16 Refreshingly Tart Lemon Desserts

Dessert Corner OatmealStories/RooM, Getty Images Too hot to turn the oven on? Try a no-bake lemon tart like the gorgeous one above. by Grace Gallagher Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: June 22, 2021

Light and airy, this lemon treat is half sponge cake half lemon curd, but amazingly it only requires one batter. The tutorial on Hummingbird High explains how this is possible. Hummingbird High

What happens when you combine coconut and lemon? You get the sweet taste and fluffy texture of this gorgeous creation from A Cozy Kitchen . The petal frosting in ombre pink is quite literally the icing on the cake. A Cozy Kitchen

These rich pops from Climbing Grier Mountain would be perfect for dessert or even as a breakfast treat. The creamy texture is offset by crunchy granola plus a burst of bright flavor from the thyme and the lemon. Climbing Grier Mountain

Lemonade, but make it a cupcake. These cupcakes from Bakerella have plenty of tang and the cute decorations make it feel like you stopped at a roadside lemonade stand. Bakerella

These lovely tartlets from Adventures In Cooking may be a stunning purple color, but they’re still brimming with lemon flavor thanks to the juice. The crust is made using almond meal, and you can get creative with the garnish, using unique ingredients like bee pollen. Adventures In Cooking

Fresh figs lend a sweet, earthy taste that pairs well with tart lemon curd. Michelle from Hummingbird High says to use a non-reactive bowl (like glass or ceramic) when working with citrus juice, as metal bowls can cause the juice to taste metallic. Hummingbird High

Perfect for a 4th of July party, or just when you want a lighter dessert, this beautiful lemon olive oil layer cake from The Little Epicurean tastes like summer in a bite. The Little Epicurean

The acidity of the citrus gives this cheesecake from A Classic Twist a bit of a tartness so it doesn’t feel too heavy on a hot day. It looks elaborate, but this recipe (including the homemade crust!) is easy enough for a beginner baker. A Classic Twist

For a nostalgic dessert that’s tasty but playful, try these homemade lemon toaster pastries from No. 2 Pencil . You can top them with whatever you’d like (sprinkles are encouraged though). No. 2 Pencil

Just what you want on a scorching afternoon, these berry lemonade popsicles from The House That Lars Built are as beautiful as they are tasty. Edible flowers, like these chamomile blooms, make any homemade pop shine. The House That Lars Built

Sweet but light, this lemon poppy seed cake from The Simple Sweet Life is the perfect end to a decadent meal. It’s quick to make too (especially if you use store-bought lemon curd). The Simple Sweet Life

Candied lemon tops this beautiful lemon ginger cheesecake from Adventures In Cooking . The pistachio almond crust will need to be baked (and it’ll make the kitchen smell amazing) but the no-bake filling can be prepped in advance. Adventures In Cooking

Whether you’re hosting a party or cooking for one, these lemon ginger meringue tartlets from The Simple Sweet Life will be a hit. It doesn’t get much better than the bright flavors all whipped together in a graham cracker crust. The Simple Sweet Life

Don’t judge a dessert by its color: these fuschia mini pound cakes from Hummingbird High are brimming with tangy sour cream and lemon flavor. They get their gorgeous bright color from beet juice (but they don’t taste like beets). Hummingbird High

The crunch of crushed pistachio nuts beautifully offsets the smooth lemony icing. Plus, these eclairs from London Bakes are gluten-free. London Bakes

This list wouldn’t be complete without classic lemon bars. This recipe from Dude That Cookz is sure to be a crowd pleaser (if you’re willing to share). Dude That Cookz

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