Meyer Lemon Recipes! 3 Irresistible Desserts to Brighten Your Day

Meyer lemons, with their sweet and tangy flavor, bring a unique twist to desserts. These bright yellow fruits, often described as a cross between lemons and oranges, are perfect for creating sweet treats that feel indulgent yet refreshing.

If you’re looking for delicious ways to showcase Meyer lemons, here are three irresistible desserts that are sure to brighten your day.

1. Meyer Lemon Tart

A Classic with a Twist

The Meyer Lemon Tart is a timeless dessert that highlights the fruit’s natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. This tart features a buttery crust filled with a silky lemon custard, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth – Discover Irresistible Dessert Recipes!

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
  • ½ cup Meyer lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust:
    • Combine flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
    • Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Bake the crust:
    • Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden.
  3. Make the filling:
    • Whisk eggs, sugar, Meyer lemon zest, juice, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour into the pre-baked crust.
  4. Bake the tart:
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool before serving.

Serving Tip

Garnish with powdered sugar and a few thin slices of Meyer lemon for a picture-perfect finish.

2. Meyer Lemon Pound Cake

Moist, Tangy, and Perfectly Sweet

This Meyer Lemon Pound Cake is a delightful dessert or snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Its moist texture and citrusy glaze make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 3 Meyer lemons
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup Meyer lemon juice

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter:
    • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • In another bowl, mix sugar and Meyer lemon zest until fragrant. Add butter and beat until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and lemon juice. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
  2. Bake the cake:
    • Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Make the glaze:
    • Mix powdered sugar and Meyer lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Finish the cake:
    • Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top.

Serving Tip

Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch.

3. Meyer Lemon Bars

A Tangy Treat with a Buttery Crust

Meyer Lemon Bars are a dessert classic. They feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a bright and creamy lemon layer. The perfect combination of tart and sweet makes them hard to resist.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

For the Lemon Filling

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
  • ⅓ cup Meyer lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust:
    • Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into an 8x8-inch baking dish.
    • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  2. Make the filling:
    • Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, Meyer lemon zest, and juice until smooth. Pour over the pre-baked crust.
  3. Bake the bars:
    • Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool completely.
  4. Cut and serve:
    • Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Serving Tip

Chill the bars for an hour before serving for a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor.

Why Meyer Lemons Shine in Desserts

Unique Flavor Profile

Meyer lemons have a milder acidity compared to regular lemons, making them perfect for desserts that are bright but not overly tart. Their slight sweetness and floral aroma elevate even the simplest recipes.

Versatility in Baking

From cakes to tarts, Meyer lemons adapt beautifully to different textures and pairings. Their zest and juice add both flavor and aroma, creating desserts that are as delicious as they are fragrant.

A Natural Brightener

Meyer lemons bring a sunny, cheerful touch to any dish, making them ideal for lifting spirits and satisfying sweet cravings.

Tips for Working with Meyer Lemons

  1. Choose the Best Lemons
    Look for lemons with smooth, bright skin and a slight give when pressed. These are ripe and ready to use.
  2. Maximize Zest
    The zest contains aromatic oils that pack a punch of flavor. Use a microplane to grate only the outer yellow skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.
  3. Juice Efficiently
    Roll the lemons on a countertop before cutting to release more juice. Use a strainer to catch seeds while juicing.

Meyer lemons are a baker’s best friend, bringing their unique blend of sweetness and tang to every dessert they touch. Whether you’re a fan of tarts, cakes, or bars, these three recipes offer something for everyone.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to brighten your day with these irresistible Meyer lemon desserts. They’re sure to become staples in your kitchen and favorites at your table.

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person

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James Morgan

James is a kitchen enthusiast who enjoys preparing fresh, flavorful meals. He loves experimenting with seasonal ingredients and creating delicious dishes to share with his family. For him, cooking is more than a task; it’s a passion that connects him with others.

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