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.
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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.
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.
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With a crisp, buttery pastry and sweet, creamy and mouth-puckering lemon custard filling, lemon tarts are a timeless dessert.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This no-bake tart is highly versatile; swap the mulberries for whatever is in season to top the yoghurt, lemon and honey filling.
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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.
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The classic 1970s dessert gets a modern spin with a lemon curd filling and lemon-juice syrup for extra citrus tang.
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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.
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Crisp meringue nests filled with lemon curd and whipped cream — each bite is a perfect mix of crunch, cream and citrusy punch.
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These dainty tartlets get a triple-lemon hit with lemon zest, lemon aspen juice and a sprinkling of lemon myrtle.
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A rustic beauty featuring whole sliced lemons macerated in sugar, baked in a flaky crust. The rind softens into marmalade-like perfection.
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.
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Lemon tart
This special tart features a pine nut crust and a vegan-friendly filling, with creaminess from coconut cream.
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Layers of almond sponge, whipped mascarpone and tart lemon curd — this cake is luxurious, balanced, and stunning for any celebration.
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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.
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