50+ BEST Lemon Desserts (Cakes, Cookies & More!)

When life gives you lemons, make delightful desserts! The zesty, refreshing flavor of lemons adds a burst of sunshine to any sweet treat. From tangy tarts to fluffy cakes, lemon desserts are a true celebration of citrus goodness.

In this post, I’m covering 50+ of the best lemon treats.

From the classic lemon bars to the velvety lemon cheesecake, these treats offer a refreshing twist that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

So, whether you’re a fan of tangy tarts, fluffy cakes, or frozen delights, embrace the zest of lemons and embark on a journey through the luscious world of lemon desserts.

Easy Lemon Desserts

Extreme close up of three blackberry lemon blondies stacked on top of eachother next to bowl of blackberries.
If lemon bars and blackberry pie had a baby, you’d have these Blackberry Lemon Blondies. They’re moist, tangy and delicious with bits of blackberries running throughout.
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Overhead close up of Lemon Tartlet topped with raspberry.
These Lemon Raspberry Tartlets are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a delicate buttery crust. They're easy to prepare with a no-bake filling. 
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Sweet-tart lemon curd filling sits atop buttery shortbread and is all topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar, these are Lemon Bars!
Get the RECIPE from Best Desserts
This Lemon Meringue Pie recipe boasts a cool and creamy sweet-tart lemon filling and a fluffy toasted meringue topping, all cocooned in a buttery flakey homemade pie crust – it’s the showstopping refreshing dessert of spring and summer!
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
Lemon cupcakes with creamy mascarpone buttercream. These are like summer in a cupcake with fresh lemon cake and homemade lemon curd.
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Simple Lemon Sugar Burnt Basque Cheesecake…a crinkly, flaky, sweet top + a creamy lemony cheesecake filling, this cake is easy + delicious!
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
Lemon blueberry bars with a graham cracker crust, creamy lemon filling, and fresh blueberries. This easy bar recipe is a summer favorite.
Get the RECIPE from Two Peas & Their Pod
These soft lemon sugar cookies are so tender and topped with a zesty lemon buttercream. They’re easy to make and taste bright and fresh!
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing…a great make-ahead breakfast or brunch item for any upcoming spring/summer occasions.
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
Lemon POKE Cake is 1000X better than just Lemon Cake. With one bite, you will taste why. This Lemon Poke Cake is incredibly soft, moist with a delectable slightly crunchy crust and the perfect balance of sweet sugar and bright fresh citrus.
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
Lemon Coffee Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling | Butternut Bakery
This lemon coffee cake is baked with a layer of lemon cream cheese right in the center. It’s dense, creamy, crunchy, and so delicious.
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Soft, buttery lemon cookies with a lemon glaze. These sweet & tart cookies are light, refreshing, and the perfect treat for any occasion.
Get the RECIPE from Two Peas & Their Pod
These lemon cookies combine the creamy tartness of lemon bars and the sweet richness of gooey butter cookies. It’s unlike any lemon cookie!
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Whipped Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake.
This whipped lemon ricotta cheesecake is rich and luscious and takes so little effort to make. This unique cheesecake is light, creamy, airy, a touch buttery, lightly sweetened, and perfectly hinted with fresh lemon and vanilla.
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
Lemon Sugar Coconut Cream Pie with a slight lemony twist. Every bite is full of creamy coconut pudding and crunchy toasted coconut…an easy, sweet treat!
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
Lemon Cheesecake is luxuriously creamy, bright, sweet and tangy – the ideal make ahead, show stealing spring dessert!
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars: Just sweet enough, incredibly luscious, super creamy, and perfectly tangy…amazingly salty-sweet key lime pie bars!
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
This gooey butter cake is made with fresh lemons and is comprised of a moist lemon cake and rich lemon cream curd baked on top.
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Lemon Zucchini Bars with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting are bursting with lemon flavor! The perfect dessert for any party or potluck!
Get the RECIPE from Two Peas & Their Pod
Extra springy, extra creamy lemon bars with browned butter raspberries. Hands down one of my favorite sweet bars for spring. Made with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, each bar is then finished off with fresh raspberries tossed in browned butter.
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest
This lemon pound cake is the ultimate dessert for lemon lovers packed with three layers of lemon! This lemon pound cake recipe is rich, buttery, tender and most importantly, packed with bright lemon flavor!
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice add a refreshing flavor to these soft and chewy sugar cookies. They are a family favorite.
Get the RECIPE from Two Peas & Their Pod
Fluffy, tender Lemon Blueberry Cake bursting with juicy blueberries and smothered in layers of luscious, tangy Lemon Curd and sweet and bright Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
These Lemon Cheesecake bars are an irresistible combination of bright, fresh, tangy sweetness and smooth, rich creamy decadence.
Get the RECIPE from Carlsbad Cravings
This lemon poppy seed cake is bursting with fresh lemon flavor! It’s also topped with a lemon curd cream cheese frosting.
Get the RECIPE from Butternut Bakery
Super soft and fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes made from scratch! These lemon pancakes are bursting with flavor and always a hit for breakfast or brunch! Bonus: This recipe is freezer friendly.
Get the RECIPE from Baker By Nature
This simple lemon sorbet recipe is tart, light, and sweet. It’s a wonderful frozen summer dessert, with no ice cream maker required!
Get the RECIPE from Chocolate Covered Katie
A moist lemon bundt cake filled with fresh blueberries and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. This Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake is such a beautiful dessert!
Get the RECIPE from Live Well Bake Often
Sometimes all you need for dessert is just a taste. This Meyer Lemon Mini Parfait shooter dessert will likely leave you wanting more. Paleo and so good!
Get the RECIPE from Flavour and Savour
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the tropical fusion of lemon and coconut in these delectable Lemon Coconut Bars. A buttery crust, topped with a tangy lemon and coconut filling, makes for a mouthwatering treat. The combination of zesty lemon and the rich creaminess of coconut creates a delightful symphony of flavors that will transport you to sun-drenched beaches with every bite.
Get the RECIPE from Baked by an Introvert
These little poppy seed madeleines are dunked in a light, lemon glaze and make the perfect treat for breakfast or brunch!
Get the RECIPE from Barley & Sage
Lemon Panna Cotta – creamy, lemon infused panna cotta topped with sweet meyer lemon marmalade. Easy to make – impressive results.
Get the RECIPE from Taming of the Spoon
Elevate your dessert game with these heavenly Lemon Cream Puffs. Light and airy choux pastry puffs are filled with a luscious lemon-infused cream. The combination of the delicate pastry and the tangy, creamy filling creates a delightful contrast that will have you reaching for seconds. These bite-sized treats are perfect for elegant gatherings or as a special indulgence for yourself.
Get the RECIPE from Hint of Vanilla
Layers of indulgence await in the Lemon Raspberry Trifle. This dessert is a stunning presentation of lemon-infused cake, luscious lemon curd, and vibrant raspberries, all nestled in a glass bowl. The interplay of tartness from the lemons and sweetness from the raspberries creates a harmonious symphony of flavors. Each spoonful brings together the refreshing citrus notes and the burst of fruity goodness, making it a true showstopper.
Get the RECIPE from Glorious Treats
This foolproof no-bake icebox dessert features a graham cracker crust, luscious and creamy lemon filling, plus a fluffy whipped topping. It’s perfect for summer picnics and parties!
Get the RECIPE from A Spicy Perspective
Make authentic Sicilian lemon granita at home, one of the best Italian frozen desserts, and all you need it’s 3 ingredients!
Get the RECIPE from The Petite Cook
These lovely lemon thumbprint cookies are made with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery cookie and filled with tart lemon curd. So delightful!
Get the RECIPE from Gimme Some Oven
Indulge your senses with a Lemon Soufflé that is both impressive and divine. This delicate dessert combines the airy lightness of a soufflé with the bright flavors of lemons. The fluffy, cloud-like texture of the soufflé paired with the zesty citrus notes creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The golden-brown crown of the soufflé is a testament to its elegance and a feast for the eyes.
Get the RECIPE from Deliciously Yum!
Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Lemon Chiffon Cake topped with a tart lemon glaze is a scrumptious showstopper!
Get the RECIPE from Jo Cooks
These Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are soft, buttery cookies made with bright citrus and floral herbs. Easy to make, these soft or crisp cookies are perfect for spring and cookie swaps.
Get the RECIPE from Three Olives Branch
Sweet and tangy lemon bread pudding topped with fig balsamic vinegar and a vanilla lemon cream sauce–perfect dessert with spring just around the corner!
Get the RECIPE from Our Best Bites
Lemon Coconut Macaroons Recipe (V, GF): an easy vegan recipe for sweetly tart lemon macaroons made from healthy ingredients to brighten your day!
Get the RECIPE from Beaming Baker
This lemon semifreddo recipe, a citrusy frozen terrine, is an ideal dessert to make ahead and pull out, slice, and serve. Perfect for summer.
Get the RECIPE from Leite’s Culinaria
These Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets combine homemade shortcrust pastry and lemon curd into a delicious bite, perfect for a party or afternoon tea!
Get the RECIPE from A Baking Journey
These crunchy lemon biscotti are full of toasted almonds and lemon zest, then topped with a bright, lemony glaze! The perfect spring treat!
Get the RECIPE from Barley & Sage
These Lemon Pudding Cakes are made with only one batter, giving you two layers of lemony delight. A light and airy cake plus lemon pudding.
Get the RECIPE from Jo Cooks
Indulge in a dessert that is velvety, airy, and full of zesty flavor with Lemon Mousse. This elegant dessert combines whipped cream, lemon juice, and zest to create a smooth and luscious mousse. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with the tangy citrus notes, make it a refreshing and delightful way to end a meal. Serve it in individual glasses or as a filling for a cake for an extra touch of elegance.
Get the RECIPE from Fresh April Flours
Creamy, tart, full of citrus flavor this french lemon cream tart is for citrus lovers. Step-by-step photos help you make this tart, perfect summer dessert.
Get the RECIPE from Confessions of a Baking Queen
These Lemon Scones are made with cream for the softest scones ever! They’re drizzled with a bright lemon glaze for the ultimate breakfast treat.
Get the RECIPE from Borrowed Bites
Lemon Chai Cake: sweet lemony almond cake infused with the warming flavors of chai for a cozy winter twist…brighten these short winter days!
Get the RECIPE from Half Baked Harvest

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Dessert Recipes to Try

Did you Make Any of These Lemon Dessert Recipes?

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Collage of lemon desserts.

50+ Delicious Lemon Desserts

The zesty, refreshing flavor of lemons adds a burst of sunshine to sweet treats. From tangy tarts to fluffy cakes, here are 50+ lemon desserts. Try these Lemon Raspberry Tartlets. They're easy to prepare with a no-bake filling. 
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 tartlets

Ingredients

Pastry Dough

Filling

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (I used low-fat)
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon curd
  • Zest of one lemon
  • Half-pint raspberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and salt. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extract and mix well. Slowly add in the flour and mix until just combined.
  • Roll the dough into a ball and place on a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten the ball into a disc, wrap with the plastic wrap, and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm.
  • When ready to use, unwrap your dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll the dough to a thickness of ⅛ inch. Using your tart tins as a guide, cut circles that are about 1 inch wider than the tins. I used a small mixing bowl to make the cut. Press the dough into your tart tin. Pass your rolling pin over the top of the tin to trim the extra dough. Alternatively, you can skip the rolling pin and simply press the dough into your tins (skip the fridge if using this method).
  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the tart shells in the freezer for 15 minutes while your oven preheats. Using a fork, poke holes in bottom of the tart shells. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • For the filling: Whisk the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  • Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon curd, and lemon zest. Once well combined, gently fold in the whipped cream.
  • Spoon the lemon mixture into each cooled tartlet, and garnish with raspberries. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 90mg | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1.9mg

1 thought on “50+ BEST Lemon Desserts (Cakes, Cookies & More!)”

  1. 5 stars
    love lemon, so these are perfect for me. even love savory lemon flavored dishes, but desserts are always welcome, thank you for all of these wonderful desserts

    Reply

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