Winter’s gray skies can get you down, but in-season citrus reminds us all that there’s hope for sunnier days ahead. While we’d never turn away from a citrus-inspired dinner recipe or using lemons to clean the house, Meyer lemons in particular pair well with the, ahem, sweeter things in life. Keep scrolling for 20 recipes where the citrus, first introduced to the United States from China in the 20th century by Frank Meyer, is the star.
Meyer Lemon, Raspberry, Goat Cheese Waffles
Waffles should never come from a box. After all, why go with something plain and drab when you could go with something fab, like these waffles made with Meyer lemon, raspberry and goat cheese? (via Kneading Home)
2. Meyer Lemon and Thyme Hearth Bread: Crispy on the bottom and fluffy inside, this hearth bread is similar to focaccia. It’s extra tasty in this recipe, thanks to a topping of thinly sliced Meyer lemons and a sprinkle of rosemary. (via Food Gal)
Meyer Lemon Danish Braid
We love any excuse to eat dessert for breakfast, and a Danish basically fits the bill. Here, it’s filled with cream cheese and Meyer lemon curd, then drizzled with a Meyer lemon glaze for an extra tasty fanfare. (via Tutti-Dolci)
Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
If you love lemon and olive oil in savory dishes, this could be the dessert for you. They work to make this cake extra moist and flavorful, with a light sweetness that helps balance the bold, citrusy flavors. (via Baking Sense)
Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Scones
Lemon poppy seed muffins are one of our favorite snacks to enjoy with coffee. But these scones, loaded with Meyer Lemon flavor and poppy seeds and covered in a thick lemony glaze, really take the cake. (via Baker by Nature)
Preserved Meyer Lemons
Preserve your citrus now, and you’ll be patting yourself on the back come summer when you have the perfect addition to all of your fresh, veggie-filled meals. All it takes is some quartered Meyer lemons, lots of salt and a jar, and you’ve basically got bottled sunshine. (via Wicked Spatula)
Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie
If you’ve only had lemon pies that involve meringue, hold on to your hats. This pie incorporates slices of Meyer lemon, peel-on, for a decadent dessert that’s equal parts bracingly sweet and tart. (via Baking Sense)
Meyer Lemon and Thyme Ice Cream
Think of this dessert as sherbet for adults. Meyer lemon and thyme are churned into an ice cream that’s surprisingly light, and will make you think longingly of warmer days ahead. (via I Ate the Whole Thing)
Meyer Lemon Crumb Bars
Just one bite of these bars and you’ll be hooked. First, it’s the tangy lemon curd, second, the buttery crumbles, and next thing you know, you’re ready for another helping. (via Tutti-Dolci)
Meyer Lemon White Chocolate Cheesecake
White chocolate cheesecake is delicious on its own, but this recipe has a secret ingredient. Fragrant Meyer lemon cuts through the richness, making for a more complex dessert than what you might be used to. (via Contemplating Sweets)
Vegan Meyer Lemon Macaroons
Lemony treats aren’t just for the gluten-heads among us. This Meyer Lemon macaroon recipe is vegan, grain-free and gluten-free, so that everyone can enjoy them. (via The Clean Dish)
Chilled Meyer Lemon Soufflés
When the snow is falling all around, nothing perks us up like a Meyer lemon. That’s especially true with these light and fluffy soufflés. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Citrus Madeleines
Madeleines make even the drabbest coffee break feel a little more fabulous. This recipe, flavored with Meyer lemons and cara cara oranges, will whisk you away to a Parisian cafe — even if you’re actually just sipping some instant coffee in your cubicle. (via Tutti-Dolci)
Meyer Lemon Upside Down Poppy Seed Cake
Caramelized to a lovely golden hue, nothing beats a freshly turned upside-down cake. This recipe makes for an especially pretty reveal, thanks to a layer of Meyer lemon slices that add a pleasant tartness to the moist poppy seed cake. (via Cups + Spoonfuls)
Meyer Lemon and Blueberry Ricotta Muffins
If you have trouble getting up in the morning, here’s the breakfast for you! Rich ricotta muffins, flavored with Meyer lemon and blueberries, are just the thing to get you to crawl out of bed. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Meyer Lemon Margaritas
A well-made co*cktail is a delight any time of year. This take on the margarita swaps Meyer Lemon juice for lime, for a co*cktail that just might take the place of the classic. (via Freutcake)
Meyer Lemon Bars
Ooey, gooey and slightly chewy, get ready to fall in love. These fragrant Meyer Lemon bars are all about the filling, though the buttery shortbread crust is worth drooling over too. (via Foodiecrush)
Walnut Meyer Lemon Shortbread Cookies
If you’re the type of person who shies away from overly sweet treats, check out this recipe. Buttery, nutty and flavored with plenty of Meyer Lemon juice and zest, these cookies make for a fine snack with a cup of tea. (via Mom Foodie)
Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bread
The smell of this Meyer lemon rosemary bread fresh out of the oven is intoxicating, but it doesn’t end there. Slather a slice with European salted butter and a drizzle of honey or shmear of marmalade, and you’ll never want to buy store-bought bread again. (via Sweet Cayenne)
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake
The best part of this dessert isn’t just the Meyer lemon flavor and blueberries dotting the top. It’s the texture, which features a silky pudding and fluffy cake, so you feel like you’re eating two desserts in one. (via Floating Kitchen)
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
