Preserved Lemons are not common in sweets, but they add that irresistible complexity, mild saltiness, and a pleasantly refreshing zing to a dessert.
If you are looking to experiment with flavors and amp up your desserts game this season, then this list of sunny, deliciously unique desserts featuring Preserved Lemons might just be what you are looking for.
Lemon Bars
We’re not here to waste your time with a traditional lemon bar recipe. Let’s crank it up a notch with some preserved lemon fun(k)
Preserved. Lemon. Bars. Just imagine the umami-rich taste of Preserved Lemons in a lemon bar. It balances out the usual intense sweetness of the dessert. This recipe from Food52 by Rebecca Firkser is salty-sweet, well-balanced, and feels super special-occasion worthy. Need we say more!?!
(Photo by Nasim Lahbichi)
(Photo by Ty Mecham)
If the recipe above doesn’t convince you to use preserved lemons in lemon bars, try these Tangy Preserved Lemon Bars by Nasim Lahbichi. These bars are playful, zesty, and pleasantly sweet. We appreciate this recipe even more for it being a no-bake and vegan-friendly option. Hello, the perfect summer party treat!
Preserved Lemon Ice Cream
Is there anything better than ice cream on a hot summer day? This homemade Preserved Lemon Ice Cream by Yossy Arefi is unlike anything you would get from an ice cream truck around the corner. The unexpectedly sweet and sour notes perfectly balance out the sweetness of the creamy base. Arefi suggests serving it scooped with a drizzle of fruity olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt to garnish.
(Photo by Yossy Arefi)
Preserved Lemon Meringue Cake
(Photo by Alex Lau)
If Claire Saffitz, the dessert queen herself, uses (and loves) preserved lemons in her bakes, that means preserved lemons belong in desserts. Period. In her Preserved Lemon Meringue Cake, Claire incorporates preserved lemons directly into the cake batter. The end result is a perfectly lemony, slightly floral sponge that balances out the richness of sweet Italian Meringue. One of the comments states “Imagine eating a lemon candy droplet but in light cake form”, and we’re here for it
Preserved-Lemon Tea Cake
The Bon Appetit Preserved-Lemon Tea Cake by Zaynab Issa is oh, so lemony and bright! Instead of packing in tons of fresh fruit, Issa uses Preserved Lemons to bring out that powerful citrus flavor and a light touch of brininess. This tea cake is very easy to whip up but guaranteed to be a showstopper thanks to its irresistible flavors and sunny appearance.
(Photo by Emma Fishman)
Preserved Lemon Crinkle Cookies
(Photo by Mj Kroeger)
As if crinkle cookies couldn’t get any better, Jesse Szewczyk’s Preserved Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe from Food52 is a true game changer! The hack to elevating this classic treat is a subtle umami flavor that comes from, you guessed it, preserved lemons used in place of salt! Brilliant!
Preserved Lemon Poppyseed Labneh Cheesecake
This Preserved Lemon Poppyseed Labneh Cheesecake by Kathryn Pauline (creator of Cardamom and Tea) is like a sophisticated, fashion-forward sibling of the traditional cheesecake. Labneh, a thick, creamy strained yogurt, creates a light, fluffy texture and brings a slight tang to the dessert. Preserved lemons are fragrant and build up the lemony flavor in the most unexpected, but pleasant manner.
(Photo by Kathryn Pauline)
Preserved Lemon Pie
Who doesn’t love pie? It’s truly one of the most beloved sweet treats across the country. In his Preserved Lemon Pie recipe, Alex Testere from Taste adds a Middle Eastern flare to an American classic.
Preserved-Lemon Pudding with Basil Syrup
(Photo by John Kernick)
This Food & Wine Preserved-Lemon Pudding with Basil Syrup recipe by Justin Yu gets is rich, perfectly balanced with sweet & savory notes, and brightened up with layers of lemon flavors. Straightforward in preparation, this pudding is set (no pun intended) to awe your guests.
Strawberry & Preserved Lemon Lassi
This Strawberry & Preserved Lemon Lassi by Aimée of Simple Bytes is the best way to take advantage of strawberry season. Lassi is a traditional Indian-style yogurt-based drink popular across India. It’s thinner and lighter than a smoothie, a perfect refresher treat on a hot summer day. Making a Lassi is very easy, all you need is a high-speed blender and five minutes of your time. Traditionally, lassi is made with an addition of salt, but in this recipe, Preserved Lemons add that pleasant tangy, salty touch.
(Photo by Aimée Wimbush-Bourque)
PRESERVED LEMON COCKTAILS
(Photos by Maria Midoes)
Lemon Sting - Preserved Lemons & Rosemary Cocktail
The flavors of rosemary and preserved lemon in this cocktail are subtle & unique and they bring a whole new dimension to the world of cocktails.
Sunrise Ruby - Preserved Lemons & Grapefruit Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail marries two citrus flavors - lemons and grapefruits. We suggest making the syrup in advance so you can mix the ingredients together and enjoy the summery drink in no time. We can picture ourselves sipping on Sunrise Ruby somewhere on a rooftop on a summer Friday night.
(Photos by Maria Midoes)
(Photos by Maria Midoes)