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
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.
Lemon meringue kisses
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.
Lemon delicious
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.
Individual lemon delicious puddings
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 tarts
With a crisp, buttery pastry and sweet, creamy and mouth-puckering lemon custard filling, lemon tarts are a timeless dessert.
Angelique's lemon bars
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.
Condensed milk, lemon and gingernut puddings
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.
Lemon meringue tart
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 and yoghurt cake
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.
Mulberry and lemon yoghurt tart
This no-bake tart is highly versatile; swap the mulberries for whatever is in season to top the yoghurt, lemon and honey filling.
Madeleines with lemon curd
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.
Lemon babas
The classic 1970s dessert gets a modern spin with a lemon curd filling and lemon-juice syrup for extra citrus tang.
Ricotta and lemon ice-cream (gelato di ricotta e limone)
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.
Lemon meringue pavlovas
Crisp meringue nests filled with lemon curd and whipped cream — each bite is a perfect mix of crunch, cream and citrusy punch.
Lemon aspen curd tartlets
These dainty tartlets get a triple-lemon hit with lemon zest, lemon aspen juice and a sprinkling of lemon myrtle.
Danielle Alvarez's shaker lemon tart
A rustic beauty featuring whole sliced lemons macerated in sugar, baked in a flaky crust. The rind softens into marmalade-like perfection.
Lemon-cornmeal cake
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 tart
This special tart features a pine nut crust and a vegan-friendly filling, with creaminess from coconut cream.
Lemon curd, mascarpone and almond layer cake
Layers of almond sponge, whipped mascarpone and tart lemon curd — this cake is luxurious, balanced, and stunning for any celebration.
Heston Blumenthal's lemon tart
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.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
Have a story or comment? Contact Us
