Over the years, I’ve experimented with lemon curd recipes to figure out how to make the best, smoothest, tangiest curd at home. Once I mastered the technique, a whole world of lemon curd possibilities opened up to me! I’ve used it as filling for tarts, sandwiches between cake layers stirred into trifle – you name it.
In this post, I’m bringing you a collection of my tried-and-true lemon curd desserts that I make over and over again each spring and summer.
So get ready to pucker up and get your lemon on, friends. With these recipes, you’ll be able to infuse any baked good with a bright, zesty lemon flavor. Let me know which lemon curd desserts end up being your favorites! Now grab some fresh lemons and let’s get cooking.
Homemade Lemon Curd
This stuff requires just five simple ingredients that I pretty much always have on hand – lemons, sugar, eggs, butter, and flour. That’s it! The instructions are super clear and easy enough that even I could whip it up, and I’m a total disaster in the kitchen. But the best part is how tangy and creamy this lemon curd turns out – it’s like sunshine in a jar!
I can already think of a million ways to use it. Slather it on toast, fill up some tarts, or just eat it straight off the spoon (guilty as charged). It’s so delicious and way easier to make than you’d think. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe out ASAP! You can thank me later.
Lemon Mousse
The key to this recipe is adding fresh whipped cream to get that airy, melty texture. Then a combo of lemon juice and zest makes it taste SO bright and tangy – I’m talking refreshing lemon explosion in your mouth! Genius tip: adding just a bit of gelatin ensures it sets up smooth and creamy, not runny.
The end result? A mousse so silky, so delightfully lemony, it practically floats off your spoon. This recipe is crazy easy and makes such an impressive dessert to serve at parties or Sunday dinners. I’m already dreaming up ways to jazz it up with berries or ladyfingers. But it’s honestly perfect on its own. I just can’t get enough of this sweet-tart lemon cloud!
Strawberry Shortcake & Lemon Curd Parfaits
When I saw they layered juicy fresh strawberries, tangy homemade lemon curd, and tender shortcake pieces, I knew this was gonna be good. That first sweet and citrusy bite proved me right! The combo of those sweet strawberries, that bright lemony curd, and the soft shortcake pieces is sheer perfection. They provide handy tips to make the shortcake ahead of time, so putting these beauties together is a piece of cake before your next picnic or barbecue.
I’m telling you, taking one look at these gorgeous parfaits with their pretty pink and yellow layers will absolutely dazzle your guests. But not as much as that very first flavorful bite. This recipe finds that ideal balance of sweet fruit and tart curd that makes your tastebuds do a happy dance.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits in a Jar
They layer juicy chopped strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and crumbly shortcakes in little mason jars. Those sweet strawberries and creamy whipped cream played so nicely with the crunchy shortcake pieces in every single bite.
Each cute jar was the perfect little serving size too, making this recipe perfect for bridal showers, picnics, or even a weekend treat for your family. I’m telling you, your guests will flip for these mini mason jar masterpieces! The flavors absolutely nail that classic strawberry shortcake taste, but the make-ahead jars add a fun, modern twist.
Mini Lemon Meringue Pies
I just found the cutest mini lemon meringue pie recipe that’s about to become your new fave! It makes adorable little hand-held versions with a tangy homemade lemon curd filling that packs the perfect tart punch. And that fluffy meringue top? Sweet, crisp, absolute perfection. Put ’em together and your tastebuds do a happy dance! These mini pies kill it on both flavor and presentation
The handheld size makes them super fun to just grab and go. And did I mention how ridiculously cute they are?! With that smooth lemony filling and big puffy meringue top in a mini crust, they’re almost too adorable to eat. Almost. Because the taste will blow you away!
Lemon Curd Tartlets
That smooth, velvety lemon curd filling with just the right tangy zing is tucked into the cutest little flaky, golden tart shells. You can customize them however you want! I’m talking a sprinkle of berries, a dusting of powdered sugar – the options are limitless.
The recipe has super helpful tips for getting that crispy tart shell just right and whipping up the dreamiest lemon curd. Trust me, these are stupid easy but look and taste like you worked for hours!
Berry Tart With Lemon Curd Mascarpone
I just found the most amazing summer berry tart recipe on FoodieCrush and you need it in your life! Picture this: a flaky, golden buttery tart crust filled with tangy lemon curd swirled together with rich, creamy mascarpone cheese. THEN topped with vibrant fresh berries for the ultimate pop of sweetness and color. Umm, YES PLEASE!
This combo of bright citrus and luscious cream cheese is absolute heaven. And that fresh berry topping not only looks gorgeous but gives you a nice sweet kiss in every bite! The tips to make the lemon curd ahead make putting this stunning tart together a breeze. I’m telling you, your dinner guests will flip when you bring this beauty to the table! The eye-catching colors and combo of flavors make it the ultimate summer dessert.
Red, White, and Blue Dessert: Grain-Free Berry Fruit Tart
We’re talking a flaky, buttery crust filled with sweet mascarpone cream cheese that’s topped with juicy red raspberries, plump blueberries, and white strawberry slices. Not only is it crazy easy to throw together, but that fresh berry topping looks SO festive and vibrant on your dessert table.
And don’t even get me started on the flavors – absolute perfection! Sweet, tart, and fresh berries on that creamy cheese filling. Make sure to chill it up well before slicing so you get picture-perfect pieces of patrioticness.
Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Buttercream
The secret’s adding yogurt to the batter for ultimate fluffiness. And the fresh lemon flavor shines through in every single bite! Plus, they top it with a tangy, smooth-as-silk lemon glaze that takes it over the top.
This recipe’s got great tips for making sure your cake stays nice and moist, and that lemony glaze comes out glossy perfection. I’m telling you, this bright and zesty cake just screams summer. Citrusy flavor and fluffy crumb make for an irresistible combo. I can already see this becoming my most requested cake.
Lemon Cupcakes
These fluffy cupcakes are moist as can be, and you get that puckery lemon taste bursting right through in the best way. And that frosting? Talk about the bee’s knees!
It’s silky smooth and just tangy enough to have you going back for more. The trick is getting that texture just right and baking ’em up to golden perfection. these lemon cupcakes are the berries! Take ’em to a picnic or church social and you’ll be the talk of the town.
Vanilla Cupcakes Stuffed with Lemon Curd
Now usually I like my cupcakes simple, but these lemon curd-stuffed beauties have gone and changed my tune. Just when you think it’s a regular ol’ cupcake, bam – you get that tangy, irresistible burst of lemon curd in the middle. It adds the most delightful surprise fruity twist.
The combo of that smooth frosting and zesty filling means each bite has me grinning from ear to ear. Bring a batch to a picnic or party and be prepared for the compliments and recipe requests to come rolling in.
Easy Lemon Mug Cake Recipe
Just a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand are all you need to whip up this cake in a mug. A touch of flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, oil, and lemon juice and zest are combined right in your favorite mug. After a short microwave bake, you’ll have a warm, fluffy, moist cake bursting with bright lemon flavor.
The beauty of this mug cake is that it’s ready in the time it takes your tea kettle to boil or coffee maker to brew. Talk about a speedy solution for any lemon lover! The recipe is endlessly adaptable too – try swapping in other citrus fruits or mix-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips.
Almond Cake with Lemon Curd, Ricotta and Berries
With each slice, that smooth and creamy curd provides the most decadent surprise. It balances so perfectly with the light and fluffy cake layers. Every morsel is bursting with bright, fresh lemon flavor that made my tastebuds sing! The hint of vanilla in the cake layers enhances the citrus notes beautifully.
And don’t even get me started on the luscious lemon frosting bringing it all together. Absolute heaven! I’m already dreaming up ways to customize this cake with different citrus curds or cake flavors. But the classic lemon version will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s the ultimate treat for any lemon lover like myself!
Mini Lemon Tarts with Shortbread Crust
It has the most delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that make everyone beg for more. The individual mini tart size makes them so easy to pop in your mouth for a burst of sunshine.
When I pulled the first tart from the oven, the incredible Meyer lemon aroma filled my kitchen instantly. I wanted to dive in right away! The silky smooth custard filling is luxuriously lemony without being too puckering. Absolute perfection in my book.
Cream Cheese Filled-Lemon Biscuits
When I first baked up these beauties, the kitchen instantly filled with the mouthwatering aroma of warm biscuits and lemon zest. I could hardly keep from sneaking one straight out of the oven! The texture of these fork biscuits is so unique – the tops are crunchy and cracked, while the insides stay deliciously soft and crumbly.
Each buttery, tender bite has the most subtle and perfect kiss of lemon. The hint of citrus keeps these biscuits feeling light and refreshing, even with the addictive richness from the butter. Trust me, they are impossible to eat just one!
Lemon Oreo Ice Cream
This recipe blends the best of both worlds: velvety lemon ice cream swirled with crushed Oreos for texture and chocolatey goodness. I’m obsessed!
As soon as my ice cream maker finished churning, I dove right into this bowl of sunshine. The lemon ice cream base has the most perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that made me go back for spoonful after spoonful. And let me tell you, the crushed Oreos mixed throughout take this treat over the top!
No-Churn Lemon Shortbread Ice Cream
This brilliant recipe from Delish combines two of my favorite flavors, tangy Meyer lemon and buttery shortbread, to make the creamiest, dreamiest ice cream ever. When I first whipped up a batch, I was so pleased to find how easy it was to make, with no special equipment required.
Simply whisk together the lemon-spiked custard base, pour it into a loaf pan, and stick it in the freezer. The hands-off method is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. After a few hours of chilling, I was rewarded with the most vibrant, lemony ice cream studded with bites of buttery shortbread.
Easy Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream
As soon as my ice cream maker finished working its magic, I couldn’t resist sneaking a sample. The texture was so perfectly smooth and velvety. And the taste? A flawless blend of bright lemon and indulgent cheesecake in each bite.
The tangy lemon custard base provides the most refreshing flavor that dances on your tastebuds. Then comes the sweet and creamy cheesecake swirl, with just a hint of graham cracker crumble to really round it out. Simply dreamy!
Lemon Ricotta Crêpes with Raspberry Sauce
When I first whipped up a batch of these crepes, I was so pleased by how easy the batter came together. With just basic pantry ingredients, I was flipping crepes in no time! Once cooled, I filled them with the ricotta mixture spiked with lemon zest and a touch of sugar.
The tangy and creamy filling paired with the soft, delicate crepes was incredible! I loved the variety of textures in each bite. And when topped with the sweet, juicy raspberry sauce? Utter perfection! It added just the right fruity pop.
Lemon Curd Yogurt Parfaits (Starbucks Copycat)
As soon as I drizzled that vibrant yellow lemon curd over the vanilla yogurt, I knew this combination was a winner. Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the smooth and creamy yogurt, tart and rich curd, and toasty oat granola. Yum!
The recipe features pro tips for layering the ingredients just right so every bite captures all the components. And don’t get me started on the fun mix-in ideas like fresh berries or toasted coconut! Endless ways to customize for a special morning treat.
Mini Lemon Curd Pavlovas
These heavenly Lemon Meringue Trifles! With their layers of shatteringly crisp meringue, vibrant lemon curd, and billowy whipped cream, every spoonful is citrus bliss. I’ll admit, I was intimidated by making my own meringue shells at first. But with a few simple tips, I churned out a batch of the most beautifully airy shells that held their shape perfectly.
Layering them with the luscious lemon curd and freshly whipped cream felt like assembling edible art! The variety of flavors and textures in every bite was sheer perfection – the tart and silky curd, light and toasty meringue, and sweet fluffy cream
Lemon Lavender Scones
The lemon zest baked right into the dough provides the most tantalizing pop of tart citrus. It pairs so perfectly with the subtle perfume of dried lavender sprinkled on top. I’m obsessed with the delightful flavors and textures in every crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Drizzling the scones with a sweet lemon glaze takes them over the top. The glistening sheen makes them look worthy of a bakery window! I love nibbling on these for an afternoon tea break or packing them in lunches for an extra special touch.
Creamy Lemon Curd Fruit Dip
The luscious lemon curd adds the most irresistible flavor and creaminess with just the right balance of sweet and tart. It clings perfectly to every juicy bite! The texture of this dip is so smooth and velvety, that it seems indulgent. But the zesty lemon cuts through any richness. I loved experimenting with all kinds of fruits like melon, peach slices, and berries.
They all shine when paired with this bright dip! Having a bowl of this Creamy Lemon Curd Fruit Dip in the fridge makes healthy snacking so much more exciting. It adds that special zing in seconds to take any fruit platter up a notch!
Lemon Curd and Coconut Marshmallows
The dreamy fluffiness of marshmallows dancing harmoniously with the zesty embrace of lemon curd. Oh, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, each morsel is lovingly rolled in shredded coconut, whisking your taste buds off to a tropical paradise with every bite.
The contrasting textures and flavors are truly a match made in dessert heaven. If you’re on the hunt for something both delightful and unique. The recipe also includes helpful tips for making homemade marshmallows and achieving the perfect consistency.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
I’m so excited to share this delightful recipe I discovered on Baker’s Table for soft, chewy cookies bursting with bright lemon flavor. The genius crinkle technique gives them such a fun, whimsical look too. Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the cutest cracked surface when they come out of the oven. Make sure to check out the tips in the recipe for getting the perfect crinkle effect.
The lemon zest and juice provide a wonderful fresh lemon taste without being overly powerful. These cookies have the ideal balance of sweet and tart. I think the touch of cornstarch also helps give them an irresistible, soft texture.
Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
This classic recipe blends the most irresistible combo of bright, citrusy lemon curd filling with billowy sweet meringue. Every forkful is pure lemon bliss. I love how the flaky, buttery crust provides the perfect base for the smooth and luscious lemon filling.
The recipe has great tips for getting that filling just right – velvety yet thick enough to hold the meringue topping. And let’s talk meringue! This pie has the most gorgeous, fluffy meringue that towers over the filling. The recipe includes some helpful pointers for getting the meringue just sweet enough without weeping.
Tarte Au Citron
Every bite delivers the most beautiful contrast of sweet, tart, creamy, and crisp textures. The buttery, crisp crust provides the perfect foundation for the rich lemon filling. The recipe includes great tips for getting that curd just right – bright and citrusy without being too harsh. T
he towering meringue on this beauty completely steals the show! It’s so easy to create using the recipe’s helpful pointers. I love how it turns a gorgeous golden brown after baking.
Super Easy Lemon Bars
The buttery, crisp crust bakes up just beautifully and provides the perfect base for the tart and creamy lemon layer. The filling has the most amazing balance of sweet and tart flavors that literally melts in your mouth.
The recipe includes some great pointers for getting the textures just right too. You want the crust perfectly golden without over-baking and the filling set but not stiff.
Citrus Butter Cookies
The medley of citrus zests gives these classic butter cookies the most delicious tropical twist. You get hits of sweet orange, tart lemon, and lime that perfectly balance out the rich and buttery cookie base.
Baking up a batch fills your kitchen with the most incredible, fresh citrusy aroma too! The recipe includes great tips for getting that citrus flavor just right without overwhelming the cookies.
The texture of these is so dreamy as well – melt-in-your-mouth tender with a subtle crunch from the sugar coating. They are such a lovely treat with tea or as a fun dessert.
Triple Lemon Cupcakes
I love having these on hand to brighten up potlucks, office treats, or springtime backyard gatherings. The lemony flavor always puts a smile on everyone’s face! Let me know if you give these a whirl. I just know you’ll be hooked and want to make them on repeat once you try that intense lemon explosion in each cute cupcake.
The recipe is super easy to throw together too – no complicated techniques needed. And the baking tips ensure you get perfectly golden, bouncy cupcakes every time.
Lemon Zucchini Coffee Cake
I love how the recipe gives great tips for grating and draining the zucchini so it blends into the batter seamlessly, keeping the cake light and fluffy. And the streusel topping adds such a delicious crunch.
The combo of bright, tangy lemon and ultra-moist zucchini gives this cake an incredible flavor that’s hard to resist. Each soft, tender bite has me hooked! The lemon and veggies balance out the sweetness perfectly.
Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls
The recipe has some great tips for getting the dough just right and evenly mixing in the blueberries too. And rolling up the dough with the fruit and cinnamon inside before baking gives you a swirl of goodness in each roll!
As soon as you take a bite, your tastebuds get zapped with the most amazing blend of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors. The soft dough pairs so nicely with the gooey lemon glaze for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Creamy Lemon Squares
Their smooth and creamy lemon filling is absolute heaven in each bite. As soon as I sank my teeth into one of these beauties, I was amazed at how perfectly balanced the sweet and tart lemon flavors were. The texture is so velvety and rich too – not too dense or stiff at all.
And we can’t forget the delightful crumbly shortbread crust that provides the ultimate buttery crunch contrast! The recipe has great tips for getting it lightly golden brown without drying it out.
Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes
I can’t get enough of these vibrant summertime cupcakes. They’re my new go-to for outdoor parties and potlucks! Let me know if you give this recipe a whirl – I think you’ll be hooked just like me on these lemony blueberry treats. The perfect combo for welcoming warmer weather!
But the creamy, lemon-packed frosting truly takes these cute cakes over the top! It adds the most perfect tangy-sweet complement to the blueberry flavor.
Lemon Cheesecake Crepes
These lemon cheesecake crepes from Sugar and Soul are about to take your dessert game to a whole new level! With each delicate bite, you get the ultimate medley of bright citrus and rich, creamy cheesecake flavors.
Putting these stunning crepes together is so much easier than you’d think. And you can totally impress your dinner party guests with your fancy French dessert skills!
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