17 Tart and Sweet Lemon Desserts for Summer Gatherings

Bright, tangy desserts always seem to bring a little extra sunshine to summer gatherings. This collection is packed with creamy and refreshing treats that balance sweet and citrusy flavors in every bite. There’s something here for every kind of celebration. Scroll through and find a few lemony favorites that will keep your dessert table feeling fresh and fun.

Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Citrus Layers

A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with whipped cream and lemon garnish on a white plate. — Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Extra Citrus Layers. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Creamy cheesecake gets a bold lemon upgrade with bright curd both inside and on top. Every bite lands rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced for a refreshing finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Cheesecake with Extra Citrus Layers

Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Bundt cake with creamy white frosting on a white plate, viewed from above. — Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Tangy Frosting. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Buttery pound cake meets a bright lemon kick and a smooth cream cheese topping. It bakes up soft and rich with just the right amount of citrus sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Tangy Frosting

No-Bake Lemon Lasagna with Whipped Cream

A slice of layered lemon dessert with a crumbly base, creamy middle, and yellow lemon layer on a white plate. — No-Bake Lemon Lasagna with Whipped Cream. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Layered cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, and tangy lemon pudding come together in a chilled dessert that feels light and refreshing. Each spoonful is cool, creamy, and perfect for warm days when turning on the oven is the last thing you want.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Lemon Lasagna with Whipped Cream

Bakery-Style Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Soft, moist cake is filled with bright lemon flavor and speckled with poppy seeds for a light crunch. It has that classic bakery-style texture that feels just right for sharing at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bakery-Style Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Homemade Lemon Sherbet

A scoop of creamy lemon ice cream in a glass bowl, garnished with lemon peel twists on top. — Homemade Lemon Sherbet. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Smooth, icy, and creamy at the same time, this citrus treat is refreshing from the very first bite. It’s a simple frozen dessert that brings a burst of lemon flavor to hot summer afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lemon Sherbet

Easy Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Lemon bars topped with powdered sugar, surrounded by fresh lemon slices on parchment paper. — Easy Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A buttery graham crust holds a silky lemon filling that’s both tart and sweet. Each square delivers a bright citrus punch with a soft, creamy finish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Soft centers and lightly crisp edges make these cookies a bright, citrusy treat worth baking on repeat. A powdered sugar coating creates those signature crackled tops that look as good as they taste.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Refreshing Lemon Popsicles

Simple ingredients turn into icy pops packed with pure lemon flavor. Each one is crisp, tart, and perfect for cooling down on a sunny day.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Lemon Popsicles

Lemon Gooey Butter Cake with Creamy Layers

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ll email it to you for later, and periodically send recipes and updates.

A soft, rich base and creamy lemon topping create a dessert that melts into every bite. It’s sweet, tangy, and wonderfully indulgent without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Gooey Butter Cake with Creamy Layers

Classic Lemon Icebox Pie with Graham Crust

A chilled filling sits inside a buttery crust for a dessert that’s cool, creamy, and refreshing. The lemon flavor stays bright and smooth from the first slice to the last.
Get the Recipe: Classic Lemon Icebox Pie with Graham Crust

Creamy Lemon Truffles with White Chocolate

White chocolate-covered cake balls piled on parchment paper, one with a bite showing a moist, orange interior. — Creamy Lemon Truffles with White Chocolate Coating. Photo credit: The Domestic Spoon.

Smooth citrus centers wrapped in white chocolate create a bite-sized treat that feels elegant and refreshing. They’re easy to prepare ahead and perfect for serving at summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Truffles with White Chocolate Coating

Easy Lemon Tiramisu with Citrus Layers

Glass dish with creamy lemon dessert topped with zest; a serving is being scooped out with a spatula. — Easy Lemon Tiramisu with Citrus Layers. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

Ladyfingers soaked in citrus flavor are layered with mascarpone cream for a light, no-bake twist on a classic dessert. Every bite tastes bright, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Tiramisu with Citrus Layers

Lemon Jello Poke Cake with Creamy Topping

Soft vanilla cake is infused with citrus flavor and topped with a fluffy, creamy layer. It’s a cheerful dessert that brings a burst of lemon in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Jello Poke Cake with Creamy Topping

Creamy Lemon Mousse with Lemon Curd

Light, airy mousse meets tangy lemon curd for a dessert that feels both rich and refreshing. Each spoonful melts smoothly with a bright citrus finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Mousse with Lemon Curd

Whole Lemon Blender Pie

Side angle of a slice of lemon pie with a bite missing. — Whole Lemon Blender Pie. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Blended whole lemons create a filling that’s bold, tangy, and surprisingly smooth. The sweet and tart balance makes every bite vibrant and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Whole Lemon Blender Pie Recipe

Lemon-Lime Icebox Pie with Saltine Crust

A tangy citrus filling sits over a salty, buttery crust for a cool and refreshing dessert. The combination of sweet, tart, and salty flavors makes it stand out at any summer table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Lime Icebox Pie with Saltine Crust

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes with Citrus Filling

Light cupcakes are filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with fluffy toasted meringue. They deliver all the charm of a classic pie in a fun, handheld form.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Cupcakes