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Food

16 Lemon Desserts To Bring Some Sunshine To The Table

From squares to cheesecake, trifle and cookies, we've got citrus sweet tooth covered.
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lemon meringue pie with a slice missing

Photo, Erik Putz.

In season in the winter and just as welcome in the middle of summer, lemons are in style year-round. From squares to cheesecake, trifle and cookies, we've got citrus sweet tooth covered.

Lemon Squares

Classic lemon tart decorated with sugar icing on a pink plate.Photo, Christie Vuong.

These classic lemon squares pair a sweet, crispy base with a jiggly citrus custard. Get this lemon squares recipe.

Lemon Loaf

How to make lemon loaf: Sliced up lemon loaf with glaze overtop

This easy-to-make classic lemon loaf recipe is perfect to whip up when company's coming. Get this lemon loaf recipe.

Lemon Pudding Cake

A square pan full of lemon pudding with one corner spooned outPhoto, Erik Putz.

Fluffy cake sits atop a surprise layer of citrus-y pudding in this comforting winter dessert. Get this lemon pudding cake recipe.

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Lemon Meringue Pie

lemon meringue pie with a slice missingPhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Ditch the store-bought pie box. This lemon meringue pie is made completely from scratch, and will surely impress your guests at your next dinner party. Get this meringue pie recipe.

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Drop Thumbprint cookies: sugar cookies made with lemon zest filled with lemon curd for a post on an easy Lemon Drop Icebox Cookies recipePhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Thumbprint sugar cookies are a little denser with a soft chew, making them ideal for a creamy lemon-curd filling. Get this lemon thumbprint cookie recipe.

Lemon Poppyseed Streusel Muffins

Five lemon poppy seed streusel muffins in pink wrappers on pink backdrop.Photo, Erik Putz.

The crisp, crumbly topping on these lemon muffins gives them a professional, café-grade finish. Get this lemon poppyseed muffin recipe.

The River Café's Lemon, Almond and Polenta Cake

River Cafe Polenta, Almond and Lemon Cake

This easy cake from London’s iconic River Cafe tastes delicious no matter how you serve it—whether you enjoy alongside a cappuccino for breakfast or top with caramelized blood oranges and crème fraîche for dessert. Get this lemon, almond and polenta cake recipe.

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Lemon Poppyseed Layer Cake

layered lemon poppyseed cake decoratd with rapsberries and tulipsPhoto, Erik Putz.

This adaptation of Camilla Wynne's celebratory wedding cake skips the fondant and comes in a manageable, 8-inch size. Get this lemon poppyseed layer cake recipe.

Lemon Meringue Trifle

Lemon meringue trifle recipePhoto, Roberto Caruso.

Looking for a great make-ahead desert? This lemon meringue trifle recipe improves over time as the ladyfingers soak in the limoncello and lemon juice. Get this lemon trifle recipe.

Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes

Three mini lemon bundt cakes on pink plates with a floral backgroundPhoto, Erik Putz.

Everyone gets their own cake! These pretty, citrus-infused treats taste as sweet and fresh as the new season. Get this mini lemon bundt cake recipe.

Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake

Lemon Mascarpone cheesecake with raspberries on top.Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Creamy, colourful and citrusy, this mascarpone cheesecake is a surefire summer hit. Add raspberries for a sweet, fruity finish. Get this no-bake lemon mascarpone cheesecake recipe. Get this lemon mascarpone cheesecake recipe.

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Lemon Poppyseed Icebox Shortbread Cookies

Lemon-poppyseed icebox shortbread cookie: Cookies with poppy seeds and lemon zest topped with an icing sugar and lemon glaze for a post on an easy Lemon-poppyseed icebox shortbread cookie recipePhoto, Sian Richards.

Zesty lemon and crunchy poppyseeds give a fresh twist on easy icebox cookies. Get this lemon shortbread cookie recipe.

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars in a blue and white enamel pan for a post on an easy Blueberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars with swirls recipe

Grab some blueberries at the market and bake a delicious dessert! The fresh berries, lemon and cream cheese make this the perfect East-coast inspired treat. Get this lemon cheesecake bar recipe.

Lemon-Glazed Butter Cookies

Lemon-Glazed Butter Cookies with several broken in two: Buttery cookies with a scalloped edges with a lemon and lemon zest icing sugar glaze for a post on an easy lemon-glazed butter cookies recipe

These crispy, buttery cookies get a double dose of lemon from the zest- and juice-infused glaze. Get this lemon butter cookie recipe.

Pink Lemonade Squares

Pink Lemonade Squares with lemon slices on top for an article about the 18 best dessert squares recipePhoto, Erik Putz.

These bright and zingy pink squares are perfect on their own, but they also make a colourful addition to any dessert plate or cookie box. Get this pink lemonade squares recipe.

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A Bright Spot: Our Spring 2026 issue features 12 colourful DIY decor hacks from guest editor Alexandra Gater. Plus, recipes for protein-packed breakfasts, cheese soufflé and a dreamy rhubarb cake.