23 Citrus Dessert Recipes That Squeeze Out The Best In Desserts
Citrus desserts do something magical—bright, bold, and just the right amount of sweet, they somehow taste like sunshine. They cut through the richness of heavier treats, making them the perfect way to end a meal without feeling like you need a nap. Plus, they give you an excuse to use words like “luscious” and “vibrant” without sounding dramatic. From creamy to crunchy, there's a citrus dessert for every mood (and every craving). If you need a reason to grab some lemons, limes, or oranges, these citrus dessert recipes should do the trick.
Key Lime Icebox Cake
Key Lime Icebox Cake is what happens when summer refuses to leave. Layers of graham crackers, creamy lime filling, and fluffy whipped topping chill together until they become the dessert equivalent of a beach vacation—refreshing, tangy, and downright irresistible. A sprinkle of lime zest seals the deal.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Icebox Cake
Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Lemon Cheesecake Bars don’t mess around—sharp, creamy, and baked into perfect little squares, they’re basically cheesecake with a citrus attitude. The buttery crust holds up the rich, lemony filling like a champ, making them a must for anyone who thinks cheesecake is good but lemon cheesecake is better.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Lemon Ginger Bundt Cake
Lemon Ginger Bundt Cake is sweet, a little spicy, and definitely not boring. The candied ginger sneaks in just enough heat to keep things interesting, while the bright lemon flavor makes sure every bite tastes like sunshine. Plus, it looks fancy enough to impress without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ginger Bundt Cake
Lemon Bars
Lemon Bars prove that simple desserts can still be the main event. A buttery crust meets a bright lemon filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart. Best of all, they’re gluten-free, so no one gets left out of the citrusy fun.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars
Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes
Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes bring a little sunshine to dreary days. Light, fluffy, and packed with citrus flavor, these cupcakes don’t just taste like spring—they are spring, in cupcake form. A bite of these, and suddenly winter doesn’t seem so bad.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Lemon Cupcakes
Dairy-Free Key Lime Pie
Dairy-Free Key Lime Pie is proof that skipping dairy doesn’t mean skipping dessert. It’s still got the signature sweet-tart key lime filling and a golden crust, but without any of the dairy drama. That mile-high meringue on top? Just an added bonus.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Key Lime Pie
Lemon Cheesecake Cheese Ball
Lemon Cheesecake Cheese Ball is here to remind everyone that dessert doesn’t have to be serious. It’s rich, lemony cheesecake, but in a scoopable, cracker-friendly form. Whether it’s a party or just a Tuesday night, this one disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cheesecake Cheese Ball
Lavender Lemon Shortbread Bars
Lavender Lemon Shortbread Bars are equal parts fancy and fun. The buttery shortbread base gets a floral upgrade with lavender, while the lemon topping keeps things bright and citrusy. Bonus points if you add edible flowers on top—because why not?
Get the Recipe: Lavender Lemon Shortbread Bars
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Pie
No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Pie is here to save you from turning on the oven. Creamy, dreamy, and packed with citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that makes hot days a little more bearable. Just chill, slice, and dig in.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Pie
Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes are proof that poppy seeds and lemon were meant to be together. Light, fluffy, and packed with citrus flavor, these cupcakes are the kind of thing that disappears from the dessert table fast.
Get the Recipe: Moist Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes
Orange Bars
Orange Bars are basically lemon bars’ cooler cousin. The shortbread crust, bright orange layer, and dark chocolate curls on top make every bite a little sweet, a little tart, and totally addictive. If you haven’t tried citrus and chocolate together, now’s the time.
Get the Recipe: Orange Bars
Easy Lemon Posset Brûlée
Easy Lemon Posset Brûlée is like if pudding and crème brûlée had a citrusy love child. The creamy lemon filling is rich but light, and that crackly sugar top makes it feel way fancier than it actually is. No oven required, just a spoon and a little patience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Posset Brûlée
Lemon Tart
Lemon Tart keeps things classic with a crisp crust and a silky, citrus-packed filling. It’s the kind of dessert that looks like it took hours but actually comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for impressing guests—or just yourself.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Tart
No-Bake Elderflower Cheesecake with Lime
No-Bake Elderflower Cheesecake with Lime is what happens when cheesecake gets a floral upgrade. The buttery crust, creamy filling, and pop of lime make every bite feel like a summer afternoon. Plus, no oven means more time for important things—like eating cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Elderflower Cheesecake with Lime
Baby Bundt Cakes with Orange and Cardamom
Baby Bundt Cakes with Orange and Cardamom may be tiny, but they pack a serious flavor punch. Fresh orange juice keeps them bright, while cardamom brings in a little warmth. They’re basically the dessert version of a cozy, citrus-scented hug.
Get the Recipe: Baby Bundt Cakes with Orange and Cardamom
Lemon and Poppy Seed Cheesecake (No-Bake)
Lemon and Poppy Seed Cheesecake skips the oven but keeps all the flavor. The smooth, citrusy filling sits on a crisp biscuit base, and those little poppy seeds add just enough crunch to keep things interesting. No baking, no stress, just cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Poppy Seed Cheesecake (No-Bake)
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake with Greek Yogurt
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake with Greek Yogurt makes the most out of fresh raspberries and citrus. The tangy cheesecake filling, swirled with berries, lands somewhere between rich and refreshing. If you’ve got extra yogurt in the fridge, this is the best way to use it.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake with Greek Yogurt
Limoncello Lemon Gelato with Crème Fraîche
Limoncello Lemon Gelato with Crème Fraîche is creamy, citrusy, and the next best thing to a trip to Italy. The hint of limoncello gives it a little kick, while crème fraîche keeps it velvety smooth. One scoop is never enough.
Get the Recipe: Limoncello Lemon Gelato with Crème Fraîche
Easy Coconut Lime Ice Cream
Easy Coconut Lime Ice Cream is creamy, coconutty, and just the right amount of tart. Avocado sneaks in to make it extra smooth, but don’t worry—you won’t taste it. Dairy-free, vegan, and completely refreshing, it’s basically summer in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Easy Coconut Lime Ice Cream
Fresh Mandarin Orange Cake
Fresh Mandarin Orange Cake is all about making the most of this underrated citrus. With fresh orange juice, zest, and even candied slices on top, it’s loaded with real fruit flavor. It’s proof that oranges deserve just as much dessert love as lemons.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Mandarin Orange Cake
Baked Vegan Lemon Cheesecake with Meringue
Baked Vegan Lemon Cheesecake with Meringue brings all the creaminess without any dairy. A buttery cookie crust holds up the rich lemon filling, while the eggless meringue on top adds a little drama. It’s plant-based, but you’d never know.
Get the Recipe: Baked Vegan Lemon Cheesecake with Meringue
Easy Vegan No-Bake Orange Cheesecake
Easy Vegan No-Bake Orange Cheesecake keeps things simple but seriously flavorful. The orange creamsicle filling sits on a gingery cookie crust, and a tangy curd topping brings it all together. Best of all, no baking required.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan No-Bake Orange Cheesecake
Orange Flan (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
Orange Flan is what happens when classic flan gets a citrusy glow-up. Creamy, rich, and draped in homemade orange syrup, it’s got just the right balance of sweet and tangy. One spoonful, and suddenly you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Orange Flan (Flan de Queso con Naranja)
