)
Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.
