12 Lemon Dessert Recipes

Lemon desserts hit that rare sweet spot between refreshing and indulgent. They can feel light and breezy or rich and decadent, depending on how you spin them.

From chilled treats to bakery-style bakes, these recipes are proof that lemon brings something special to the table. Whether you’re craving something crisp and citrusy or a bit more creamy and comforting, this list has a dessert that’ll deliver.

Brown Sugar Lemon Meringue Tart

This tart starts with a brown sugar crust that adds a caramel-like depth to the citrusy filling. The lemon curd is sharp and silky, and it’s topped with a golden meringue that’s torched just right.

Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Lemon Meringue Tart

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These buttery shortbread cookies get a bright lift from lemon zest and juice, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. A simple lemon glaze adds a little tang and shine on top.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Posset Brûlée

This elegant dessert comes together with just cream, sugar, and lemon, but the brûléed top adds a satisfying crunch. It sets up in the fridge, so it’s as easy as it is impressive.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset Brûlée

Lemon Cupcakes

These soft lemon cupcakes are topped with a lemon cream cheese frosting that’s rich but not too heavy. A touch of sour cream in the batter helps keep the crumb moist and tender.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon Blueberry Scones

Packed with juicy blueberries and bright lemon zest, these scones bake up golden and flaky. A lemon glaze drizzled over the top adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Scones

Lemon Poke Cake

This chilled cake soaks up a lemon pudding mix for a texture that’s extra moist and smooth. It’s topped with whipped cream and comes together fast thanks to a boxed cake base.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Poke Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Pie

This no-bake pie features a sweet-tart lemon filling folded with cream cheese for a velvety texture. It sets up in the fridge and has a delicious graham cracker crust.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Pie

Lemon Ice Cream

Made with just lemon juice, zest, condensed milk, and cream, this ice cream is citrusy and creamy without having to churn it. It freezes up smooth and scoops like a dream.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Ice Cream

Lemon Meringue Pie

This version of lemon meringue pie uses cornstarch to keep the filling firm and sliceable. The fluffy meringue topping is baked to golden perfection.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Macarons

Made with almond flour, these macarons are filled with plenty of cream cheese frosting that’s infused with lemon zest and lemon juice.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Macarons

Lemon Icebox Cake

This chilled dessert layers lemon pudding, whipped cream, and graham crackers into a cake that softens in the fridge overnight. No baking is required; just a little patience.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

These bars combine a creamy lemon cheesecake filling with a simple cookie crust. They slice clean and hold up well, making them easy to serve at gatherings. 

Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars