Delicious Lemon Dessert Recipes

Refreshing, zesty, and incredibly tangy, all of these incredible lemon dessert recipes will revolutionize your dessert table. Want to try something new? Here you go!

Lemon is one of my favorite flavors. I just can’t seem to get enough of the bright, refreshing citrus taste. And, of course, that means I have loads of lemon recipes to share with you.

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FAQs about Lemon Dessert Recipes:

Before we get to that scrumptious list, here are some questions people often ask about making lemon desserts at home. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments. I’ll do my best to get you answers.

What is the purpose of lemon in baking?

You mean other than the incredibly light flavor? I love how lemon tastes, and all of the recipes on this list taste incredible. Lemon can also be used as a garnish. The zest is a fantastic way to add flavor to lots of desserts too.

What type of lemon is best for baking?

Honestly, just grab a lemon from the grocery store. Any type of lemon will work in these recipes. If you are concerned about the best kind, I can tell you that Meyer lemons have bright yellow skin and are sweeter than regular lemons, so I tend to go for them.

If you are planning on using the zest in a recipe, you may want to choose organic. Either way, make sure to clean the skin well before you zest it.

Are lemons good for you?

Yes, lemons are so good for you! They are really high in vitamin C, which we could all use more of. So let that be even more reason to indulge in more lemon desserts.

The Best Lemon Dessert Recipes

This post is a collection of delicious lemon recipes from IBC. Which ones have you already tried? Which are calling out to you: “Make me, make me?” Let me know in the comments.

1. Thin Lemon Cookies

If you like sweet treats that are also tart, these crisp cookies are for you. Made with fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, they are bursting with flavor. I used a vintage cookie cutter to achieve the classic shape, but you could pick any cutter to suit the season or your party theme.

2. Lemon Sandwich Cookies

You can make the Thin Lemon Cookies in the previous recipe even more decadent by sandwiching two of them together with a creamy lemon filling. I was pleased to set out a plate of these cookies on my Easter table amidst the spring flowers and foil-wrapped chocolates.

I also enjoy eating these cookies when they’re frozen!

3. Pink Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies

These lemon lovelies are soft with a glaze filling that is both tart and sweet. They are a beautiful dessert for spring. However, they would be equally wonderful for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s, Easter, Sweetest Day, or even a gender-reveal party.

4. Frosted Lemon Cookies

I baked these cookies to satisfy a lemon craving. (and it worked!) They are soft and chewy, and the cream cheese frosting adds even more of the citrus taste. For a little sparkle, top them with yellow or clear sanding sugar.

5. Blueberry Lemon Whoopie Pies

Who doesn’t love whoopie pies? This version combines lemon with lots of blueberries for an out-of-this-world treat. These whoopie pies are delightful at any time of the year. I made them in winter!

6. Lemon Yogurt Cake

I often fixed this lemony cake when I ran my B & B in St. Marys, PA. My guests seemed to enjoy it for breakfast, but I’ve also served it with afternoon tea or coffee. The simple lemon glaze adds to the delectable flavor and appearance of the cake.

7. Lemon Pistachio Bundt Cake

In addition to the usual ingredients for a cake, this lemon recipe contains lemon zest, ground pistachios, and rum. It tastes fabulous and looks gorgeous! A sprinkling of green via the pistachios can give a nod to St. Patrick’s Day, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Christmas, or any special day associated with that hue.

8. Lemon Curd Cheesecake Tarts

These little tarts are a cute and delicious way to wow your guests. I adore the tangy cream cheese and vibrant lemon in the filling, as well as the soft, crumbly texture of the crust. If you don’t have mini tart pans, no worries! You can assemble this cheesecake in a square baking pan.

9. Lemon Pull-Apart Bread

Several years ago, I featured this lemon recipe during my Year of Yeast series. My mom requested that I bring the bread to our family Easter gathering, and I was more than happy to oblige! I even traced the lineage of this recipe in case you want to try your hand at the different versions.

Note: I plan to make this recipe again and reformat the blog post to provide better images. Stay tuned!

10. Lemon and Blueberry Bread

This is a quick bread, so it doesn’t take long to whip up. What separates it from others is the lemon and blueberry flavor combination. This is one of those lemon recipes you’ll want to bake every chance you get!

11. Blueberry Lemon Zucchini Cupcakes

Add some summertime flavors to your dessert table. All my favorite flavors combine to make an unforgettable cupcake. Who knew zucchini and blueberries went so well together? These aren’t just pretty, they are healthy too!

Bonus: Lemon Drink Recipes

Lemons have likewise been part of many drinks concocted here on Inspired by Charm. After making some lemon desserts, pair them with one of these perfect lemon cocktails. I am also including some non-alcoholic lemon drinks in this list too.

Which of these lemon recipes have you enjoyed? What drinks do you fix with lemons or lemonade? If you have a minute, please tell us in the comments below.

1. Sparkling Mint Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, why not squeeze them for lemonade? In this recipe, classic lemonade gets a fun twist with sparkling water. This delicious drink made its debut when I participated in a tour of farmers’ markets on the west coast.

2. Margarita Mix

I always like to make a big batch of this margarita mix. It’s easy, and you can’t beat the taste of fresh! For a margarita, I use three ounces of the mix, a couple of ounces of tequila, and an ounce of triple sec. (Mom, I’m looking forward to drinking one of these with you soon!)

3. Blackberry Gin Lemonade

The name of this lemon recipe says it all. What a refreshing combination for a TGIF celebration or any time you want something light and bright! I garnished this cocktail with fresh blackberries, a sprig of rosemary, and a birch-inspired paper straw.

4. Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

I happened upon Sweet Revenge some years ago, and this drink is the result of my experimentation with the liqueur. Sweet Revenge tastes like strawberries mixed with citrus, and in this libation, I combined it with strawberry puree and lemonade. Yumminess with a kick!

That’s a Wrap on Lemon Dessert Recipes!

I hope my collection of delicious lemon recipes inspires you to buy a bunch of lustrous, luscious lemons and create a citrusy sensation of your own. Have fun in the kitchen!

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