11 Bright and Zesty Lemon Desserts to Savor This Spring

There are very few ways to go wrong with lemon. There’s something about this tart citrus fruit that makes it hard not to incorporate into almost every dish I make. Whether it be a sweet glaze or fresh fruit compote, when life gives you lemons, there’s no doubt they’ll be put to use in the most delectable lemon dessert recipes. With the weather warming up, these treats will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and fresh.

Working with lemons is fairly simple, but a few tips can bring your dessert to the next level. When a recipe calls for lemon juice, be sure to roll out your lemon until it has a squishy texture, as it will release the juice that much more easily. If lemon zest is what you’ll need, using a Microplane zester is recommended, but a box grater or vegetable peeler can do the job in a pinch.

Featured Image by Suruchi Avasthi.

11 Bright and Bold Lemon Dessert Recipes

Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

Why We Love It: Trust me: you can always use another lemon bar recipe—especially when they can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Traditional lemon bars are a springtime staple thanks to their simplicity and balanced sweetness. These bite-sized treats use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and tapioca starch, both of which keep this recipe easy to digest and enjoy.

Hero Ingredient: No lemon bar is complete without the zest of one whole lemon.

Lemon Tarts + Orange Blossom Whipped Cream (Dairy-Free)

Why We Love It: The struggle is real for all dairy-free people who suffer from an insatiable sweet tooth. Luckily, this recipe will satisfy your sugar craving while keeping your dietary needs in check. The tartness of the lemon is the perfect flavor partner to a visually stunning whipped cream topping.

Hero Ingredient: Coconut oil is my savior in dairy-free desserts.

Lemon Ricotta Poundcake with Candied Lemon Slices

Why We Love It: Ricotta is one of those ingredients with an infinite amount of potential, especially in dishes where you wouldn’t expect to find it. (Case in point: this pizza and Camille’s go-to spring appetizer.) Pairing sweet and light flavors with this airy cheese creates a delicate and fresh dessert perfect for when warm weather rolls around.

Hero Ingredient: Your taste buds will thank you after trying these candied lemon slices.

Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Why We Love It: If you’re short on time and baking supplies, these cookies have you covered. With a flavorful, simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar to complement this classic dessert, we doubt there will be many of these cookies left over.

Hero Ingredient: One tablespoon of fresh rosemary is all you need to bring these cookies to the next level.

No Bake White Chocolate Lemon Cardamom Slices

Why We Love It: No-bake desserts always find their way onto my weekly menu. I mean, how can you deny something so delicious and even more simple? Although no-bake fillings can sometimes be tough to master (we’re looking at you, cheesecake), this recipe uses white chocolate to bind everything together in a stress-free way.

Hero Ingredient: Gently fold in whipped cream to keep your slices from getting too dense.

Flourless Pistachio Cakes with Honey-Lemon Yogurt Glaze

Why We Love It: These pistachio cakes take nutty flavors and sweet notes like honey to create a simple, gluten-free dessert. (For the gluten-free crowd, we know simple desserts don’t come around too often.) Pair these delicious cakes with an evening tea or morning coffee to start or end your day on a sweet note.

Hero Ingredient: If you’ve never tried the Greek yogurt and honey combination, have you really lived?

Mini Dutch Babies + Blueberry Lemon Compote (Dairy Free!)

Why We Love It: Fruit-filled desserts are a great option when you’re feeling something on the lighter side. These light and fluffy Dutch babies are filled with a minimal-ingredient blueberry and lemon compote, but the choice of fruit is truly up to your heart’s desire.

Hero Ingredient: This recipe keeps it dairy-free by using vanilla almond milk as a binding ingredient and natural sweetener.

Fig & Lemon Crostata

Why We Love It: This crostata, or Crostata di Marmellata, is a sweet rendition of a staple dessert you can find in any Italian kitchen. While any variety of ripe, fresh fruit will do for this dessert, this crostata uses fig jam and lemons to curate a tangy and sweet flavor profile.

Hero Ingredient: With any good lemon dessert recipe, lemon zest is an essential ingredient.

Meyer Lemon Breakfast Panna Cotta with Stovetop Granola

Why We Love It: This lemon dessert is superbly sweet and filled with protein (thanks, Greek yogurt!). Construct this sweet, mousse-like dessert in mason jars or small containers for the perfect grab-and-go dessert to snack on throughout the week.

Hero Ingredient: Serve with raspberry preserves for an additional burst of fruit.

Phyllo Napoleans with Strawberries and Lemon-Vanilla Cream

Why We Love It: These crispy and sweet napoleons are the summer dessert you’ve been searching for. When pulp from vanilla beans meets the tart and flavorful taste of fresh strawberries, it’s hard to eat just one of these jam-packed treats.

Hero Ingredient: If you’ve yet to dip your toes into baking with rhubarb, now’s your chance! (For more ideas, get inspired here.)

Raspberry & Pistachio Cake with Lemon Glaze

Why We Love It: This cake is giving all the spring vibes we’ve been craving since the sun started to peek back out. Divying this batter into two small mini cakes allows for even baking and distribution of prominent and rich flavors. Almost an olive oil cake, this treat will come out perfectly moist and ready to please a crowd.

Hero Ingredient: Raspberries and lemon are a perfect match.