22 Lemony Brunch Recipes That Will Remind You of Spring

Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

Add a squeeze of citrus to your next brunch menu. Whether it's baked goods, pancakes or a refreshing beverage, these recipes taste fresh and bright thanks to the addition of lemon. Recipes like Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake, Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones or Basil Lemonade are delicious and perfect for the warmer weather.

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Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

This healthy pound cake recipe isn't just delicious--it also only requires one bowl to make. For the best cake texture, be sure to beat the sugar and butter together long enough in Step 2 to look creamy--the time it takes to get there varies according to the type of electric mixer you have. Serve with brunch or alongside a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

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Lemon-Poppy Seed Scones

No bakery degree required for this recipe: these healthy lemon-poppy seed scones are as easy to make as a batch of muffins. White whole-wheat flour adds a boost of fiber, and just enough butter gives them great flavor and texture without going overboard on calories. For a sweeter scone, drizzle with the optional scone glaze.

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The Bee's Knees Cocktail

bees knees cocktail with sliced lemon

The Bee's Knees is a classic Prohibition cocktail that blends the crisp, botanical flavor of gin with bright citrus and the soft floral notes of honey. This cheery spring cocktail is made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, making it a great happy hour option when you don't want to make a special trip to the store.

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Lemon Pancakes

Lemon Pancakes
Caitlin Bensel

Lemon zest and juice add zip and brightness to these easy lemon pancakes. Top them off with honey or maple syrup, butter and a pinch of lemon zest for an added citrusy kick.

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Blueberry-Lemon Crumb Muffins

Blueberries and lemon are a natural pairing in these light and airy muffins with a delicate brown sugar crumble. If you like an extra blast of lemon flavor, use lemon extract rather than vanilla. These muffins are best with fresh blueberries, but you can substitute with frozen. Don't thaw them before you stir them into the batter.

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Egg Salad Avocado Toast

It's like egg salad and avocado toast had a baby in this 5-minute healthy breakfast.

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Mango Raspberry Smoothie

mango raspberry smoothie
Ali Redmond

A squeeze of lemon juice adds bright flavor to this frozen fruit smoothie. Mango provides plenty of sweetness without having to add juice, but if it's too tart for you, a touch of agave will do the trick.

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Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Pound Cake

Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Pound Cake

This sweet lemon-raspberry pound cake is packed with zingy lemon and fruity raspberries. Ricotta cheese adds a rich flavor and texture without the typical pound of butter used in traditional pound cakes. Enjoy a slice as an easy brunch treat or evening dessert.

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Lemon Zucchini Bread

This super-moist zucchini bread is a great way to use up homegrown summer zucchini! Full of bright lemon flavor, it makes the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert. It's just sweet enough to satisfy a craving without giving you a sugar crash.

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Basil Lemonade

Basil and lemon pair beautifully in this refreshing summer sipper, sweetened with a touch of honey. Make ahead and allow the mixture to infuse for 30 minutes to 1 hour before straining for a stronger basil flavor.

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Ricotta & Yogurt Parfait

Reminiscent of a lemon cheesecake, this healthy breakfast recipe is easy to throw together in the morning. Or stir together the filling in a jar the night before and top with the fruit, nuts and seeds when you get to work.

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Lemon-Blueberry Sweet Rolls

Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
Jacob Fox

These sweet yeasted Danish-like rolls are wrapped around a layer of fresh blueberries and lemon zest. A sweet and tangy glaze finishes them off. Serve them as a dessert or enjoy with coffee for breakfast or brunch.

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Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Margaret Monroe Dickey

This thirst-quenching strawberry lemonade is sweet and lemony and perfect for a hot day. Fresh strawberries add sweet, floral notes and a pretty pink hue.

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Easy Lemon Soufflés

A pinch of cream of tartar will help your egg whites stabilize in this refreshingly lemon-y soufflé recipe.

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Whipped Frozen Lemonade

two glasses of whipped frozen lemonade
Casey Barber

Whipped frozen lemonade combines the creaminess of a milkshake with the thirst-quenching tanginess of freshly squeezed lemonade for an incredibly refreshing treat. And this simple frozen lemonade treat comes together with just four ingredients and a blender. You can use light coconut milk or refrigerated coconut milk in place of full-fat coconut milk, though the end result won't be as rich and creamy. Leftover simple syrup will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

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Lemon Bread

This moist lemon bread is perfect for breakfast or a tasty dessert. It's delicious on its own or topped with the optional lemon-sugar glaze.

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Rosemary-Ginger French 75

Rosemary and ginger add a flavorful twist to a classic citrusy gin cocktail topped with a little bubbly for a festive libation.

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Lemon-Raspberry Muffins

The secret to the sparkling flavor of these delicately crumbed muffins is the strips of lemon zest finely ground into the sugar. Enjoy the muffins warm right from the oven.

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Breakfast Lemon, Raspberry & Cream Cheese Oatmeal Cakes

a recipe photo of the Lemon-Raspberry Cream Cheese Oatmeal Cakes served on a plate and cut open
Sara Haas

Fresh lemon juice and zest add the perfect pop of brightness and acidity to these delightful oatmeal cakes. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries, depending on what you have on hand. Enjoy these oatmeal cakes for a healthy breakfast or snack.

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Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Infused Water

Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Infused Water

Refresh and hydrate with this citrusy spa water. Adding fresh fruit, veggies and herbs to still or sparkling water is a great way to boost flavor without adding calories or sugar. Serve in a pitcher for a party or bottle individually for on-the-go hydration.

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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Fred Hardy

These light and fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes are tangy and sweet when drizzled with maple syrup. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest before serving for an extra boost of lemony flavor.

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Lemon-Cranberry Muffins

These lemony cranberry-studded muffins crunch lightly with cornmeal and are topped with a kiss of sugared lemon zest. They're great warm from the oven, but also keep well for a few days and freeze beautifully.

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