15 Bright, Fresh, Lemony, and Dairy-Free Desserts for Summer

Even though lemons are really in peak season during the winter, we tend to think about them as summer fruit. That’s probably because they are so bright and sunny that we can’t help but use them in so many of our favorite summer treats.

They are also good for our health. Lemons may taste acidic, but they are one of the most alkaline-forming foods we can put into our bodies. Lemons contain tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help with diabetes, digestion, and high blood pressure.

Not only are lemons great for our bodies, but they’re also great for our food. Lemons brighten up any dish you use them in, whether it’s sweet or savory. You can use every part of the lemon, including the juice and the peel so there’s no waste. For recipes, check out 24 Fresh Vegan Recipes for Lemon Lovers and When Life Hands You Lemons, Make These 30 Sweet and Savory Recipes. Then, try these 15 fresh, bright, and dairy-free desserts made with lemons!

1. Lemon Meringue Pie With Coconut Flour Crust

Lemon cream and fluffy meringue were just meant to be eaten together on a crumbly pie crust. The old-fashioned way of making meringue involves the use of egg whites, but this Lemon Meringue Pie With Coconut Flour Crust uses aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, instead. The results are amazing and the process of making this recipe is faster than your traditional lemon meringue pie — it’s done within 30 minutes.

2. Raw Strawberry Lemon Summer Cake

This Raw Strawberry Lemon Summer Cake makes a beautiful presentation and is super simple to make! Once you’ve formed a crust with cashews and coconut flakes, make the zesty lemon filling, freeze, and then top with “icing” and plenty of fresh strawberries. Decadent and delicious!

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3. Lemon Icebox Pie

Presenting, the perfect summer pie! This dairy-free creamy, dreamy Lemon Icebox Pie is made with a secret ingredient that you would never guess — and neither would anybody you serve it to. This pie can be served in two different ways. You can enjoy it straight from the refrigerator, where it’ll be light and creamy, or serve it from the freezer for a frozen treat that’s perfect for hot days.

4. Raw Raspberry Lemon Doughnut Holes

Doughnut holes are cute and fun and now they’re also easy. These Raw Raspberry Lemon Doughnut Holes come together quickly, so there’s no excuse not to make them. They are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and in a way, refreshing. Imagine yourself sitting out on the patio with some lemonade and these donut holes, just enjoying the fresh air. But if you don’t have a patio, eating them in the kitchen is just fine.

5. Lemon Tartlets With Oatmeal Cookie Crust

Lemon lovers rejoice! These little Lemon Tartlets With Oatmeal Cookie Crust are a hybrid between lemon bars and a chewy oatmeal cookie loaded with pecans and shredded coconut. Brilliant, lemony coconut cream is layered atop an oatmeal cookie crust. Sure to satisfy any lemon craving, these luxurious tartlets come in individual sizes, making them perfect for parties and so you don’t have to share.

6. Lemon Curd Tiramisu

This Lemon Curd Tiramisu is a lovely variation of the traditional Italian favorite. This cake still has coffee, chocolate, and a creamy topping, but instead of ladyfingers, it’s lemon cake! Topped with lemon curd as well, this is a refreshing version that’s perfect for summer.

7. Lemon, Coconut, and Vanilla Tart

This Lemon, Vanilla, and Coconut Tart is simple, so it’s a good place to start if you’re new to raw desserts. Its creamy, yet zesty filling is a crowd-pleaser every time! Made with coconut, dates, lemons, and nuts, this is a healthy dessert you can feel good about eating.

8. Raw Chocolate Lemon Doughnuts

Throw away all of your preconceived notions about doughnuts and get ready to see them in a whole new light! This recipe for Raw Chocolate Lemon Doughnuts proves that healthy doughnuts not only exist, but they are also delicious. These are made with buckwheat and oat flour, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a raw, creamy, and lemony frosting. There are even a few hidden ingredients thrown in! Yum.

9. Lemon Curd

Full flavored, refreshing, and cooling, with just the right consistency. There are so many reasons to be obsessed with a good Lemon Curd. Not only is this recipe delicious but it is super easy to make, raw, and gluten-free. Enjoy this pudding-like dessert with fruits, in tiny granola cups, or on its own!

10. No-Bake Lemon Tart

Citrusy and light, this No-Bake Lemon Tart is the ideal dessert for those hot summer days when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. A creamy lemon filling is poured into a buckwheat-based crust and then put in the freezer to set. This recipe requires no actual baking so you’re free to set everything up and then go about your day as it turns into a delicious dessert in your freezer.

11. Lemon Bundt Cake

This moist and rich Lemon Bundt Cake has a delicate lemon flavor with a tangy lemon glaze. If you don’t have all that much time, this cake is still delicious with a generous amount of powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Serve cooled or warm for melty icing.

12. Raw Lemon Cheesecake

This delicious Raw Lemon Cheesecake is super easy to make, contains wholesome ingredients, and is only sweetened with a bit of maple syrup. Set on a base of buckwheat, coconut, almonds, and dates, the lemony cashew cream topping is creamy and decadent. Decorate with fruits or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

13. Rhubarb and Lemon Ice Cream

Sharp and creamy, this Rhubarb and Lemon Ice Cream is a refreshing treat that makes the most of your seasonal produce. You’ve probably tried or at least heard of rhubarb pie before, but it turns out that rhubarb is good for more than just baked goods. This ice cream is tangy, and creamy, and has a distinct sharpness from fresh rhubarb. Serve it topped with lemon zest and fresh berries.

14. Raspberry Lemon and Coconut Cheesecake

This Raspberry Lemon and Coconut Cheesecake is perfect for any occasion. It starts with a crumbly oat and coconut base that’s topped with a layer of creamy coconut cashew cheesecake filling, topped with a pastel pink raspberry layer. The second layer has frozen raspberries mixed in so there are little bursts of chilled, tart berries within. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, shredded coconut, and raspberries, and serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

15. Pink Lemonade Cheesecake

This Pink Lemonade Cheesecake is the ultimate cheesecake for summer. It has notes of coconut and tart lemon and each slice is a single-serving size, so it’s perfect for parties! They’re low in sugar and have a light, whipped texture, so even when the weather is warm, you can enjoy a slice of cheesecake and not feel weighed down.

As bright as the sun, lemons add happiness and a bit of sunshine to every dish. These tart fruits make everything sweeter.

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