For lovers of lemon desserts, it's the promise of bright favours, uplifting tanginess and a sweet-citrusy deliciousness that appeals. Paired often with flavours such as mint and berries — or just as the star of the show — lemon lends itself to so many forms, as these fantastic lemon dessert recipes show.
Lemon bars, with their humble sliceable and easily shareable form, combine a tangy, custard-like topping with a buttery shortbread base. Dusted with powdered sugar, these are uplifting morsels to finish a meal.
Airy and crisp, these bite-sized meringues sandwiched with lemon curd pack a burst of lemony zing in each dainty swirl. They’re light-as-a-feather treats, perfect for popping onto dessert tables or gifting to fellow lemon lovers.
Credit: China Squirrel
This comforting self-saucing pudding magically separates into a fluffy sponge on top and a silky lemon curd underneath. Its tangy aroma wafts through the kitchen as it bakes, offering a spoonful of sunshine in every bite of this Matt Moran recipe.
Credit: Kitti Gould
A personal-sized version of the classic lemon delicious, these puddings guarantee everyone gets their own portion of fluffy sponge and hidden lemon sauce. Serve them warm for maximum citrusy comfort — with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Lemon delicious pudding Credit: Kitti Gould
With a crisp, buttery pastry and sweet, creamy and mouth-puckering lemon custard filling, lemon tarts are a timeless dessert.
This vegan sweet treat features a based of nuts with dates for sweetness, and a topping of coconut, lemon juice and zest and turmeric and other superfood ingredients.
Credit: Angelique Panagos
Sweet, creamy condensed milk and zingy lemon come together in this ultra-smooth pudding, layered with the spicy snap of gingernut biscuits. It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss dessert.
Credit: Bloomsbury / Simon Wheeler
Wondering how to use lemon curd in a dessert? This show-stopping tart pairs tangy lemon curd with clouds of pillowy meringue, all nestled in a buttery pastry case. The contrast between the sharp filling and sweet, marshmallowy topping creates a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.
Lemon meringue tart Credit: Kitti Gould
This show-stopped of a cake brings together a classic pairing for extra lightness and tang. Lemon and yoghurt cake is layered with cream cheese icing and lemon curd, then covered with more of the creamy icing.
Lemon and yoghurt cake Credit: My Swedish Kitchen
This no-bake tart is highly versatile; swap the mulberries for whatever is in season to top the yoghurt, lemon and honey filling.
Credit: Emma Galloway
Rachel Khoo's decliate madelines are baked until golden then piped with a freshly made lemon curd. Perfect for a cup of tea when guests pop over, or for taking as a shared dessert.
The classic 1970s dessert gets a modern spin with a lemon curd filling and lemon-juice syrup for extra citrus tang.
Credit: Bake With Anna Olson
Velvety ricotta lends a subtle creaminess, while lemon adds a tart brightness to this Italian-style gelato. It’s a refreshing finish to any meal, especially on a warm day.
Ricotta and lemon ice cream (gelato di ricotta e limone) Credit: Paola Bacchia
Crisp meringue nests filled with lemon curd and whipped cream — each bite is a perfect mix of crunch, cream and citrusy punch.
Lemon meringue pavlovas Credit: Kitti Gould
These dainty tartlets get a triple-lemon hit with lemon zest, lemon aspen juice and a sprinkling of lemon myrtle.
Lemon aspen curd tartlets Credit: On Country Kitchen
A rustic beauty featuring whole sliced lemons macerated in sugar, baked in a flaky crust. The rind softens into marmalade-like perfection.
Credit: Danielle Abou Karam
Rustic and hearty, this gluten-free cake’s coarse crumb is given a bright lift by fresh lemon zest and juice. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of cream, celebrating simple, old-fashioned comfort.
Lemon-cornmeal cake. Credit: Martha Bakes / Yossy Arefi
This special tart features a pine nut crust and a vegan-friendly filling, with creaminess from coconut cream.
Lemon tart Credit: Kitti Gould
Layers of almond sponge, whipped mascarpone and tart lemon curd — this cake is luxurious, balanced, and stunning for any celebration.
Lemon curd, mascarpone and almond layer cake Credit: Petrina Tinslay
A Michelin-starred masterpiece — ultra-smooth filling thanks to precise temperatures. Expect a silky texture and deeply nuanced lemon taste that transforms a simple dessert into culinary art.
