14+ Delicious Lemon Desserts for Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy rich, comforting flavors, but have you ever thought about adding a zesty twist to your dessert table? Lemons bring a burst of freshness that can make your holiday treats unforgettable.
Rating: 4.9 (383 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
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Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that combines tangy lemon curd with a fluffy, sweet meringue topping. The contrast of the tart lemon filling against the sweet, light-as-air meringue creates a magical balance that makes this pie a favorite.
This pie starts with a crisp, buttery crust that acts as the perfect foundation. The lemon curd, made with fresh lemon juice and zest, sugar, and eggs, is cooked until thick and luscious. Once the pie is filled, it’s topped with a generous layer of meringue, whipped to stiff peaks and beautifully browned in the oven. This pie is special because it’s both nostalgic and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving gathering.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy and decadent with a citrus twist, Lemon Cheesecake Bars are just the thing. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, lemon-infused cheesecake layer.
The cheesecake filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and plenty of lemon juice and zest to give it that unmistakable zing. Baked until just set, these bars are then chilled to perfection. What makes these bars stand out is their ability to combine the richness of cheesecake with the brightness of lemon, resulting in a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing. They’re easy to make ahead and serve in bite-sized portions, which is always a plus during the busy holiday season.
Rating: 4.8 (72 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 35 min.
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Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a delightful treat that brings a pop of flavor and a bit of crunch to your dessert spread. This cake is moist and tender, loaded with lemon flavor and speckled with crunchy poppy seeds.
The batter is a simple mix of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk, with plenty of lemon juice and zest to give it that citrusy punch. Poppy seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and an interesting texture that makes each bite unique. Often topped with a lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of texture and tang. It’s a versatile dessert that’s as lovely with a cup of tea as it is after a big Thanksgiving meal.
A Lemon Tart is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, with its buttery crust and silky lemon filling. This dessert is all about showcasing the pure flavor of lemons, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
The tart begins with a shortcrust pastry that’s pre-baked until golden brown. The filling is a smooth mixture of eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest, cooked to a custard-like consistency. After baking, the tart is often dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. What makes a Lemon Tart so special is its ability to be both rich and refreshing, providing a perfect balance that’s sure to impress your guests.
Lemon Curd Parfaits are a delightful way to enjoy layers of flavor and texture in a single cup. These parfaits combine creamy lemon curd, crunchy granola, and whipped cream for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The lemon curd is made from scratch, with fresh lemon juice, sugar, butter, and eggs, cooked until thick and creamy. Each parfait is assembled by layering lemon curd with granola for crunch and whipped cream for lightness. These individual servings are not only visually appealing, but they also offer a refreshing end to your Thanksgiving feast. The contrast of textures and flavors makes each spoonful exciting and satisfying.
For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice. Fresh lemons provide a more vibrant and authentic taste that will make your desserts shine.
Balance Sweetness with Tartness
It’s important to find the right balance between sweet and tart flavors in lemon desserts. Taste as you go and adjust the sugar or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Chill Before Serving
Most lemon desserts benefit from chilling, which allows flavors to meld and textures to set perfectly. Be sure to plan ahead and give your desserts enough time in the fridge.
