43 Citrus Fruit Desserts to Brighten Up Your Day
March 2, 2021
We all know what to do when life gives us lemons, but what about when life gives you lime, grapefruits, oranges, or … kumquats? I have an idea: Make dessert! There are so many different types of citrus fruit out there with their own unique flavors, but they all share a certain mix of sweet, tart, and bright qualities, which are highlighted in this delicious dessert collection.
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I always think of citrus as a winter fruit, because that’s when we get the best and most interesting ones shipped up from the southern parts of North America. While the ground is frozen here, down there the climate is perfect for these pulpy fruits to thrive.
However, the bright and flavorful zests and juices of these fruits mean they work all year. Have you ever heard of someone turning down a lemon bar because of the weather? Yeah, me neither. Citrus treats are always a crowd pleaser. So find your new favorite, and spread that sweet and tart love around.

The Citrus Classics
It’s always a good idea to start with the old favorites, and when it comes to citrus there are a few you hear about over and over. Try these out for something nostalgic that will definitely hit the spot.

Lemon Bars
Slumber & Scones

Classic Key Lime Pie
Flavor the Moments

Lemon Meringue Pie
Shugary Sweets
Bite-Sized Citrus Treats
These handheld mini sweets, including bars, cupcakes, and more, are perfect for filling out your dessert bar, bringing to a picnic, or simply enjoying a small taste of something citrus.

Kumquat Cupcakes
Christina’s Cucina

Grapefruit Donuts
We Are Not Martha

Blood Orange & Semolina Cakes
Anna Banana

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
The Cooking Collective

Meyer Lemon Cream Puffs
Emily Fabulous

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins
Amy Casey Cooks

Coconut Clementine Mini Loaf Cakes
Veggie Inspired

Grapefruit Mini Bundt Cakes
My Kitchen Love
Citrus Fruit Cookies
One of my favorite treats to both make and eat, cookies are super versatile. They can range from soft and chewy to crunchy and snappy. From fancy macarons to homey shortbread. And everything is even better with citrus flavors.

Grapefruit Crinkle Cookies
We Are Not Martha

Lemon Macarons
House of Nash Eats

Blood Orange Shortbread Cookies
Tara’s Multicultural Table

Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
The Toasty Kitchen

Blood Orange Madeleines
Barley & Sage

Iced Orange Cookies
NeighborFood

Key Lime Cookies
Modern Meal Makeover

Honey Orange Macarons
Food Nouveau
What’s your favorite type of citrus? Whether you love lemon, lime, grapefruit, or even kumquat — there’s a dessert for that! Here are 43 to choose from.
Custard, Tarts and Pies
The tangy tartness of citrus fruit really lends itself to partnering with rich and creamy custard. With or without a flaky and buttery crust, the combination is a winner.

Grapefruit Pie
An Alli Event

Orange Panna Cotta
Cooking Journey Blog

Mandarin Orange Tart
Slumber & Scones

Blood Orange Creme Brulee
Happy Kitchen

Mini Lime Tartlets
Barth Bakery

Lemon Thyme Tarts
Twists and Zests

Candied Kumquat Tart
Barley & Sage

Creamsicle Pie
Sula and Spice
Showstopper Citrus Cakes
Layer, sheet, and loaf cakes are perfect for serving a crowd, plus they can make a gorgeous centerpiece for a dinner party. These selections vary in crumb and flavor, but they are all sweet and tangy.

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake
Spoonabilities

Blood Orange Pavlova
My Kitchen Love

Mascarpone Lemon Cheesecake
Mother Would Know

Kumquat Lavender Cake
Global Kitchen Travels

Hollywood Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake
Mission Food

Lemon Poke Cake
Lemon Blossoms

Grapefruit Ricotta Cake
Kristine’s Kitchen

Lemon on a Cloud
That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Frozen Citrus Treats
Don’t forget about the ice cream! That’s something you’d never have to say to me. In my house, ice cream is practically its own food group, and these sweet and tart frozen treats are sure to kick that craving.

Creamy Lemon Ice Cream
The Flavor Bender

Grapefruit and Blood Orange Popsicles
Keep Calm & Eat Ice Cream

Tangelo Granita with Kiwi
The Devil Wears Salad

Orange Lemon Lime Popsicles
Maple + Mango

Orange Creamsicles
Vegan Huggs

Lemon Sherbet
Scotch & Scones

Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Chenee Today

Blood Orange Margarita Sorbet
Beyond Mere Sustenance
Are you a citrus lover? If you weren’t a citrus fan before, I bet you will be after making your way through these gorgeous recipes. This is the perfect winter, spring, and summer dessert checklist. Which one are you most excited to try?
These all look so delicious! I don’t even know where to start with this great list – I want them all!
I want to try the grapefruit-flavored ones…they look so unique yet tasty!
I love citrus… I want all of these haha! The ones at the top of my list are the grapefruit mini bundt cakes, key lime pie, lemon ice cream, key lime pie ice cream, and basically everything blood orange!
Thanks for sharing, all of these look very yummy 🙂