Brunch enthusiasts know that the secret to an impressive spread often lies in the bright punch of citrus. These 13 recipes reveal how the simple addition of citrus can elevate every aspect of the brunch menu. Whether it’s the sharpness of a lemon or the sweet tang of an orange, incorporating these flavors is a straightforward way to add a refreshing twist to your brunch game.
Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
These Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust combine the buttery richness of shortbread with the tangy zest of lemon. In under an hour, you can create a dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors, featuring a velvety lemon filling atop a crumbly crust. The main ingredients, including fresh lemon juice and zest, ensure a vibrant taste. This treat is a go-to for a refreshing finish to any brunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter
Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter offer a quick, no-fuss addition to brunch, ready in 30 minutes. The biscuits have a tender crumb, made with simple ingredients like flour and buttermilk, and are enhanced by the sweet, citrus-infused butter. The orange honey butter, featuring orange zest and honey, melds seamlessly with the warm biscuits. This combination provides a delightful hint of sweetness and a soft, satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter
Lemon Crème Brûlée
Lemon Crème Brûlée is a sophisticated twist on the classic dessert, requiring just an hour to create. The main components, such as heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, come together to form a creamy custard with a crisp, caramelized sugar top. The infusion of lemon adds a bright, acidic contrast to the rich custard. This dessert is perfect for those who appreciate an elegant, yet simple, finale to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Crème Brûlée
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s ready in just over an hour. It’s packed with tart cranberries, zesty orange juice, and crunchy poppy seeds. The bread offers a burst of fruity flavor with every bite, making it a delightful addition to any brunch spread. Its dense yet tender texture is sure to satisfy both bread and cake lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream is a tropical escape on a plate, requiring about an hour to prepare. The pie boasts a zesty key lime filling and a creamy, dairy-free coconut whipped topping. Key limes and coconut milk are the stars in this recipe, delivering a balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Its smooth filling and fluffy topping make it a refreshing choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream
Wild Blackberry Muffins
Wild Blackberry Muffins, with a prep time of just 35 minutes, are a delightful blend of juicy blackberries and zesty lemon glaze. These muffins are bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe berries, complemented by a bright citrus note. The main ingredients, including fresh blackberries and lemon juice, create a fruity and moist treat. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go option at your next brunch gathering.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blackberry Muffins
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Spiked Lemonade Popsicles are a playful and boozy treat that can be ready in about 5 hours, including freezing time. They combine the classic flavors of lemonade with a kick of your favorite spirit, making them a grown-up version of a childhood favorite. The main ingredients, such as fresh lemon juice, sugar, and vodka, create a refreshing and slightly sweet taste. These popsicles are a cool way to add a twist to your brunch menu.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Lemonade Popsicles
Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Blackberry Lime Sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert, perfect for cleansing the palate, and can be made in about 2 hours. It’s a simple blend of ripe blackberries, zesty lime juice, and sugar. The sorbet has a smooth texture and a balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a fruity and chilled dessert option.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a sweet and tangy treat that can be baked in just 20 minutes. They feature the bright flavors of fresh lemon zest and juice, combined with the classic sugar cookie base. These cookies have a soft center with slightly crisp edges. They’re a delightful addition to any brunch table, offering a burst of lemon in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies
Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
The Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers is an aesthetically pleasing dessert that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare. It’s filled with a tangy blackberry lime curd and adorned with vibrant edible flowers. The tart’s main ingredients, including fresh blackberries and lime zest, provide a lively flavor profile. This tart is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers
Citrus Dream Tart
The Citrus Dream Tart is a zesty, creamy creation that can be served after 2 hours of preparation. It combines a variety of citrus juices with a silky custard filling, nestled in a buttery crust. Oranges, lemons, and limes are the key players, offering a medley of flavors. This tart is a dreamy, citrusy delight that’s sure to brighten any brunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart
Grapefruit and Candied Ginger Cupcakes
Grapefruit and Candied Ginger Cupcakes are a unique twist on traditional cupcakes, ready in about 45 minutes. They’re infused with the tartness of grapefruit and the spicy warmth of candied ginger. These cupcakes are made with grapefruit juice, zest, and chunks of ginger, resulting in a moist and flavorful crumb. They’re a zesty, unexpected addition to any brunch that will surprise and delight your guests.
Get the Recipe: Grapefruit and Candied Ginger Cupcakes
Blueberry Lemon Galette
The Blueberry Lemon Galette is a rustic and charming dessert that takes about 50 minutes to bake. It features a flaky pastry crust filled with juicy blueberries and a hint of lemon. The simplicity of blueberries and lemon zest allows the natural flavors to shine through. This galette offers a homemade touch that’s both comforting and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Galette