Bright & Luscious Lemon Desserts to Sweeten Your Day
Lemon desserts are perfect when you want something sweet with a refreshing, tangy twist. From classic bars and cakes to cookies and pies, these citrus-infused treats bring sunshine to every bite and lift the mood after dinner or at celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Varies by dessert (e.g., 16 bars, 8–10 cake slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All‑purpose flour
- Butter
- Baking powder or baking soda
- Cream cheese or heavy cream (for richer desserts)
- Shortbread crumbs or graham crackers (for crusts)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting or icing)
Instructions
- Wash lemons thoroughly. Zest first, then juice them.
- In one bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and leavening agents.
- In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: lemon juice, zest, eggs, and melted butter.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans depending on the dessert type (bars, cake, pie, etc.).
- Bake according to the specific dessert timing until the surface is set and lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before topping with icing, powdered sugar, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use both lemon zest and juice for maximum lemon flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven and pan size.
- Most lemon desserts taste even better after chilling for a day.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze without icing for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
