What to Bake with a Bag of Lemons: 4 Recipes That Take Full Advantage of Citrus Season

Lemons are one of the most versatile ingredients in baking, adding brightness, acidity, and a touch of sweetness to desserts. If you have a bag of lemons and are wondering how to use them, these four delicious recipes make the most of citrus season. From classic treats to indulgent delights, these bakes will fill your kitchen with fresh, zesty flavors.

1. Classic Lemon Bars

These tangy, buttery bars are a timeless favorite, with a rich shortbread crust and a smooth lemon filling.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for 20-25 minutes, until set.
5. Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

2. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Soft, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in poppy seeds.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.

3. Glazed Lemon Pound Cake

A rich and buttery pound cake with a bright lemon glaze—perfect for tea time or dessert.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk and lemon juice. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.
5. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before drizzling with a glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

4. Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

These buttery cookies are filled with a sweet-tart lemon curd for the perfect bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Stir in flour and salt until the dough comes together.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indent in the center of each cookie.
5. Fill each indent with a small spoonful of lemon curd.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before serving.

With these four delicious recipes, you can make the most of your bag of lemons and enjoy bright, citrusy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re in the mood for something buttery, tart, or sweet, there’s a perfect lemony treat for every occasion!