Top 74 Lemon Dessert Recipes

The Versatility of Lemon in Desserts

Lemon desserts are a go-to for a reason. Lemons bring a much-welcome zing that cuts through the richness of some desserts. There’s generally two types of dessert lovers – those who love rich, creamy chocolate and caramel recipes, and those who prefer more citrusy flavours like lemon, lime and orange cakes. This collection of dessert recipes definitely appeal to the latter, honouring the delightful fusion of sweet and tart. Below you will find all the lemon dessert classics as well as a few inventive dishes. Those include our gluten-free lemon lamingtons, citrus marshmallows and lemon-sugar dusted doughnuts.

How to Zest a Lemon

If your chosen recipe calls for lemon zest, we recommend using a fine, sharp grater, like a microplane, to remove the outer yellow rind in fine flakes, perfect for baking. Before zesting, wash the lemon in very hot water to remove any dirt or coating on the fruit.

Need to create thin strips of lemon rind as a garnish? A lemon zesting tool will create strips of rind easily. The white pith underneath the rind is quite bitter, so avoid grating too deeply.

Buying and Storing Lemons

When selecting lemons, choose those that have a smooth and bright exterior. They should also be heavy for their size. If you intend to use the lemons within a few days, you can store them on the kitchen bench. Alternatively, refrigerate in a paper bag for up to a month in the crisper.

Recipes with Lemon Rind and Juice

If the recipe calls for both lemon rind and juice, always remove the rind first. That’s because it’s much easier to grate or zest a whole lemon than half a lemon!

Explore More Lemon Recipes

Looking for more lemon recipes or more citrus desserts? You’ll need these…

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In Season

March 19, 2025

Pumpkin bread with lemon icing

A lovely loaf cake studded with sweet dates and warm spices.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

June 25, 2025

Raspberry ricotta cheesecake with lemon syrup

Delightfully good.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

August 27, 2024

Lemon & passionfruit mug cake

Treat yourself tonight.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 26, 2021

Cardamom and lemon cake with vanilla labne and lemon syrup

Lemon cake with a fragrant twist

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

November 29, 2012

Greek yoghurt lemon cake with lemon syrup

When you have extra lemons, freeze juice in ice-cube trays for later use. You’ll need about 4 lemons. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

December 30, 2014

Almond and yogurt lemon cake

Fluffy, moist and packed full of flavour.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 12, 2025

Lemon bars

Slice up a sweet and tangy teatime treat.

By Jessica Brook

Baking

July 24, 2025

Lemon loaf cake

This lemon drizzle cake is a Test Kitchen classic.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

March 19, 2026

Julie Goodwin’s easy lemon coconut slice

Julie Goodwin shares her ultimate one-bowl sweet slice.

By Julie Goodwin

Baking

April 8, 2026

Quick-mix lemon ricotta cake

A one-bowl citrus delight.

By Jessica Brook

Air fryer

June 5, 2025

Air fryer lemon cheesecake

Let your air fryer do the heavy lifting for dessert too!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

March 4, 2026

Lemonade scones

So simple, so delicious.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 1, 2025

Julie Goodwin’s lemon blueberry cake

A sweet finale to feed a crowd.

By Julie Goodwin

Air fryer

June 26, 2025

Air fryer lemon tart

A tangy tart perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 1, 2025

Lemon blueberry loaf cake with mascarpone icing

A luscious lemon loaf cake topped with a dramatic overload of icing!

By Jessica Brook

Dessert

September 5, 2024

Classic lemon cheesecake

Creamy, sweet and zesty, this lemon cheesecake is a classic for a reason.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

September 29, 2025

No bake lemon slice

Enjoy a piece with a mug of hot tea or coffee.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 21, 2024

Lemon drizzle cake

This lemon cake is zingy, bright and oh-so tasty.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

May 23, 2024

Luscious lemon cake

Add a little zest to your baking!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

April 29, 2024

Lemon and poppy seed biscuits

Perfect with a steaming cup of tea.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

April 30, 2011

Cream cheese lemon cake

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

April 29, 2024

Lemon jelly cheesecake

A no-bake lemon cheesecake with a fun twist.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

June 14, 2023

Lemon meringue blondie

A fabulous blondie recipe with extra crunch.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

March 22, 2023

Easy lemon cheesecake

Make these individual cheesecakes with an easy biscuit base and a few simple ingredients.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

February 28, 2023

Lemon lime tart

This fresh and zesty pie makes for the best dessert. And while the filling is creamy and delicious, we’re also a big fan of the crumbly pie base that adds a warm contrast of flavour and texture.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

December 20, 2022

Lemon and passionfruit pavlova stack

Impress with ease this Christmas.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

August 7, 2022

Lemon delicious

All the bright flavours of lemon in a moist and fluffy pudding.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

January 31, 2011

Lemon cakes with passionfruit syrup

You will need about six passionfruit to make this recipe. The thin-skinned purple-black variety will yield much more pulp than the thicker-skinned Panama passionfruit. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Healthy

June 27, 2022

Gluten-free raspberry and lemon syrup cake

This one will delight the senses.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

June 26, 2022

Lemon sand cake

The best sand you’ll ever eat!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Gluten-free

June 26, 2022

Gluten-free lemon tart

Gorgeously gluten-free.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

June 23, 2022

Lemon butter almond slice

Add a litle zest to your afternoon tea!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

April 15, 2026

Vanilla madeleines with lemon glaze icing

A first-class morning tea treat.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

May 30, 2022

Lemon and blueberry cheesecake

When sweet and sour combine in perfect harmony

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

May 29, 2022

Baked lemon cheesecake

This is one of the most loved desserts around the world.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

May 29, 2022

Blueberry and lemon delicious pudding

Delicious bursts of blueberry create a delight to the senses.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

May 18, 2022

Passionfruit and lemon butter

Only a few simple ingredients to create this sweet spread.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

May 15, 2022

Lemon, honey and coconut delicious

Dig your spoon into this delicious dessert.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

May 11, 2022

Lemon cheesecake squares

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this zesty and creamy slice.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

May 3, 2022

Passionfruit and lemon syrup cake

Sweet, moist and utterly luscious.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Air fryer

April 18, 2022

Air fryer lemon curd and raspberry bread and butter pudding

The ideal mix of sweet and tangy!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

April 17, 2022

Greek lemon shortbread biscuits

Sweet with a zesty finish.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

March 15, 2022

Vegan overnight jasmine tea and lemon curd scrolls

Worth the wait!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

November 16, 2021

Lemon, tea and three milks cake

Moist, sweet and utterly irresistible.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

November 10, 2021

Earl grey bomboloni with lemon curd

Enjoy these delightful doughnuts with a hint of bergamot and bursting with lemon curd.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

November 8, 2021

Lemon butter sponge cake

The perfect sponge.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

September 5, 2021

Tangy lemon squares

Give your afternoon tea some added zing.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 18, 2021

Lemon curd cake

Fit for the finest celebration.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

August 4, 2021

Blackberry lemon cake with blackberry fool

Slightly tart, slightly sweet – completely delicious.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

July 8, 2021

Lemon custard and strawberry jam brûlée tart

Crack through the brulee top to a delicate lemon custard underneath.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

October 19, 2020

Lemon and meringue passionfruit mess

Quick and easy to prepare, and filled with fresh, sweet zesty flavours, this lemon and meringue passionfruit mess is simply irresistible!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

August 9, 2020

Lemon curd and poppy seed crêpe cake

Poppy seeds add a delicious pop to this creamy, elegant lemon curd crepe cake topped with vanilla blueberries. Serve this for your loved ones on a special occasion.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

March 13, 2020

Citrus butter cake

Citrus lovers, this one’s for you. A spongey citrus cake with glace icing and candied orange and lemon slices.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

November 7, 2016

Little ginger cakes with lemon drizzle

A little bit sweet and a little bit tart, these delicious spiced ginger and apple cakes are perfect for Christmas time. Serve them in place of pudding after the big meal if you like.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

September 22, 2015

Lemontons

We have created a lemon twist on a classic favourite – the Lamington. We’ve even made this recipe gluten-free, and nut-free, so everyone can enjoy!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

June 11, 2015

Lemon meringue cake

Indulge in this deliciously decadent lemon meringue cake. Topped with sugary meringue and sweet candied lemon, this is perfect for any special event or family barbecue!

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

November 29, 2014

Baked lemon cheesecake

Sweet, creamy and zesty, this divine baked lemon cheesecake is perfect served topped with mixed berries and fresh cream for a tasty dessert that will win over the fussiest of diners.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

April 30, 2011

Lemon marshmallows

Marshmallows are best eaten on the day they are made when they are at their softest. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

March 31, 2011

Lemon cakes with roasted strawberries

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

March 31, 2011

Lemon cake with mascarpone frosting

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

March 31, 2011

Lemon marmalade puddings

Serve warm with cream, ice-cream or custard. Recipe is best prepared as required. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

January 31, 2011

Lemon, honey and pistachio biscotti

These crunchy Italian biscuits go wonderfully with hot espresso coffee.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

September 30, 2010

Almond meringue and lemon curd cake

Topped with lemon curd, whipped cream and blueberries, this almond meringue cake is a show-stopper.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

August 31, 2010

Blood orange and lemon yoghurt cups

Drizzled in a sweet vanilla syrup and topped with fresh mint, these colourful citrus and yoghurt pots make a pretty dessert.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 31, 2010

Lemon meringue pudding

Lemony sponge pudding with a light, sweet meringue topping makes for a nostalgic, nursery-style pudding.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

August 3, 2010

Lemon lime polenta self-saucing pudding

Lemon lime polenta self-saucing pudding

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

April 30, 2010

Lemon twists

By Women’s Weekly Food

Slow cooker recipes

March 31, 2010

Delicious lemony lime puddings

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

March 31, 2010

Coconut and lemon syrup cake

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

January 31, 2010

Lemon ginger-spice whoopie pies

You can use bought lemon curd or lemon butter in this recipe or make your own. To make lemon curd, whisk 2 egg yolks and ¼ cup caster (superfine) sugar in small heatproof bowl until pale and thickened. Whisk in 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, stir over small saucepan […].

By Women’s Weekly Food

Dessert

November 30, 2009

Lemon and raspberry semifreddo

Limoncello liqueur is an Italian lemon-flavoured liqueur made from the peel only of fragrant lemons. The peels are steeped in a good-quality clear alcohol then diluted with sugar and water.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

September 25, 2007

Lemon shortbread

Light, zesty and crumbly, these beautiful shortbread biscuits are beautiful enjoyed with a cup of tea or given as gifts to loved ones.

By Women’s Weekly Food

Baking

January 31, 1975

Lemon and earl grey chiffon syrup cake

Variation; for an orange blossom and mint tea syrup cake, omit the french earl grey tea in the cake and instead add 1 tablespoon orange blossom water with the lemon juice in step 3. Omit the earl grey syrup and instead make ‘orange blossom and mint tea syrup’. Serve the cake drizzled with syrup. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Quick & Easy

November 30, 1974

Lemon daisies

You need a 6cm (2-inch) flower-shaped cookie cutter. Don’t use boiled lollies for the centres as they will melt during cooking. You can vary the lollies used, but gelatine-based ones (jelly babies and the like) are probably best. Note

By Women’s Weekly Food

Make Your Own Lemon Condiments

If you love the citrus tang in these lemon dessert recipes, you may also enjoy making your own lemon curd. Also, follow these instructions to make your own preserved lemons. We also have recipes for marmalades, including apricot lemon, ginger and lemon, and quince and lemon marmalade.