32 Bursting With Tart Flavor Lemon Desserts to Brighten Your Table

Jocelyn Delk Adams
·8 min read
4

Nothing beats a zingy, tart yet sweet, lemon dessert. I mean, who doesn't love lemon cakes at a spring brunch? Or lemon ice cream during any warm weather affair? There's just something so pretty about sweet treats made with lemon that are sure to brighten up any occasion and these 32 lemon dessert recipes include a little bit of everything, from lemon curd cakes and pudding, to easy lemon bars.

Related: 28 Best Blueberry-Lemon Recipes

When Are Lemons in Season?

Unlike some other very seasonal fruits, lemons are available all year round. So you can find them in your grocery store whenever you need them for baking, cocktail recipes or simply infusing a bit of citrus flavor to your water.

Meyer lemons peak in the winter though, from November to April, and are sweeter than regular lemons. You'll be able to identify them by their intensely deep yellow, super soft skin.

Related: 34 Special Strawberry-Lemon Desserts

Best Lemon Dessert Recipes

This list of best lemon dessert recipes will have you baking up a tangy storm—from delicate candied lemon slices, to layers of cake bursting with lemon and berries, to classic zippy lemon bars, to tarts, ice creams, and more, you'll be in lemon-scented heaven all season long. And if you're looking for just one quick and simple dessert, why not try this creamy no-bake lemon pie.

Related: The Chef-Approved Way to Make the Best-Ever Strawberry Lemonade

32 Bursting With Tart Flavor Lemon Desserts

<p>Ben Rayl</p><p>There's something about the combination of sweet and tart that's the perfect finish for a great dinner. And these lemon bars are like a palate cleanser and dessert all rolled into one.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/258469/benrayl/zesty-lemon-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Zesty Lemon Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Zesty Lemon Bars</strong></a></p>
<p>James Ransom</p><p>No special equipment is needed to make this easy, refreshing ice cream—topped with candied sesame seeds.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/685152/parade/no-churn-fresh-lemon-ice-cream-with-candied-sesame-seeds/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No-Churn Fresh Lemon Ice Cream with Candied Sesame Seeds;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>No-Churn Fresh Lemon Ice Cream with Candied Sesame Seeds</strong></a></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p><p>With only three ingredients, how can you go wrong with Lemon Crumble Bars? Whip up a batch of these for your next cookout, or since they are so easy, make a couple batches for your friends and <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/101-family-quotes-show-ones-212045719.html" data-ylk="slk:family;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">family</a> to take home!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/842673/kristamarshall/easy-lemon-crumble-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Lemon Crumble Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Easy Lemon Crumble Bars</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>This perfectly moist, tender and soft Lemon Layer Cake is iced in a wonderful lemon cream cheese frosting and bursting with irresistibly zingy and tangy lemon flavor!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/lemon-layer-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Layer Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Layer Cake</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/847269/dorothykern/11-ways-to-eat-lemon-for-breakfast/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Ways to Eat Lemon for Breakfast;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Ways to Eat Lemon for Breakfast</a></strong></p>
<p>Classic lemon bars with a thick, creamy, bright and zesty lemon filling and soft, sweet, buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for any holiday table, spring brunch, baby shower or Sunday dessert!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/classic-lemon-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Classic Lemon Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Classic Lemon Bars</strong></a></p>
<p>Recipes from a Pantry</p><p>These Almond-Lemon Waffles are the perfect food for an afternoon break with a cup of tea.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://recipesfromapantry.com/almond-lemon-waffles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Almond-Lemon Waffles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Almond-Lemon Waffles</strong></a></p>
<p>Host the Toast</p><p>This sweet warm-weather pie is full of billowy citrus filling and uses some simple techniques to make chocolate bees and a honeycomb top!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://hostthetoast.com/honey-lemon-chiffon-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Honey Lemon Chiffon Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Honey Lemon Chiffon Pie</strong></a></p>
<p>I Can, You Can, Vegan</p><p>When it comes to cakes I’m very particular. They’ve got to have good flavor, be moist and have good texture. I’m happy to say these Vegan Lemon Cupcakes have all three! To put the icing on the cake, they’re really easy to make. </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.icanyoucanvegan.com/vegan-lemon-cupcakes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Vegan Lemon Cupcakes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Vegan Lemon Cupcakes</strong></a></p>
<p>Orchids + Sweet Tea</p><p>This Lemon Tart with Strawberries and Mint is a phenomenal dessert option for any special occasion or any given day. Based with a sweet, crunchy crust and topped with a creamy lemon-y tart, this recipe is a French classic made from heaven. </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.orchidsandsweettea.com/lemon-tart-with-strawberries-mint/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Tart with Strawberries and Mint;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Tart with Strawberries and Mint</strong></a></p>
<p>The Fit Cookie</p><p>Spring calls for sweet and tangy Frosted Lemon Cookies! These gluten-free and vegan cookies are perfect for giving as gifts or baking just because.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://thefitcookie.com/gluten-free-frosted-lemon-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten-Free Frosted Lemon Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Gluten-Free Frosted Lemon Cookies</strong></a></p>
<p>The Hungry Hutch</p><p>This recipe yields a deliciously moist pound cake that you are sure to love. The lemon adds a nice burst of brightness to balance the sweetness of the cake.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe:</strong><a href="https://www.thehungryhutch.com/lemon-sour-cream-pound-cake-loaf-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> <strong>Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Sidewalk Shoes</p><p>This Lemon Rosemary Sorbet is such a delicious and refreshing dessert! Tart and sweet with a hint of rosemary!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.sidewalkshoes.com/lemon-rosemary-sorbet/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Rosemary Sorbet;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Rosemary Sorbet</strong></a></p>
<p>Hot Pan Kitchen</p><p>These White Chocolate Candied Lemon Slices are almost too pretty to eat— except you’d be missing out if you passed on this dessert. The lemons are candied in a sugar syrup, then dipped in melted white chocolate and have edible rose petals as a garnish. Plus they’re gluten-free! </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.hotpankitchen.com/white-chocolate-candied-lemon-slices/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Chocolate Candied Lemon Slices;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>White Chocolate Candied Lemon Slices</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1148628/kimberlyzapata/benefits-of-lemon-water/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Benefits of Lemon Water;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Benefits of Lemon Water</a></strong></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>This Lemon-Blueberry Cake Recipe is moist, decadent and the perfect combination of sweet blueberries and tart citrus flavor! Each bite is irresistible and it's a wonderful cake to make all year round! </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/blueberry-lemon-pound-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Blueberry-Lemon Pound Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Blueberry-Lemon Pound Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>It's Not Complicated Recipes</p><p>Deliciously tangy, so simple to prepare and gluten-free, my Belgian Lemon Tea Cake is a delight. A crisp base, creamy lemon filling and crumble topping—serve with cream and berries for an ideal dessert.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com/belgian-lemon-tea-cake" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Belgian Lemon Tea Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Belgian Lemon Tea Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Fearless Dining</p><p>Grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a bite of these moist lemony Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar, these are one of my favorite cake-like cookies.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.fearlessdining.com/easy-gluten-free-lemon-madeleines/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Gluten-Free Lemon Madeleines</strong></a></p>
<p>Something Sweet Something Savory</p><p>Two layers of fluffy vanilla and lemon sponge, filled with sliced strawberries and a light and zesty lemon and elderflower cordial buttercream. This lemon, elderflower and strawberry cake is perfect for a summer afternoon tea!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://somethingsweetsomethingsavoury.com/vanilla-lemon-elderflower-and-strawberry-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon, Strawberry and Elderflower Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon, Strawberry and Elderflower Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Joyous Apron</p><p>This Lemon Ice Cream recipe is refreshing, light and so delicious! No cooking is required and it's super easy too!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe:</strong><a href="https://www.joyousapron.com/lemon-ice-cream/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Ice Cream;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> <strong>Lemon Ice Cream</strong></a></p>
<p>Confessions of a Baking Queen</p><p>Lemon Curd Cheesecake is a delicious, creamy cheesecake made with a crunchy graham cracker crust filled with a luscious cheesecake batter made with lemon juice and lemon zest. Finish this beautiful cheesecake with a layer of lemon curd, fresh whipped cream and grated lemon zest. Use homemade or store-bought lemon curd!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://confessionsofabakingqueen.com/lemon-curd-cheesecake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Lemon Curd Cheesecake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Easy Lemon Curd Cheesecake</strong></a></p>
<p>Kelly Neil</p><p>This beautiful lemon buttermilk cake with strawberry jam-cream cheese icing is dense, moist and can be made without a mixer!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe</strong><strong>: </strong><a href="https://www.kellyneil.com/lemon-buttermilk-cake-with-strawberry-jam-cream-cheese-icing" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Buttermilk Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Buttermilk Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting</strong></a></p>
<p>Champagne Tastes</p><p>This easy lemon pie is a tart dessert made with whole Meyer lemons! Simply blend the filling ingredients together in a blender, bake and serve.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://champagne-tastes.com/meyer-lemon-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meyer Lemon Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Meyer Lemon Pie</strong></a></p>
<p>Easy and Delish</p><p>A lighter, airy lemon coconut pound cake topped with lemon glaze to celebrate Mother’s Day or just because. Learn how to achieve a less dense pound cake. </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.easyanddelish.com/lemon-coconut-pound-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon-Coconut Pound Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon-Coconut Pound Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>A smooth and creamy pie with fresh lemon filling and whipped cream in a buttery graham cracker crust. Get the Recipe: ;Lemon Cream Pie</p><p>A smooth and creamy pie with fresh lemon filling and whipped cream in a buttery graham cracker crust.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://celebratingsweets.com/lemon-cream-pie-with-graham-cracker-crust/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Cream Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Cream Pie</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/877826/sharonlachendro/gluten-free-lemon-desserts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Best Gluten-Free Lemon Desserts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Best Gluten-Free Lemon Desserts</a></strong></p>
<p>I Heart Naptime</p><p>Delicious lemon cupcakes topped with a fresh raspberry buttercream frosting. The easiest lemon cupcakes from cake mix that are perfect for spring!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.iheartnaptime.net/lemon-raspberry-cupcakes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting</strong></a></p>
<p>Celebrating Sweets</p><p>A moist and tender lemon buttermilk bundt cake filled with fresh blueberries and topped with cream cheese frosting.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://celebratingsweets.com/lemon-blueberry-bundt-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>A Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Cake that's equally delicious for dessert, with afternoon tea or with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. Bright lemon-flavored cake with juicy raspberries scattered throughout. A dreamy ricotta cake recipe. </p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.mykitchenlove.com/lemon-raspberry-ricotta-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Butter Be Ready</p><p>This citrus-intense sheet cake is calling all lemon lovers to the yard; a super easy lemon sheet cake bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with lemon cream cheese frosting!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.butterbeready.com/lemon-sheet-cake-with-lemon-cream-cheese-frosting/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Sheet Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Sheet Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Grandbaby Cakes</p><p>This is the Best Lemon Pound Cake on the Internet! Tart, sweet, moist and filled with lemon flavor, you will adore this Lemon Cake Recipe with a secret ingredient for years to come!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://grandbaby-cakes.com/lemon-cake-lemon-pound-cake-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Ultimate Lemon Pound Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>The Ultimate Lemon Pound Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Twists & Zests</p><p>Creamy and lemon sharp, these tarts have a hint of thyme and almond, perfect for an early spring dessert. Particularly if you still have too many lemons (includes my recipe for lemon curd)!</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://twistsandzests.com/blog/lemon-thyme-tarts/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemon Thyme Tarts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Lemon Thyme Tarts</strong></a></p>
<p>House of Nash Eats</p><p>Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake is a light self-saucing dessert with a soft airy cake on top and a bright lemon curd pudding beneath. Serve it family style or make it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://houseofnasheats.com/meyer-lemon-pudding-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake</strong></a></p>
<p>Dani's Cooking</p><p>A delicious ice box cake with plain chocolate cookies and lemon mascarpone mousse—a perfect combination of lemon and chocolate.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://daniscookings.com/2018/01/26/no-bake-cookie-cake-with-lemon-mousse/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No-Bake Cookie Cake with Lemon Mousse;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>No-Bake Cookie Cake with Lemon Mousse</strong></a></p>
<p>Goodie Godmother</p><p>A creamy Meyer Lemon Cheesecake is easier to make than you think! Even first-time cheesecake makers can find success with this delicious easy-to-follow recipe.</p><p><strong>Get the Recipe: </strong><a href="https://goodiegodmother.com/meyer-lemon-cheesecake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meyer Lemon Cheesecake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Meyer Lemon Cheesecake</strong></a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/846218/melissasperka/21-sensational-dishes-using-lemon-that-arent-dessert/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:21 Sensational Dishes Using Lemon That Aren't Dessert;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">21 Sensational Dishes Using Lemon That Aren't Dessert</a></strong></p>

More Lemon Recipe Ideas

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