This 5-ingredient baked lemon dessert is the kind of easy, old-fashioned treat that feels almost too simple to work, which is exactly why it is so fun to make on a busy weeknight or for a casual get-together. Baking whole lemons softens their bitterness and turns them fragrant and jammy, and with just a few pantry staples you get a sweet, spoonable dessert that tastes rustic, cozy, and a little bit surprising.
Serve this warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a nice contrast to the bright citrus flavor. It also pairs well with shortbread cookies, pound cake, or a simple cup of coffee or hot tea if you want to turn it into an easy dessert spread for brunch, potlucks, or a church supper table.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Sweetest Day Lemon Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 raw whole unpeeled lemons, washed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 box yellow cake mix, dry
1 cup water
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe glass baking dish.
2. Wash the lemons well, then cut them into thin rounds and remove any seeds. Arrange the lemon slices in an even layer in the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the lemon slices, then pour the water around and over the fruit.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top, then drizzle the melted butter across the surface as evenly as you can.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the lemons underneath are tender and bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the syrup can thicken slightly.
Variations & Tips
Berry Addition: Scatter 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries around the lemon slices before adding the sugar for a sweeter, fruitier version that feels a little extra special.
Reduce Bitterness: If you are sensitive to citrus peel bitterness, slice the lemons very thinly and remove all seeds carefully. Letting the dessert rest after baking also helps mellow the flavor.
Richer Serving Idea: This dessert is especially good with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream because the creamy topping balances the bright lemon flavor and the warm syrupy texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can slice the lemons and measure the ingredients earlier in the day, then assemble and bake right before serving, which is handy when life is busy and you still want something homemade on the table.