33 Ways to Use Up a Bottle of Lemon Extract

Updated: Mar. 15, 2024

It doesn't get as much hype as vanilla, but this citrus extract makes for some delicious bakes! Pucker up for these recipes with lemon extract.

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California Lemon Pound Cake

Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I’m always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This lemon pound cake is one of my favorites (and it’s one of my favorite recipes with lemon extract)! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California

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Lemon Ricotta Fritters

These mouthwatering fritters are golden brown outside, soft and cakelike inside, and have a lovely citrusy and creamy flavor from the classic duo: lemon ricotta. Fritters are great served warm with jam or honey. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Raspberry Lemon Cake

Want a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant lemon raspberry cake packed with refreshing citrus flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it’s definitely a winner with me. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
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Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake

This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. It’s a great way to use up a bottle of lemon extract. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah. Next, try these easy lemon desserts.
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Lemon Anise Biscotti

With the growing popularity of gourmet coffees, cappuccino and espresso, I’m finding lots of people enjoy these classic Italian lemon biscotti. It’s one of my favorite recipes with lemon extract—an underrated ingredient! —Carrie Sherrill, Forestville, Wisconsin
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Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

This beautiful layered cheesecake takes a bit longer to make, but the end result is so worth it! Citrus seems to be the perfect ending for an Easter meal, and the bright flavors really shine in this dessert. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake

Everyone raves about this pretty lemon sour cream pound cake—and it sure doesn't last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri
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Poppy Seed Mini Muffins

These moist muffins may be small, but they're always a big hit on a brunch buffet, as a quick snack or as part of a bread basket assortment. The combination of poppy seeds and a hint of lemon makes them irresistible. —Kathryn Anderson, Casper, Wyoming
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Grapefruit Meringue Pie

There's a grapefruit tree in our backyard, so I like to use fresh grapefruit juice when I make this pie. I just love the unique citrus flavor of this dessert. —Barbara Soliday, Winter Haven, Florida
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Italian Sprinkle Cookies

Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York
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Lemon Dream Cheesecake

Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
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Plum Upside-Down Cake

Since my husband liked pineapple upside-down cake, I decided to give this recipe a try one night when we were expecting guests for dinner. Everyone pronounced this cake "Delicious!" and asked for seconds.—Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon
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Lemon Cupcakes

Usher in spring with this lemon cupcake recipe. It's a recipe from my mother that I spiced up a bit. —Bertina Nicholas-Johnson, Waynesboro, Virginia
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Lemony Zucchini Bread

Flecks of zucchini give a third dimension to the popular lemon and poppy seed combination in this moist quick bread. My family loves this lemon zucchini bread at all times of the year.—Field Editor Carol Funk, Richard, Saskatchewan.
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Lemon Snowdrops

I save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California
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Ginger-Glazed Lemon Bundt

Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Danish Coffee Cakes

I think that as long as I’m in the kitchen baking I might as well make enough to share. This traditional recipe gives me three cheese-filled coffee cakes drizzled with a sweet vanilla icing. —Sheri Kratcha, Avoca, Wisconsin
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Lemon Tiramisu

I created this lemon tiramisu to please everyone in my family. It’s a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio
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Blackberry Dumplings

As long as I can remember, my mother has been making blackberry dumplings. They finish cooking while you eat—and they really do make you hurry through Sunday dinner! It can be an everyday dessert, too, though. Try it with roast chicken, beef or ham. Sometimes I'll make it in winter just to have a taste of summer. —Liecha Collins, Oneonta, New York
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Orange Sugar Cookies

I make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Citrus-Raspberry Coffee Cake

Recipes with lemon extract can also include other fruits. Orange and raspberry play well with the lemon in this wonderful cake. Add a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a pretty finishing touch. —Pat Harlow, Cataldo, Idaho
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Lemon Pound Cake Loaves

My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
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Citrus Almond Cookies

These frosted goodies were a “must” every Christmas in my mother’s family. I think the blend of milk chocolate, toasted almonds, lemon and orange is cookie perfection.
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Summer Dessert Pizza

Especially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Lemon Pound Cake Muffins

I make these lemony muffins for all kinds of occasions. My family always requests them when we have a brunch. They’re so good! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
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Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

This luscious lemon poppy seed cake recipe uses cake mix and pudding mix for an easy dessert highlighting the classic flavor combination. —Betty Bjarnason, Egbert, ON
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Layered Lemon Dessert Squares

I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed it to be extra citrusy. If you’re a fan of Key lime pie, try lime flavors instead of lemon. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
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Banana Pound Cake

Not all recipes with lemon extract are citrusy. With this banana pound cake, the lemon adds a bit of brightness, even though the banana is the star. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

I won a baking contest at Purdue University with this recipe for lemon bars with cream cheese frosting. I think you’ll love the dreamy topping. —Michael Hunter, Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Down South Sweet Tea Cake

I think this recipe combines two of the best and most famous ingredients from the South: sweet tea and pecans! Using a cake mix simplifies prep and helps ease the holiday time crunch. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
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Lemon Meringue Muffins

These muffins taste like a favorite pie of mine. The meringue adds a unique flavor.—Nancy Kearney, Massillon, Ohio
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Mom's Citrus Buttermilk Cake

Everyone raves over this lovely lemon cake. It's divine with fresh raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Lemony Coconut Bars

These lemony and chewy bars make a refreshing addition to the holiday cookie tray. Try lime juice and zest for a zingy twist. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey