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Home » Desserts

55 Lemon-Forward Desserts That Capture April Sunshine

Published: Apr 27, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lemony desserts are a great way to bring a little brightness to your table, especially when you're craving something fresh and easygoing. These kinds of recipes are all about simple ingredients, bold flavor, and that clean, sunny feeling that makes you want to kick back and relax. They're the perfect thing when you want something sweet without it feeling heavy or over the top. Whether you're baking for a get-together or just want a treat to break up the week, these are the kinds of desserts that make it feel like spring is finally here.

An overview of Lemon Cookies with fresh lemons on the background.
Lemon Cookies. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Lemon Icebox Pie

An mage of a slice of pie on a plate.
Lemon Icebox Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This lemon icebox pie is a creamy, tangy dessert that requires just a few ingredients and some chill time. It's an easy and delicious dessert that will impress guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Pie

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

An image of strawberry lemonade cookies on a wire rack.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

In just 25 minutes, these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies are ready to enjoy. The combination of bright lemon flavor and sweet strawberry jam makes them a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Lemon Coolers

An overhead image of lemon coolers in a tray with slices of lemon in the background.
Lemon Coolers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These bite-sized lemon coolers dusted with powdered sugar are the perfect choice for any summer dessert. Their light, refreshing flavor makes them a fun treat to serve at gatherings or parties.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coolers

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

An image of lemon shortbread cookies in a serving plate.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These lemon shortbread cookies are a quick and easy treat, ready in under 30 minutes. Their buttery texture and tangy lemon flavor make them an excellent option when you want a simple yet flavorful dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Close up view of lemon curd cookies with a lavender flower in background.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon curd thumbprint cookies bring together the sweetness of cookies and the tartness of lemon curd. They're ready in 30 minutes, making them an easy choice for a citrus-filled dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Close-up of a Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with two slices stacked at the front of a serving platter.
Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

A simple lemon drizzle loaf cake is an excellent dessert for any time of year. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make and results in a moist, citrusy cake that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This lemon mascarpone cake features tender layers and a rich mascarpone frosting, offering a deliciously zesty flavor. It’s a perfect dessert for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Mascarpone Cake

Lemon Cookies

Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These vegan, gluten-free lemon cookies are tangy, sweet, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while meeting dietary needs. They’re an easy yet indulgent dessert choice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Lemon Posset Brûlée

Lemon Posset Brûlée. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A TikTok lemon posset brûlée blends sweetness, tartness, and creamy texture into an elegant yet easy dessert. It’s a perfect choice for dinner parties with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset Brûlée

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Lemon blueberry loaf with icing on a wooden board, accompanied by whole blueberries and lemons.
Lemon Blueberry Loaf. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

The lemon blueberry loaf is a bright and refreshing dessert with bursts of juicy blueberries and zesty lemon. Its soft, buttery texture makes it a perfect treat with coffee or as a dessert after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Loaf

Lemon Pizzelle

Lemon Pizzelle. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon pizzelle are traditional Italian cookies with a crisp texture and a distinct pattern. The lemon flavor makes them a simple yet enjoyable dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pizzelle

Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie with raspberries on top.
Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

The Lemon Cake Pie is a delightful combination of cake and pie in one dessert. The lemon custard and soft sponge cake make it an unforgettable treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Lemon Cake Roll

Lemon Cake Roll. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This lemon cake roll is light, citrusy, and filled with whipped cream and lemon curd. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to brighten up your day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Roll

Lemon Lavender Honey Cake

Lemon Lavender Honey Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free honey cake with notes of lavender and lemon is rich, decadent, and full of vibrant flavors. Its unique glaze adds a special touch, making it an irresistible dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lavender Honey Cake

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Lemon Sweet Rolls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon sweet rolls are easy to make and impossible to resist. Their tangy lemon flavor wrapped in soft dough makes them a dessert you’ll crave time and again.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sweet Rolls

Chickpea Flour Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Chickpea Flour Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This lemon poppy seed loaf, made with chickpea flour, is moist and subtly sweet with a refreshing lemon flavor. It’s a versatile choice that works beautifully for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Flour Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon stuffed cupcakes feature fluffy vanilla cupcakes with a homemade lemon curd filling and sweet buttercream frosting. They’re a great way to enjoy a citrusy dessert in cupcake form.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Stuffed Cupcakes

Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes

A white ramekin filled with lemon pudding, topped with powdered sugar and a slice of lemon.
Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes feature a light citrus sponge with a delicate pudding custard beneath. This dessert is a comforting and tangy choice that’s sure to please any lemon fan.
Get the Recipe: Warm Lemon Pudding Cakes

Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

A stack of lemon bars topped with whipped cream and a lemon slice on a white plate, placed on a blue striped cloth.
Two Ingredient Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With only two ingredients, this recipe for lemon bars is incredibly easy. Despite its simplicity, it results in a tangy, sweet dessert that’s a fantastic choice for a fast treat.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Lemon Bars

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon ricotta cookies are a blend of tangy and sweet flavors that are sure to impress. They’re easy to make and offer a satisfying dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Plate of lemon meltaway cookies with white icing and zest garnish.
Lemon Meltaway Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These soft, buttery lemon meltaway cookies are topped with a lemon glaze, adding a refreshing, citrusy flavor to a quick and easy treat. They’re a great dessert for any lemon lover.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

An overhead view of an iced Mountain Dew bundt cake on a yellow plate.
Mountain Dew Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake combines a tangy lemon flavor with a creamy icing. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

No Bake Creamy Lemon Bars

A lemon bar with oat nut crust sitting on a white plate with a bite cut out on a fork.
No Bake Creamy Lemon Bars. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

A healthier twist on the classic lemon bar, these dessert bars feature a cheesecake-like texture and a no-bake crust. They’re a gluten-free and vegan dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Creamy Lemon Bars

Lemon Posset

Lemon posset in red ramekins on a yellow and white towel.
Lemon Posset. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Easy Lemon Posset with Raspberries is a simple yet indulgent citrus treat. The smooth, tangy lemon flavor paired with fresh raspberries makes it an irresistible dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Posset

Lemon Brownies

Lemon Brownies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon brownies are tangy and delicious, offering a burst of lemon flavor in every bite. They’re a great dessert for lemon lovers looking for something different.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies

No-Base Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake

No-Base Instant Pot Keto Lemon Cheesecake with meringue on top.
No-Base Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This No-Base Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake is made with just four ingredients and bakes in 20 minutes. It's a rich, creamy dessert with a tangy lemon flavor that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy treat.
Get the Recipe: No-Base Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These gluten-free lemon bars are a sweet and tangy treat, ideal for any occasion. Whether served for dessert or as a snack, they’re sure to be enjoyed by all.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Low Carb Lemon Curd

Keto Lemon Curd inside a glass with fresh lemons behind.
Low Carb Lemon Curd. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This quick and easy low-carb lemon curd is made in just a few minutes. With a creamy, tangy flavor, it’s great for topping desserts or enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Lemon Curd

Lemon Shortbreads

Lemon cookies on a wire rack.
Lemon Shortbreads. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Easy Lemon Shortbread Cookies are buttery and packed with lemon flavor. With a touch of yellow sanding sugar, they’re a simple yet delightful dessert for any lemon lover.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbreads

Lemon Tart

Lemon Tart. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This lemon tart combines creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors into a delightful dessert. It's the perfect choice for those who enjoy a classic citrus dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Tart

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This moist, tender Lemon Loaf is full of bright citrus flavor and makes a wonderful homemade bakery-style dessert. It’s a great choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon Ricotta Cake is a light and fluffy traditional Italian dessert with a strong lemon flavor. It’s a must-try dessert for anyone who loves citrus-infused treats.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies combine a zesty lemon flavor with a slight crunch from the poppy seeds. Their buttery texture makes them a perfect dessert for a refreshing snack or with tea.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Lemon Loaf Cake

Lemon loaf cake on a white tray, topped with glaze and lemon slices, with a cut piece in the foreground and whole lemons nearby.
Lemon Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This lemon loaf cake is a buttery, moist pound cake enhanced with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a tangy glaze. It’s a simple yet vibrant dessert that brings sunshine to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake

Vegan Lemon Curd

Vegan Lemon Curd. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This easy vegan lemon curd brings a bright, citrusy burst to any dish, whether spread on toast or layered into a dessert. Its smooth texture and zesty flavor make it a great addition to any sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Curd

Copycat Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake

A lemon nothing bundt cake with white glaze and lemon slice garnish.
Copycat Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

A simple, homemade lemon bundt cake is a great dessert to satisfy any citrus cravings. It’s a moist, flavorful cake that feels like an old-fashioned treat perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Lemon Nothing Bundt Cake

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These lemon poppy seed muffins offer a burst of lemon flavor in every bite. Topped with a sweet glaze and sugar crystals, they make a great dessert or snack.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes

Mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes with granola crust.
Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Infused with lemon and thyme, these gluten-free mini cheesecakes are topped with a blueberry thyme compote. They’re a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon cheesecake bars combine tangy and sweet flavors for a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. They’re a great option when you’re craving a citrus-infused treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Lemon Lime Cream Pie With Blackberries

Lemon lime cream pie in a white pie plate with blackberries on top.
Lemon Lime Cream Pie With Blackberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Lemon Lime Cream Pie is filled with a smooth, citrusy cream and topped with sweet blackberries. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lime Cream Pie With Blackberries

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon Drizzle Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free lemon drizzle cake is made with chickpea flour and topped with a tangy icing. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dessert that rivals any bakery’s lemon loaf.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Cake

Paleo Lemon Bars

Three paleo lemon bars stacked with cut lemons around it and more behind them.
Paleo Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

These paleo lemon bars are easy to make and feature a tangy lemon flavor. They’re a great choice for a refreshing, minimal-sugar dessert on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Lemon Bars

Lemon Sheet Cake

Lemon Sheet Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This tangy lemon sheet cake is light, delicate, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Its balanced sweetness makes it a great dessert for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sheet Cake

No Bake Strawberry Lemonade Pie

A slice of strawberry lemon cream pie topped with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a lemon slice, served on a white plate with a blue rim.
No Bake Strawberry Lemonade Pie. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This strawberry lemonade pie is an easy no-bake dessert that comes together without an oven. The refreshing lemon and strawberry flavors are perfect for a summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These Lemon Cake Pops are bite-sized, coated in a sweet glaze, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. They make an excellent, fun dessert for parties or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon Chiffon Cake

Lemon Chiffon Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

With its zesty flavor and airy texture, this lemon chiffon cake is a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert. Topped with a tangy glaze, it’s perfect for a feel-good treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chiffon Cake

Lemon Lush

Close-up pieces of lemon lush on a slate plate.
Lemon Lush. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Lemon Lush is a no-bake dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Its creamy, citrusy layers make it a refreshing and irresistible dessert that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Lush

Lemon Goldies

Three square pieces of lemon goldies on a white plate.
Lemon Goldies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These Lemon Goldies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet citrus flavor. They make a great dessert for lemon enthusiasts who want a quick and tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies

Meringue Lemon Curd Cupcakes

Meringue Lemon Curd Cupcakes on a wooden board.
Meringue Lemon Curd Cupcakes. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

These Sugar-Free Meringue Lemon Curd Cupcakes combine a soft cupcake filled with lemon curd and topped with meringue frosting. They’re a perfect single-serve dessert for lemon lovers.
Get the Recipe: Meringue Lemon Curd Cupcakes

Lemon Almond Scones with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Almond Scones with Lemon Glaze. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon almond scones are covered with sliced almonds and topped with a lemon glaze, making them an irresistible treat. Their combination of flavors is perfect for a sweet and tangy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Almond Scones with Lemon Glaze

More Desserts

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    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars
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    Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispies  
  • Close-up image of homemade pink orange donuts on a cooling rack, with two donuts pierced together by a fork.
    Homemade Pink Orange Donuts
  • Close-up of a Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with two slices stacked at the front of a serving platter.
    Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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