95 Lemon Recipes for Every Craving

Updated: Feb. 01, 2024

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade—and every lemon tart, muffin, pie, cookie, cake and custard you can dream of! Plus, lemony mains, dips, drinks salads & sides.

1 / 95

Lemon Supreme Pie

A friend and I often visit a local restaurant for pie and coffee. When they stopped carrying our favorite lemon supreme pie, I got busy in the kitchen and created this version, which we think tastes even better! The combination of the cream cheese and tart lemon is wonderful. —Jana Beckman, Wamego, Kansas

Go to Recipe

This pie is a crowd favorite. Discover more of our top ten lemon desserts that will make your mouth water.

2 / 95

Lemon-Garlic Hummus

You’ll need just five ingredients to blend together this smooth and creamy bean dip. It’s delicious and quick to make. —Kris Capener, Ogden, Utah

Lemon Dream Cheesecake

Light and creamy, this lemon cheesecake recipe is just the thing for a spring or summer day. —Bonnie Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
3 / 95

Audrey’s Lemon Meringue Bars

We are always trying to find new ways to use the fruit from our lemon tree. My 13-year-old daughter, Audrey, decided to combine two of my lemony favorites: lemon bars and lemon meringue pie. After several intense hours in the kitchen (and warding off her horde of brothers), these delicious lemon meringue bars were born. —Monica Fearnside, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
4 / 95

Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
5 / 95

Simple Lemon Mousse

This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
6 / 95

Lemon Artichoke Romaine Salad

“I created this dish when I was trying to duplicate a very lemony Caesar salad,” recalls Kathy Armstrong of Post Falls, Idaho. “I think my version is not only delicious but more healthful, too!”
7 / 95

Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake

This lemon ice cream cake is a cool treat my family loves anytime, but we find it especially refreshing on a hot summer day. The cream of coconut and lemon juice make a delicious combo, and the streusel adds a nice crunch. You can substitute any crunchy sugar, lemon or coconut cookie in place of the shortbread, as long as each cookie is about 2 inches. —Janet Gill, Canton, Ohio
8 / 95

Fritters with Lemon Mousse and Strawberries

Deep-fried fritters are wonderful on their own, but they become over-the-top amazing with a creamy lemon mousse and sweet strawberries. Raspberries and blueberries yield equally good results. —Shannon Bell, Woodstock, Georgia
9 / 95

Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon

Pop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
10 / 95

Shortbread Lemon Tart

For a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added grated orange zest to both the crust and filling to turn the recipe into a lemon tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
11 / 95

Fried Lemon-Pepper Wings

These lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day. Try these out if you’ve been stuck in a chicken wing rut. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
12 / 95

Moist Lemon Angel Cake Roll

Tart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover’s fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
13 / 95

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup

This isn’t Grandma’s chicken soup, but it is comforting in a whole new way. The lemon juice gives this easy soup enough zip to make it interesting. —Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota
14 / 95

Lemon-Rosemary Layer Cake

Tall and impressive, this unique lemon-rosemary layer cake is a treat for the senses with flecks of lemon zest and fresh rosemary. Just wait until you taste it! —Mary Fraser, Surprise, Arizona
15 / 95

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

This sweet-tart lemonade is a traditional part of my Memorial Day and Fourth of July menus. Folks can’t get enough of the fresh-squeezed flavor. —Tammi Simpson, Greensburg, Kentucky
16 / 95

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
17 / 95

Sour Mix

Create your own sour mix at home following this easy-to-make recipe. You can adjust the flavor by using either all lemon or lime juice or varying the proportions of lemon to lime juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Get the most out of your lemon juice with these zippy lemon cocktails.

18 / 95

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don’t worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn’t require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas
19 / 95

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

I received this recipe for lemon shortbread cookies from my cousin who tried to duplicate cookies she loved from a restaurant. It was in a cookbook she made for the family for Christmas! —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
20 / 95

Lemon Coconut Cupcakes

Lemon plus coconut equals big smiles in this cupcake equation. These zesty gems are a hit with my family, friends and neighbors. —Debra Henderson, Booneville, Arkansas
21 / 95

Tangy Lemon Chiffon Pie

This is such an easy pie to make, you will be able to prepare it in no time at all. It is even fancy enough to serve to guests and they will be so impressed!—Taste of Home Cooking School, Greendale, Wisconsin
22 / 95

Lemon Shrimp Orzo

What I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it’s so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York
23 / 95

Lemon Orange Cake

I like to bake this lovely three-layer lemon and orange cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn’t any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
24 / 95

Lavender Poppy Seed Muffins

These muffins are so easy to put together. The lavender flavor really works well with lemon. If you’ve never baked with lavender, start with just 1 or 2 teaspoons for a more subtle flavor. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
25 / 95

Lemon Thyme Chicken

Buttered onions are a great addition to this easy lemon chicken recipe. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to brown the lightly breaded chicken on the stove top. —Kay Shimonek, Corsicana, Texas
26 / 95

Lemon Tea Cookies

These sandwich cookies taste rich and buttery and have a lovely lemon filling. The recipe has been in our family since the 1950s, when my mother got it from a French friend in her club. —Phyllis Dietz, Westland, Michigan
27 / 95

Lemony Layer Bars

One of my favorite cakes is a white chocolate cake with coconut lemon filling, dark chocolate frosting and almonds. This version of a seven-layer bar combines all those flavors into an easy-to-eat treat. Using soda cracker crumbs makes the bars a little different. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
28 / 95

Summertime Tea

You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
29 / 95

Dad’s Lemony Grilled Chicken

Lemon juice, onions and garlic add tangy flavor to chicken when firing up the grill. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan
30 / 95

Lemon Chess Pie

This bright and creamy lemon chess pie cuts beautifully and has a smooth texture. It’s one of my favorites. —Hannah LaRue Rider, East Point, Kentucky
31 / 95

Lemon Snowdrops

I save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California
32 / 95

Lemony Limoncello Tiramisu

This limoncello tiramisu is a delightful citrus twist on a classic Italian dessert. It’s always a favorite at holiday meals or summer gatherings! —Deena Resnick, Oregon City, Oregon
33 / 95

Lemon Risotto with Broccoli

A creamy, rich party-special alternative to potatoes. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin
34 / 95

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. —Carrie Sherrill, Forestville, Wisconsin
35 / 95

French 75

The original French 75 drink was created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France during WWI. The original version had a powerful kick, like a French 75 mm artillery gun. The version here uses less gin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
36 / 95

Crispy Dill Tilapia

Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
37 / 95

Gooey Lemon Rolls

My mother made these hard-to-resist rolls when I was young. I always warm up after having one, and so will your family. —Cora Patterson, Lewiston, Idaho
38 / 95

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

Chill out with this delightful ginger lemonade perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It’s a quick fix you’ll stir up time after time. —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah
39 / 95

Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars

Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
40 / 95

Raspberry Lemon Cake

Want a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant cake packed with refreshing lemon 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
41 / 95

Steamed Lemon Broccoli

I first tried this sunny side dish because it seemed to be a fresh, nutritious and easy combination. Now it’s the only way my husband will eat broccoli. I love to pair it with grilled meat on hot days. —Michelle Hanson, Oacoma, South Dakota
42 / 95

Lemon Roasted Red Potatoes

I like trying out new recipes on my boyfriend, and he’s always willing to taste-test. The lemon juice and thyme give these golden potatoes fabulous flavor. —Sally Sue Campbell, Greenville, Tennessee
43 / 95

Lemon Pudding Cake

My husband, Lloyd, loves this cake because it tastes like lemon meringue pie. The cake is no-fuss and makes just enough for the two of us. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
44 / 95

Salmon with Spinach Sauce

You won’t have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
45 / 95

Lemon Bread Pudding

Sweet raisins and a smooth hot lemon sauce make this bread pudding extra special. Even today, I get requests for the recipe from people who tasted this traditional dessert years ago. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

If sweet lemony treats are calling your name, our best lemon desserts cover the cakes, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, custards and pies that dreams are made of.

46 / 95

Homemade Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a scrumptious spread for scones, biscuits or other baked goods. You can find it in larger grocery stores alongside the jams and jellies or with the baking supplies, but we like making this lemon curd recipe from scratch. —Mark Hagen, West Allis, Wisconsin
47 / 95

Strawberry Lemon Shortcake

I love a good strawberry shortcake, but this recipe is my favorite by far. The citrus zest in the dough adds a refreshing zip to the sweet dessert. —Nancy Hooper, Glen Burnie, Maryland
48 / 95

Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp

This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
49 / 95

Baked Lemon Pound Cake

If you and your family like lemon, you’ll love this easy lemon cake recipe! Every bite is sweet and tart at the same time. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
50 / 95

Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower

A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
51 / 95

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
52 / 95

Light & Lemony Scampi

A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
53 / 95

Lemon Cheesecake Squares

Whether I'm hosting friends or sending a plate to work with my husband, these creamy elegant lemon cheesecake bars are always a hit. It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that easily serves a large group.
54 / 95

Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
55 / 95

Lemony Coconut Frozen Yogurt

Whenever I crave something cold to beat the heat, I whip this yogurt together and share with family. Everyone enjoys the sweet relief! —Caitlyn Heinz, Ovid, New York
56 / 95

Lemon-Caper Pork Medallions

For an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
57 / 95

Lemon Cream Cupcakes

Instead of a layer cake, serve guests these delicate cupcakes tinged with a tangy lemon flavor. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
58 / 95

Lemony Bacon-Artichoke Dip

Move over, spinach-artichoke dip—bacon adds much more flavor. You might want to double the recipe because there are never any leftovers. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
59 / 95

Lemon Red Potatoes

Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I’m having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there’s plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
60 / 95

Whipped Feta Dip

The basis of this whipped feta dip is a fantastic blank canvas for different flavors. This version is flavored with garlic and lemon. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
61 / 95

Lemon-Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Fresh from the oven, these attractive, delicious muffins make a great accompaniment to any breakfast or brunch. I usually double the recipe because they seem to disappear the minute I set them out. —Marie Herr, Berea, Ohio
62 / 95

Spiced White Sangria

I’ve been making this recipe for more than 20 years. My husband and I are in the wine and spirit business and we served it at one of our first dinner parties after we were married. It’s a refreshing change from traditional red sangria. —Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida
63 / 95

Asparagus and Green Beans with Tarragon Lemon Dip

Tarragon balances the tangy flavor from lemon in the creamy sauce covering colorful asparagus and green beans. I serve this as a side dish as well as an appetizer. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
64 / 95

Lemon Snow Pudding

My mother first served this light and refreshing snow pudding at a dinner for my brother, his new bride and their wedding guests back in the early ’40s. When I got married in ’47, I made sure I had the recipe. —Eula Voehl, Ottumwa, Iowa
65 / 95

Lemony Chicken Salad

Every busy cook will appreciate the convenience of being able to prepare this refreshing salad ahead of time. And your family will enjoy a marvelous meal.
66 / 95

Lemon-Thyme Bread

Lemon and thyme go together like milk and cookies. Fresh thyme is best, but if you must use dried, reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon and crush it between your fingers before adding it to the batter. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
67 / 95

Rosemary-Lemon Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

These beautiful shortbread sandwich cookies are always a welcome addition to our annual ladies holiday tea luncheon. The distinctive rosemary flavor, paired so well with the tangy lemon curd, has made them a favorite in our group for years! —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
68 / 95

Bake-Sale Lemon Bars

The recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
69 / 95

Garlic Lemon Shrimp

You’ll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
70 / 95

Lemon Butter Spread

My grandmother, who was a great cook, brought this recipe with her from England. I use it as a spread on toast, for filling in a cake or on top of ice cream. —Gloria Costes, West Hills, California

Adding citrus is an easy flavor boost in healthy cooking. Explore our other healthy lemon recipes to see what we mean!

71 / 95

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

The days that I have extra time for baking are few and far between. That’s why this extra-quick lemon poppy seed bread is perfect. It’s a breeze to make, your family will love it bright, lemony flavor and tender crumb.
72 / 95

Lemon Mushroom Chicken

There’s a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn’t seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
73 / 95

Lemon Butter Cookies

These tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They’re very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I’ve worked with. I know you’ll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois
74 / 95

Lemon Tart with Almond Crust

Our state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona
75 / 95

Tilapia & Lemon Sauce

Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It’s easy, quick and unique. And it’s a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama
76 / 95

Shortbread Lemon Bars

I’ve put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit. —Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa
77 / 95

Rosemary-Lemon Grilled Chicken

Here’s a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that’s made with very few ingredients. It’s great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California
78 / 95

Lemon Custard Cake

This lemon custard cake recipe comes from my grandma and is nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It’s a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
79 / 95

Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod

After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
80 / 95

Lemon Scones

These delicate lemon scones are the perfect lightly sweet treat to serve with coffee or tea at any holiday get-together. It’s a simple bread since, like biscuits, it doesn’t require much kneading and there’s no need to let the dough rise. —Maureen DeGarmo, Martinez, California
81 / 95

Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds

Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that’s super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
82 / 95

Lemon-Lime Salmon with Veggie Saute

A fresh squeeze of lemon juice brightens so many flavors—acid is one of the most important influencers in how a dish tastes. If one acid is good, two is stronger: Add lemon and lime juice when you bake salmon, cooking the supporting cast of vegetables separately until crisp-tender. —Brian Hill, West Hollywood, California

83 / 95

Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It’s easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
84 / 95

Lemon Blueberry Whoopie Pies

These whoopie pies are soft, cakey cookies studded with tart, juicy blueberries and filled with tangy cream cheese frosting. I take them to family and school events and they are always the first thing gone! Be sure to continually scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula while making the batter and frosting. —Kathy Martino, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

85 / 95

Lemon Bread

I often bake this sunshiny-sweet lemon bread when company’s due. It has a loaf-like texture. —Kathy Scott, Lingle, Wyoming
86 / 95

Lemon Sherbet

Lemon juice provides the snappy flavor in this wonderful lemon sherbet recipe from our Test Kitchen. The light, make-ahead treat looks splendid served in individual “boats” made from lemon halves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
87 / 95

Lemon Almond Asparagus

I love this timesaving way to dress up fresh asparagus. Drizzle butter and lemon juice over the spears before topping them with almonds and lemon zest strips. —Linda Barry, Yakima, Washington
88 / 95

French Lemon-Apricot Tart

If you like the tang of citrus, you’ll love this lemon tart. The apricot preserves on top add a nice bit of sweetness. —Peggy Lunde, Costa Mesa, California
89 / 95

Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Infused Water

This turmeric, lemon, ginger water is a fantastic pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock full of antioxidants.
90 / 95

Lemon-Roasted Squash with Tarragon

Roasting really brings out the flavor of butternut squash and zucchini. I drizzle them with lemon juice, oil, garlic and seasonings, then pop them in the oven. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
91 / 95

Basil-Lemon Crab Linguine

I always add herbs to pasta to really punch up the flavor. This linguine looks and tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant. We love it. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
92 / 95

Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
93 / 95

Lemon-Roasted Chicken

This lemon-roasted chicken is perfect for spring gatherings. It's light and pairs well with a variety of sides. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
94 / 95

Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch

I was looking for a drink that wouldn’t stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
95 / 95

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada