Sweet Citrus Desserts

January 28, 2013

A little bit of tartness does wonders to brighten the flavor of a sugary treat—it's no wonder so many beloved desserts feature lemons, limes, oranges, and other citrus fruits. From orange-scented olive oil cake to creamy key lime pie, here are our favorite desserts featuring citrus.

See the RecipeChristopher Hirsheimer
See the RecipeChristopher Hirsheimer

Confit of Oranges filled with Orange Sorbet

While visiting New York City's Gramercy Tavern, pastry chef Claudia Fleming garnished this dessert with the cinnamon stick and star anise used to poach the oranges; she also drizzles the plate with a bit of creme fraiche. See the Confit of Oranges filled with Orange Sorbet recipe »Christopher Hirsheimer

Candied Orange Peels

Bitter citrus rinds are transformed into a candy-sweet, chocolate-dipped confection.Christopher Hirsheimer
See the RecipeChristopher Hirsheimer

Melon Sorbet with Lemon Granita

Chef Jair Tellez of Laja restaurant made us this sorbet with charentais melons grown at Mogor-Badan.Livia Corona
The Best Damn Meyer Lemon Cake

The Best Damn Meyer Lemon Cake

Lemon extract, juice, and zest permeate a rich and moist loaf to create what really is is the best damn lemon cake we've ever had.André Baranowski

Grapefruit Cake

This citrus-spiked sheet cake is a Texas potluck favorite. **See the Recipe for Grapefruit Cake »**André Baranowski
Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake

Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake

A heady mixture of olive oil and preserved oranges flavors this moist, dense Sicilian dessert.André Baranowski

Orange Cake (Portokalopita)

Chopped phyllo dough gives this orange-scented custard cake from Crete its layered texture. See the recipe for Orange Cake (Portokalopita) » Penny De Los Santos
Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie

Tart, refreshing key lime pie topped with a layer of chilled whipped cream is a summer classic.Todd Coleman
Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie

This creamy lemon pie with homemade candied lemon peel is a delicious frozen treat.Anna Stockwell
Lemon Icebox Pie

Lemon Icebox Pie

A back-of-the-box recipe for lemon icebox pie gets a gourmet upgrade with real whipped cream, lemon simple syrup, vanilla shortbread, and homemade candied lemon peel scattered over the top—it's a lovely dessert for a special occasion.Todd Coleman
Sweet Orange Buns

Sweet Orange Buns

Home cook Linda Worsley gave us the recipe for these luscious buns filled with fragrant orange-flavored butter.Todd Coleman
Lemon Layer Cake

Lemon Layer Cake

Lemon infuses this layered masterpiece in three ways: zested into the batter, in a tart syrup that get drizzled over the cakes, and in a thick lemon curd frosting.Todd Coleman
Corsican Lemon Mousse

Corsican Lemon Mousse

This rich, silky mousse brightened with tangy lemons makes an elegant end to a meal.Todd Coleman
Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a light, brightly-flavored dessert, best served with a sprinkling of confectioners' sugar.Noah Fecks
Grapefruit and Campari Granita

Grapefruit and Campari Granita

Ruby Red grapefruit juice and Campari are a refreshingly bittersweet combination.Laura Sant
Lemon Curd Layer Cake

Lemon Curd Layer Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream

Silken white chocolate buttercream frosts a tender yellow cake layered with rich lemon curd in this recipe from the restaurant Rye KC in Leawood, Kansas.Todd Coleman
Coconut Lime Custard Pie

Coconut Lime Custard Pie

This cream-topped pie is filled with a thick coconut milk custard that perfectly complements the zip of fresh lime juice and grated zest. Get the recipe for Coconut Lime Custard Pie »Andrew Ingalls
Blintz Soufflée
See the RecipeHelen Rosner
Lime Bars

Lime Bars

A light dusting of confectioners' sugar tempers the intense lime pucker of these creamy bars.Helen Rosner
Chile-Lime Macaroons

Chile-Lime Macaroons

These lightly spicy coconut cookies are somewhere between a classic American macaroon and a Mexican street snack.Helen Rosner

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