Bright, zesty, and loaded with sweet citrus flavor, these lemon desserts are made for fans of bold, tangy treats. From cookies and cakes to bars and cheesecakes, each one brings a different twist with brown sugar, berries, or floral notes. They range from nostalgic to trendy, with textures that go from gooey to crisp. If you’re into lemon, this list has plenty to keep your dessert table stocked with fresh ideas.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Brown Sugar

A plate of powdered sugar-coated lemon crinkle cookies stacked on a blue and white decorative dish—a delightful addition to your favorite lemon desserts and sweet dessert ideas.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Brown Sugar. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These cookies have a chewy center with crisp edges, thanks to brown sugar adding a caramel touch. The crinkled tops catch all that lemony powdered sugar goodness. Each bite balances bright citrus with deep sweetness. They’re easy to stack high on any dessert plate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crinkle Cookies with Brown Sugar

Easy Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

Easy Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A dense, moist loaf with a smooth lemon glaze dripping down the sides. The rich texture makes it ideal for slicing thick. The glaze adds an extra zing that wakes up the mellow pound cake flavor. It keeps well, making it a favorite for make-ahead baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze

Lemon Blueberry Cookies

A plate of blueberry cookies with sugar on top, garnished with two lemon slices for a zesty twist. White chocolate chips are scattered nearby—perfect for fans of lemon desserts seeking new dessert ideas.
Lemon Blueberry Cookies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Soft and fruity, these cookies bring together tart lemon and bursts of blueberry. The dough is thick enough to hold its shape while baking. Each cookie has just the right amount of fruit without overpowering the citrus. They’re especially good fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Old Fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk

A cheesecake topped with lemon slices, strawberries, blueberries, edible flowers, and mint leaves on a white plate—perfect for those seeking fresh lemon desserts or new dessert ideas. Surrounded by vibrant fruit and flowers.
Old Fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy and rich, this pie feels like something passed down through generations. Sweetened condensed milk gives it a custard-like texture. The filling is smooth, silky, and packed with lemon flavor. A simple crust lets the filling shine.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Lemon Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Lemon Blackberry Pound Cake

Lemon Blackberry Pound Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bold blackberries add sweet contrast to the sharp lemon in this moist loaf. It’s a vibrant swirl of flavors in every slice. The cake holds together well, with a fine crumb that’s satisfying to cut into. It works well for brunch or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blackberry Pound Cake

Easy Lemon Bars with Brown Sugar Shortbread Crust

Easy Lemon Bars with Brown Sugar Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A crumbly base made with brown sugar gives a warm flavor under the bright lemon layer. These bars are firm enough to pick up but still tender. The filling sets into a glossy, soft top that contrasts nicely with the crust. Dusting with powdered sugar finishes them off.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Brown Sugar Shortbread Crust

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These cupcakes bring a fruity mix that’s both sweet and tart. The strawberry softens the sharpness of the lemon in the cake and frosting. They bake up light with a nice dome for frosting. A swirl of pink and yellow icing makes them extra festive.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

Lemon Blondies

Three lemon bars stacked on a white plate, surrounded by white chocolate chips and lemon slices, with a colorful cloth in the background.
Lemon Blondies. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Fudgy and rich, these bars have a texture close to brownies but with no chocolate in sight. The lemon cuts through the sweetness in just the right way. They’re simple to make and easy to serve in squares. A glaze on top adds a glossy finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blondies

Lemon Crinkle Cake

Lemon Crinkle Cake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This cake version of crinkle cookies has the same crackled top and soft interior. It’s baked as a sheet cake and dusted generously with powdered sugar. The batter stays moist from the lemon juice and zest. It slices easily and serves a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crinkle Cake

Lemon Goldies

Three square pieces of lemon goldies on a white plate.
Lemon Goldies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Chewy and dense, these lemon goldies have a butterscotch feel thanks to the brown sugar. The citrus flavor pops without being too sharp. They’re ideal for cutting into bars and packing for events. A drizzle of glaze adds just enough sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Goldies

Lemon Crème Brûlée

Lemon Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The classic custard gets a lemon twist with zest and juice in the mix. The torched sugar top cracks perfectly with a spoon. Underneath, the custard is smooth and creamy. It’s elegant but surprisingly simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crème Brûlée

Almond Flour Lemon Cookies

A batch of almond flour lemon cookies cooling on a wire rack.
Almond Flour Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Nutty and bright, these cookies have a tender texture from the almond flour. The lemon flavor keeps them from feeling too rich. They bake up golden on the edges with a chewy center. A light dusting of sugar gives a hint of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Lemon Cookies

Easy Lemon Blueberry Cookies (With Fresh Fruit)

A stack of blueberry cookies with lemon zest on top. A glass jar filled with blueberries is in the background.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Cookies (With Fresh Fruit). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Using fresh berries makes these cookies extra juicy and colorful. The dough is light and soft, which contrasts with the bursting blueberries. Lemon adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness. Chill the dough first to avoid too much spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Blueberry Cookies (With Fresh Fruit)

Lemon Cheesecake Bars With Lavendar

Lemon Cheesecake Bars With Lavendar. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Floral and tart, these bars bring together creamy cheesecake and subtle lavender. The shortbread crust holds up under the rich filling. A hint of lemon keeps the flavors clean and not too heavy. These look lovely served in neat squares.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars With Lavendar

Lemon Cake Pie

A slice of lemon pie with raspberries on top.
Lemon Cake Pie. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Half cake, half pie, this dessert has a fluffy top and a custardy bottom. The layers separate naturally as it bakes. Lemon runs through the whole thing, keeping it light. It’s best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pie

Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Icebox Cake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This no-bake dessert layers cookies or graham crackers with lemon whipped filling. As it chills, the layers soften into a cake-like texture. It’s cool, creamy, and loaded with lemon flavor. Best of all, it takes very little effort to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Bundt Cake

Lemon bundt cake on a white plate with strawberries.
Lemon Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

A tall, ring-shaped cake that holds moisture well and slices cleanly. The lemon glaze soaks into the ridges for extra flavor. It’s ideal for serving at a gathering since it looks great without much decorating. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a simple touch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bundt Cake

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Tangy cream cheese adds richness to both the batter and the frosting. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and full of lemon. The frosting is smooth and thick, making it easy to pipe. They’re a hit at parties or as a small batch treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Lemon Merignue Cheescake

Lemon Merignue Cheescake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

This cheesecake has a buttery crust, tart lemon filling, and a fluffy meringue top. The layers are visually striking and taste even better chilled. The meringue browns lightly for a soft finish. It’s a great choice for something more dramatic.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Merignue Cheescake

Lemon Cake Pops

Lemon cake pops on a white plate.
Lemon Cake Pops. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These bite-sized treats are made from crumbled lemon cake mixed with frosting. Rolled into balls and coated with candy shell, they’re easy to grab and go. The lemon flavor cuts through the sweetness for a balanced finish. They can be decorated with sprinkles or icing for fun.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *