12 Irresistible Lemon Recipes

Every year, when lemon season arrives, I find myself drowning in a sea of bright yellow fruit. My neighbor, who refuses to pick or reduce his lemon tree, oblivious turns my backyard into a citrus overload. At first, I thought lemonade would be the solution, but after squeezing countless lemons and barely making a dent, I realized I needed more creative lemon recipes to use them. I turned to the internet, hoping for inspiration, and soon countless suggestions showed up.

From lemon bars to lemon bread, the possibilities were endless. Someone suggested freezing lemon juice in ice cube trays for easy access throughout the year. Another person mentioned making limoncello, as long as the skins were untreated. Then came the savory options—lemon fish, black lemon chicken, and lemon risotto. Even better, I discovered that zesting the lemons before juicing and freezing the zest in wax paper packets would allow me to enjoy the bright, tangy flavor in future recipes. Some other lemon hoarders shared their recipe for marmalade, which they make with unique flavors like lemon-ginger and lemon-raspberry.

Armed with all these ideas, I turned my overwhelming citrus supply into an opportunity rather than a burden. I made batch after batch of lemon curd, perfect for spreading on toast or filling tarts. I made poppy seed muffins and lemon scones, which I gave to friends and neighbors who enjoyed the homemade and fresh touch of mine. And to make sure that I would always have fresh lemon flavor, I juiced and frozen the lemons just in case for any occasions when I only wanted a quick recipe to use. Finally, I was now surrounded by mouthwatering lemon recipes.

12. Lemon Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and lemon juice.
3. Stir in flour and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar.
5. Layer batter and cream cheese mix in the dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then cool and serve.

11. Lemon Recipes: Homemade Lemon Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Mix in lemon juice and zest.
4. Spread or pipe onto cakes and cupcakes.

Here are the ingredients and directions for each of the lemon-inspired recipes:

10. Lemon Recipes: One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Stir in rice, then pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Place chicken back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

9. Lemon Recipes: Best Lemon Meringue Pie

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or pie crust)
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups water
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crust ingredients, press into a pie dish, and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
2. In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, flour, and water over medium heat. Cook until thickened, then stir in egg yolks, lemon juice, zest, and butter. Pour into crust.
3. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread over pie.
4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until meringue is golden brown. Cool before slicing.

8. Lemon Recipes: Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and garlic powder.
3. Whisk egg and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
4. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then coat in flour mixture.
5. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

7. Lemon Recipes: Trader Joe’s Lemon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve.

6. Lemon Recipes: No Bake Lemon Truffle Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Directions:

1. Melt white chocolate with heavy cream until smooth.
2. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then chill until firm.
3. Scoop and roll into balls, then coat in crushed graham crackers or powdered sugar.
4. Refrigerate before serving.

5. Lemon Recipes: Lemon Meringue Bites

Ingredients:

• 12 mini tart shells
• ½ cup lemon curd
• 2 egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ cup sugar

Directions:

1. Fill tart shells with lemon curd.
2. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Pipe meringue onto each tart.
4. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.

4. Lemon Recipes: Lemon Pudding Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 box instant lemon pudding mix
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin.
2. Beat cake mix, pudding, milk, oil, eggs, and zest until smooth.
3. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
4. Cool and top with frosting.

3. Lemon Recipes: Lemon Cobbler Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in a baking dish.
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Pour over melted butter. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

2. Lemon Recipes: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Sear salmon in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove.
2. In the same pan, sauté garlic. Add orzo, broth, lemon juice, zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer until orzo is tender.
4. Return salmon to the pan, garnish, and serve.

1. Lemon Recipes: Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pot, sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add rice, stirring until coated.
3. Pour in broth, lemon juice, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

2. How do I store lemon desserts?

Most can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make lemon recipes gluten-free?

Yes, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.

4. How do I enhance lemon flavor?

Use both lemon zest and juice for a stronger citrus punch.

5. Can I freeze lemon desserts?

Yes, most can be frozen for up to 3 months.

6. What pairs well with lemon dishes?

Berries, vanilla, honey, and herbs like thyme complement lemon well.

Conclusion

Bright, zesty, and flavorful, these lemon recipes are a must-try! From refreshing desserts to savory dishes, lemons add the perfect citrusy touch. Try one today and enjoy the fresh, tangy goodness of lemon!