14 Ways To Make More Than Just Lemonade When You Have Some Lemons

When life gives you lemons, you can absolutely do more than just make lemonade. From an old-fashioned icebox cake to lemon-infused cocktails and a savory lemon cream sauce, the options are seemingly endless for this zesty little citrus.

Sweet, tangy and fresh from the oven — does it get any better? These rolls are made with a store-bought lemon curd filling — which will help you save a ton of time — and some fresh lemon zest. The frosting is a simple but luxurious concoction made with powdered sugar, milk and fresh lemon juice. Not only do these smell like a pastry shop, but they look like they're from one, too. 

For the Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe, click here.

There are only a few things more classic than an iconic lemon meringue pie. The lemon curd filling and pillowy egg whites on top of a crumbly crust are absolutely decadent. The dessert is made even easier if you use a store-bought pie crust — but always use fresh lemons.  

For the Classic Lemon Meringue Pie recipe, click here.

Mug cakes can be elegant if you make them in cute teacups or mugs, just make sure they're microwave safe. This recipe calls mostly for pantry staples, and the addition of lemon juice and zest takes a traditional mug cake to the next level.

For the Lemon Mug Cake recipe, click here.

This cool, light, old-fashioned icebox cake is one of those nostalgic desserts we just can't get enough of. The recipe calls for gently tempering the egg yolks in a bowl set over a medium saucepan with an inch of water in it — but apart from that, it requires no cooking or baking. When covered with the lemon filling, the ladyfingers get cakey and soft and go perfectly with freshly whipped cream. 

For the Lemon Icebox Cake recipe, click here.

Pavlovas are a meringue dessert with a crisp exterior and soft, airy inside, usually topped with fruit and whipped cream. They're a great treat to make when you have a generous supply of eggs on hand. And though you can buy jarred lemon curd from the grocery store, simple sweets like these pavlovas are a great way to use fresh lemons.

For the Mini Pavlovas with Lemon Curd and Berries recipe, click here.

It's always good to have a sugar cookie recipe in your back pocket for rainy spring days or when you're just stuck at home. This one uses both fresh lemon juice and lemon extract for maximum punch. 

For the Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe, click here.  

These lemon bars are made using Meyer lemons, thought to be a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange. They're smaller, rounder and much sweeter, and these bars are a fantastic place to showcase them. The bright citrus filling and shortbread crust is lip-smacking good. 

For the Meyer Lemon Bars recipe, click here.

If you can't make it out to a fantastic cocktail bar or an amazing Mexican restaurant, homemade just might do. These puckery margaritas are made with equal parts freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice, triple sec and tequila. The edible flowers are optional, but who could resist? 

For the Meyer Lemon Margaritas recipe, click here.

Kombucha is a fizzy, sweet and sour drink made with tea and is said to have health benefits such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. This cocktail uses the fun flavors of ginger kombucha with whiskey and lemon for an effervescent and refreshing sip.

For the Kombucha Whiskey Ginger Smash recipe, click here.

These Maltese lemon-infused cookies are thin, crunchy and a little flaky. The slight hint of lemon pairs wonderfully with the lovely buttery texture.

For the Maltese Lemon-Infused Cookies recipe, click here.

Lemons don't have to be limited to desserts — they're just as delicious in savory pasta dishes. This vegetarian recipe from Noodles & Company is loaded with fresh veggies and topped with a silky lemon cream sauce. Use pre-made zoodles or make your own for a creative plate of plant-based goodness.

For the Noodles & Company's Zoodles and Asparagus with Lemon Cream Sauce recipe, click here. 

Give the best seafood shacks a run for their money. Lobster bakes are a seafood party filled with mussels, clams, scallops, corn on the cob, jumbo shrimp and lobster. This Legasea Lobster Bake is flavored with a zesty chili-garlic sauce and garnished with a generous amount of lemons. Be sure to serve this with crusty bread. 

For the Legasea Lobster Bake recipe, click here. 

This homemade ramen recipe uses pantry items like chicken stock and packages of instant ramen noodles, as well as fresh garlic and lemon. And you won't be needing the spice packet from the noodles as the flavors of leeks and garlic cooked in olive oil will round out the broth nicely. This lemon chicken ramen soup is hearty but not too heavy and works as a quick lunch to share with friends or as a family meal. 

For the Lemon Chicken Ramen Soup recipe, click here.

Dense and flaky, just as scones should be, these blueberry lemon ones are an absolute treat with your morning coffee or tea. The concentrated sweetness of the dried blueberries pairs wonderfully with the tangy zest of a whole lemon. To impress your friends and family for an afternoon bite, whip up these scones along with any of these best brunch recipes. 

For the Blueberry Lemon Scones recipe, click here. 

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