12 Sweet-Tart Lemon and Citrus Desserts to Brighten Up Winter
Next time you crave a sweet and zingy treat, choose one of the great orange, lime, grapefruit, or lemon desserts in this collection. Whether you seek something simple, like lemon dessert bars, or sophisticated, like a spectacular cheesecake that is a work of art, there's a recipe that fits your menu.
Orange-Ginger Ricotta Tart
If there were a hall of fame for spectacular orange dessert recipes, this amazing tart would snag a top spot. It balances mild ricotta cheese with sweet-tart orange and zippy ginger. Top with marmalade and fresh fruit slices to impress your guests; we promise it's worth the effort!
Fresh Rosemary and Lemon Cupcakes
For a touch of savory, stir rosemary into these sweet and fragrant lemon desserts. We know it's a challenge, but let the cupcakes cool completely before adding the sweet-tart lemon glaze or it will soak in. Tip: If you're looking for Meyer lemon dessert recipes, that variety works in this recipe.
Lemon Icebox Pie
Sure, you could make a classic lemon meringue pie if you felt like messing with meringue, but if you're looking for easy lemon desserts, this pie is the way to go! Icebox in the name refers to the place these no-bake pies were stored before the days of electricity and refrigeration. Pop this equally tart and creamy pie in the fridge overnight and finish it with a light cloud of whipped cream.
Shaker-Style Lemon Pie
Ever since Meyer lemons became more widely available, Meyer lemon desserts are popping up everywhere. Here, the fruit lends its signature orangey sweetness to our make-ahead lemon pie. The filling includes plenty of lemon juice and peeled lemon for bursts of citrus.
Blood Orange Bars
The scenario: You spotted some gorgeous blood oranges at the supermarket, and now you're looking for blood orange desserts. We're here to help. Showcase the subtle raspberry flavor of the specialty oranges in these bars. They're a great change from the usual (though delicious) lemon bars.
Lime-Infused Coconut Pound Cake
There's something delightfully tropical about pairing coconut and lime. We love the combination in this spongy pound cake: Lime juice and coconut fill the cake; a homemade lime icing kicks up the citrus.
Triple-Citrus Pound Cake
Featuring grapefruit, lime, and orange, this is one of our best citrus desserts for winter when citrus is in season. The powdered sugar drizzle is truly the "icing on the cake." However, if you want to go all out, add a tropical touch by serving it with a creamy scoop of coconut ice cream.
Pecan-Crusted Mojito Bars
If you can make lemon dessert bars (and really, anyone can), you can make these next-level variations on the theme. Pecans, mint, and lime star in one of our best citrus dessert ideas ever. Take them to a potluck, and proudly watch them disappear.
Lemon Curd Tassies
What do you get when you spoon tangy lemon curd into a rich, buttery crust? One of the best lemon desserts ever! Tip: If you have extra lemon curd, use it as a dip for shortbread cookies for another rich and refreshing dessert.
Deluxe Lemon Bars
No collection of citrus and lemon dessert recipes would be complete without our best-ever recipe for lemon dessert bars. To transform this already-great dessert into a show-stopper, serve each bar in a pool of raspberry sauce.
Limoncello Semifreddo with Raspberry Sauce
Semifreddo, literally meaning "half cold," refers to desserts served chilled. Our limoncello version highlights the classic Italian liqueur as well as several contrasting tastes and textures, such as white chocolate, raspberries, and almonds.
No-Bake Lemon Drops
These no-bake lemon desserts take only 30 minutes and are totable to a potluck or party. While they may be mini in size, they're mighty in tantalizing lemon flavor. When entertaining at home, pair them with one of our cool and creamy homemade ice cream recipes.