Spring Treats: Italian Almond Cake & Lemon Cookies

Spring is the perfect excuse to enjoy a sweet treat or two! We recently had my family over for Sunday Dinner (more to come on that on a later date!) and I whipped up an Italian almond cake and some AMAZING lemon cookies! I love having a theme for my menu, and decided that the lemon citrus flavors of these light sweet treats paired well the heavier meal. That said, I think these would be even more perfect for a sweet treat after brunch or to enjoy in the early afternoon with an aperol spritz in hand! They’re light, flavorful, and the perfect way to soak up the few breezy days we get of Spring before the summer heat rolls in.

The Italian almond cake is rich but light, with a lovely nutty flavor that’s JUST right! Made with almond flour, butter, and a little lemon zest, it’s simple but feels special. You can even top it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch. I topped with raspberries but left out the whipped cream- I didn't think it needed it. You can find the recipe I followed here. Though the recipe states it's 'easy' it does take some dedication and precision! I finished it up with some fresh flowers from my garden and of course my beautiful cake stand that I use for everything. But, it was well worth the work- it was AMAZING.

And then there are the lemon cookies—crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, served up on my silver platter! A little lemon glaze on top adds that sweet-tangy balance that’s impossible to resist and the lemon zest 'sprinkles' make them look like they are fresh from a local bakery! I tied everything together with some authentic lemon candies, straight from Italy or HomeGoods :)

Here are 10 more sweet ideas to add a little extra joy to your spring! Have some friends and family over to share, bathing suit season is right around the corner!! :)

1. Strawberry Shortcake – Fluffy biscuits topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

2. Raspberry Lemon Bars – A zesty twist on the classic lemon bars, with fresh raspberries.

3. Carrot Cake Cupcakes – Light, moist, and packed with spices, perfect for Easter or any spring day.

4. Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, tangy cheesecake with a burst of fresh blueberries and a lemony twist

5. Lavender Honey Cookies – Delicate, floral cookies with a subtle honey sweetness.

6. Key Lime Pie Bites – Miniature versions of the tangy classic, with a graham cracker crust and creamy lime filling.

7. Pistachio Biscotti – Crunchy, nutty, and perfect for breakfast or dipping in your afternoon coffee or tea.

8. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins – Light, airy muffins with a lovely lemony kick.

9. Churros with Chocolate Dipping Sauce – Warm, crispy, and sweet with a side of rich chocolate sauce.

10. Coconut Macaroons – Chewy, sweet coconut treats with a slight golden crunch.

    
    

These desserts will add a touch of Italy to your table and the perfect ending to any meal or sweet treat on their own! I know I'll continue to work my way through the list!