Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Whip up the most irresistible lemon desserts with these essential recipes that make your favorite sunny citrus fruit truly shine.
48 Vintage Recipes for Lemony Desserts
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World's Best Lemon Pie
Mother’s pies were always so memorable, with tender, flaky crusts. In summer the order of the day was lemon meringue! —Phyllis Kirsling, Junction City, Wisconsin
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Lemon Chiffon Cake
Lemon chiffon cake is soft and spongy, with a luscious buttercream frosting. You'll want to eat this cake quickly, as chiffon cakes don't last very long—but that shouldn't be a problem, given how delicious it is.
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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
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Madeira Cake
This classic British Madeira cake is often served with Madeira wine, which is how it got its name. Similar to a pound cake, it is commonly flavored with lemon and can also be served with tea or other sweet liqueurs. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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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
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Tangy Lemon Chiffon Pie
This lemon chiffon pie is so easy to make, you can put it together in no time at all. And it’s impressive enough to share with guests! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Lemon Custard Magic Cake
The baking process for this cake produces three different layers, each with a markedly different texture. Paired with the light addition of lemon, it’s the ideal dessert to serve for any occasion. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
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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
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Lemon Pound Cake
A tangy and sweet lemon treat, this lemon pound cake has three layers of lemon flavor, from extract, zest and juice.
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Hummingbird Cake
This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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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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Lemon Mango Kanafeh
Several years ago I came upon a little neighborhood restaurant making the most incredible Turkish food I'd ever seen or tasted. I was completely blown away by the dessert and had to learn how to make it. —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California
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Buttery Spritz Cookies
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it’s fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
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Sour Cream-Lemon Pie
I first tasted this pie at a local restaurant and hunted around until I found a similar recipe—now it's my husband's favorite. —Martha Sorensen, Fallon, Nevada
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Lemon Bars
These delightful lemon bars have a wonderful tangy flavor, and they're always a hit. As a bonus, the color and shape make them a nice addition to a dessert platter.
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Lemon Cream Cupcakes
Instead of a layer cake, serve guests these delicate cupcakes tinged with a tangy lemon flavor. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
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Lemon Zucchini Drops
When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona
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Coconut Lemon Crisps
We had these cookies at our wedding reception, where they brought smiles and compliments. They've become one of our anniversary dinner trademarks. —Segarie Moodley, Longwood, Florida
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Lemon Sponge Pie with Pineapple
This lemon sponge pie is a home-style delight featuring a fluffy sponge layer on top and a smooth custard on the bottom. The pairing of tangy pineapple and lemon is so refreshing after a big dinner. —Lola Beeler, Chillicothe, Ohio
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Citrus Mini Cakes
These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.
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Gingerbread Cake
Indulge in the ultimate warming treat with a homemade gingerbread cake. Rich, spiced flavors are paired with a velvety caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
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Lemon Meltaway Cookies
These lemon meltaway cookies are soft, chewy and thanks to confectioners' sugar and a few other key ingredients, they'll melt in your mouth. Better yet, they're easy to make and relatively quick even with the required chill time. Serve alone or with your favorite ice cream.
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Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
Give traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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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
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Lemony Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
These spiced-just-right whoopie pies combine two popular flavors in one fun treat. The moist cookies are rolled in sugar before baking for a bit of crunch. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
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Blueberry Buckle
Every brunch gathering needs a home-baked sweet on the table, and this blueberry buckle recipe with a cinnamon crumble topping is one of our go-tos.
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Lemon Ricotta Cake
This lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
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How to Make Meringue for the Airiest Desserts
From topping mile-high pies to making delicate bite-sized cookies, meringue is incredibly versatile once you get the hang of making it. Here’s how to get the texture exactly right.
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Strawberry Shortcake
Our strawberry shortcake is a classic recipe that can be ready by lunchtime. Use those farmers market strawberries for something special.
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Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
These chewy gingerbread cookies are packed with warm spices and rich molasses, delivering a perfect balance of soft and chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat anytime, they're sure to become a family favorite.
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Lemon Sheet Cake
Lemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to a convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze it before serving. —Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
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Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These lemon shortbread cookies are the perfect blend of buttery richness and zesty citrus. They're a delightful treat for any occasion, featuring a tender, crumbly texture, topped with a sweet lemon drizzle.
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Lemony Coconut Macaroons
These chewy gems have refreshing lemon flavor. They freeze well and thaw easily in the fridge, so you can cure a craving anytime. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
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Pink Lemonade Stand Cake
If you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Lemon Cheesecake Recipe
Fit for a crowd and beloved by all ages, this lemon cheesecake recipe bakes up a dessert so sunshiny it tastes as though you’re eating spring itself.
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Lavender and Lemon Biscochitos
Biscochitos are the state cookie for our home state of New Mexico. They are traditionally made with anise seeds, but I substituted lavender and lemon in this biscochitos recipe. The result is intriguing and delicious! I have also made these with lemon and dried thyme and they were scrumptious. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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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
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Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
This is an especially fun recipe to make with kids because they can roll the dough into balls and flatten them on the baking sheets. The lemon and oatmeal add a nice twist to traditional sugar cookies. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Lemon Cheesecake Tarts
To make these cute tarts more quickly, add the filling to store-bought phyllo tart shells. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
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Meringue Shells with Lemon Curd
We love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette
This flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Lemon Pudding Cookies
These lemon slice cookies are a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookies. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington
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Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe
Satisfy your coffee shop treat cravings with this copycat Starbucks lemon loaf cake recipe.
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Easy Lemon Pie
This lemon pie recipe is perfectly tart and tangy, and it's perfectly simple to make with just one bowl and a refrigerated pie crust.
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Lemonade Icebox Pie
You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It’s the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
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Shortbread Lemon Tart
Be patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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