10 Vegan Lemon Desserts Perfect for Summer
When it’s scorching outside, a cold glass of lemonade is arguably one of the best ways to cool down. But while this refreshing drink is a fantastic use for those lemons you have chilling in the fridge, it’s far from the only way to enjoy them. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, indulging in a zesty lemon dessert during the summer months is another good choice. Below, we’ve gathered 10 of our favorite vegan lemon recipes, light enough for the heat but indulgent enough for dessert.
What are the benefits of eating lemons in the summer?
Lemons are a tasty and nutritious treat all year round, but they really come into their own during the summer. They’re a particularly good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps keep skin healthy. This is especially important during the summer months when our skin is regularly exposed to the sun (here’s your reminder to wear sunscreen).
“Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES. “Vitamin C also helps your body make collagen for your skin, helps your body absorb iron, and supports your immune system.”
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Lemons are also a good source of other nutrients, including fiber, calcium, and magnesium, and they’re particularly rich in potassium. This is a big plus in the summer: potassium is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance, which can be disrupted by sweat.
10 vegan lemon desserts, perfect for summer
The best part about eating lemons in summer is their tangy, fresh flavor. If you can’t get enough of their citrusy goodness, check out some of our favorite ways to indulge in lemons below.
Hannah Kaminsky
1Vegan Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes With Lemon Glaze
These tasty mini lemon bundt cakes offer the best blend of tart and sweet flavors. Plus, they look totally adorable, too. Bake up a batch for your next event, or simply sit and indulge on your own (who says you need to share?).
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Deborah Gleason
2
Vegan Lemon Ube Cheesecake
When you think of cheesecake, purple yam is probably not the first ingredient that comes to mind. But this recipe will prove to you that just about every cheesecake you make from now on should include ube. The combination of the nutty purple tuber and zesty lemon is honestly hard to beat. And it looks amazing, too.
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Lauren Toyota
3
Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie Tarts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat for your next brunch, you’ve found it. These delightfully flaky mini lemon meringue pie tarts are an adorable dessert choice for any meal of the day.
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Bosh!
4
Vegan Lemon Drizzle Pound Cake
This lemon drizzle cake ticks all of the boxes. It’s ultra-moist, bright, zesty, and incredibly indulgent. Infused with a tangy homemade lemon syrup, it’s set to be a real crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
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Desiree Nielsen
5 Grain-Free Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Yep, it turns out, olive oil can be used in cake recipes, too, with delicious results. This unique and tasty grain-free dessert is light, sweet, and best enjoyed with an after-dinner coffee.
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Mary Callan
6
Summery Vegan Lemon Pudding
This summery vegan lemon pudding is a light and creamy post-dinner treat. Fresh lemon juice gives it a bright, zesty flavor, while a swirl of coconut whipped cream adds a touch of decadence, making it perfect for those warm, balmy evenings.
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Lianna Tarantin
7
Vegan Turmeric and Meyer Lemon Squares
With their super bright hue, these vibrant lemon squares look as good as they taste. Packed with natural ingredients, like coconut milk and three hits of zesty-sweet Meyer lemons, they’re super easy to make, too.
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Eat the Rainbow
8 Cheery Vegan Lemon Curd Coconut Tarts
If you’re having a bad day, these sweet and bright lemon curd coconut tarts are guaranteed to lift your spirits. They taste delicious, thanks to the ultra-tangy flavor, and they look super sweet, too. It’s a win-win.
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Hannah Kaminsky
9Creamy Vegan Coconut Lemon Curd
This creamy vegan coconut lemon curd is ideal for summer, as it offers a refreshing, bright, and tangy flavor that’s perfect for cooling down. For best results, pair it with various delicious treats like cupcakes and scones.
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Joanna Brown
10Lemon Cardamom Cream With Blackberries
When it comes to the perfect summertime dessert, this simple combination of lemon cardamom cream and blackberries is hard to beat. It’s light, yet still rich and decadent, and, of course, deliciously refreshing.
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Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
