Looking for desserts that start with L? You are in the right place. This alphabet foods guide rounds up classic puddings, cakes, biscuits, frozen treats and sweets from the UK and around the world, all beginning with the letter L.

Some are familiar favourites, such as lemon drizzle cake and lemon meringue pie. Others, like ladoo, lokum and lapis legit, are brilliant if you fancy trying something new without spending a fortune. Use this list for quizzes, school projects, themed menus, party planning, or simply for a bit of sweet inspiration.

Desserts That Start With L: Quick List

Here is a handy overview before we get into the tastier details.

Classic Desserts Beginning With L

1. Lemon Drizzle Cake

Lemon drizzle cake is one of the most loved British desserts that start with L. It is usually a simple sponge cake flavoured with lemon zest, then soaked with a lemon and sugar syrup while still warm. The result is sticky, sharp, sweet and very hard to resist.

It is also a useful budget bake because the ingredients are basic: flour, sugar, eggs, butter or baking spread, lemons and icing sugar. If you are baking on a tight budget, bottled lemon juice can work in the drizzle, though fresh zest gives the best flavour.

2. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a proper showstopper without being overly fancy. It has a pastry base, a tangy lemon filling and a soft meringue topping that is lightly browned. It is a good choice if you want a dessert that feels special but uses everyday ingredients.

Money-saving tip: make it when eggs are already on your shopping list, as you can use yolks in the lemon filling and whites in the meringue. That means less waste and a better value pudding.

3. Lemon Posset

Lemon posset is a beautifully simple dessert made by heating cream and sugar, then adding lemon juice so the mixture sets as it cools. It sounds clever, but it is one of the easiest dinner party desserts you can make.

Serve it in small glasses with shortbread, ginger biscuits or a few berries. It is rich, so small portions are usually enough.

4. Lemon Bars

Lemon bars, also called lemon squares, have a buttery shortbread-style base and a soft lemon topping. They are popular in American baking but fit perfectly on a UK cake stand too.

They are handy for lunchboxes, bake sales and picnics because they can be cut into neat squares. For best results, let them cool fully before slicing.

5. Lemon Syllabub

Lemon syllabub is an old-fashioned British dessert made with whipped cream, lemon, sugar and often a little wine or sherry. It is light, tangy and creamy, sitting somewhere between a mousse and a whipped pudding.

For an alcohol-free version, use extra lemon juice and a splash of apple juice or elderflower cordial.

6. Lime Pie

Lime pie, especially key lime pie, is a bright, citrusy dessert made with a biscuit base and a creamy lime filling. In the UK, you can use ordinary limes rather than hunting down key limes, which keeps costs sensible.

A digestive biscuit base works well, and value-range biscuits are fine once crushed with melted butter.

7. Lime Cheesecake

Lime cheesecake is another refreshing dessert beginning with L. It can be baked or no-bake, with a buttery biscuit base and a creamy filling flavoured with lime zest and juice.

If cream cheese is expensive, look out for supermarket own-brand versions. You can also make mini cheesecakes in ramekins or glasses to stretch ingredients further.

Cakes And Bakes That Start With L

8. Lamingtons

Lamingtons are small squares of sponge cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. They are strongly associated with Australia, though they are loved in other places too.

They are an excellent way to use slightly stale sponge cake, as the chocolate coating adds moisture. Some versions are filled with jam or cream, but the plain chocolate and coconut version is just as good.

9. Layer Cake

A layer cake is any cake made with two or more layers sandwiched together with buttercream, jam, ganache, cream or fruit. It is a broad category, but it definitely earns a place on a list of desserts that start with L.

For a cheaper celebration cake, bake two simple sponge layers and use jam with a thin layer of buttercream rather than buying expensive decorations. A dusting of icing sugar can look lovely for pennies.

10. Linzer Torte

Linzer torte is an Austrian tart made with a nutty pastry, usually filled with redcurrant or raspberry jam and finished with a lattice top. It has a warm, spiced flavour and keeps well, making it useful for preparing ahead.

If ground almonds are too pricey, you can look for mixed ground nuts or make a simpler jam tart with a lattice top inspired by the original.

11. Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are biscuit versions of Linzer torte. Two nutty biscuits are sandwiched with jam, and the top biscuit often has a cut-out window so the jam shows through.

They are pretty enough for gifting, especially at Christmas. Use whatever jam you already have open to avoid half-used jars lingering in the fridge.

12. Ladyfingers

Ladyfingers are light sponge biscuits also known as savoiardi. They are not always served as a dessert by themselves, but they are essential in puddings such as tiramisu and trifles.

They start with L and are useful to keep in the cupboard because they turn custard, fruit, cream or coffee into a quick layered pudding.

13. Lardy Cake

Lardy cake is a traditional British sweet bread, especially associated with parts of southern England. It is made with dough, lard, sugar, spices and dried fruit, giving it a rich, sticky texture.

It is more of a tea-time bake than a plated dessert, but it belongs here because it is sweet, filling and very much an old-school treat.

14. Lekach

Lekach is a Jewish honey cake often served for Rosh Hashanah. It is usually flavoured with warm spices, coffee or tea, and honey. The texture can improve after a day or two, which makes it a practical make-ahead bake.

Honey can be costly, so this is one to bake when you already have a jar in the cupboard or can buy it on offer.

15. Lapis Legit

Lapis legit, also called spekkoek, is an Indonesian layered cake with many thin spiced layers. It is rich, buttery and often flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

It takes patience rather than complicated skill, as each layer is cooked separately. Because it is rich, small slices go a long way.

16. Lapis Sagu

Lapis sagu is a colourful layered Indonesian steamed cake made with sago or tapioca flour and coconut milk. It has a chewy, bouncy texture and is often cut into neat slices.

If you enjoy coconut desserts and are looking for something different, this is a lovely dessert beginning with L to explore.

Chocolate, Custard And Cream Desserts Beginning With L

17. Lava Cake

Lava cake, often called chocolate fondant in the UK, is a small chocolate cake with a molten centre. When you cut into it, the middle flows out like warm chocolate sauce.

It is a restaurant-style dessert that can be made at home with chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar and flour. The main trick is not overbaking it. Serve with ice cream, cream or a few frozen berries warmed into a quick sauce.

18. Leche Flan

Leche flan is a rich caramel custard dessert popular in the Philippines. It is made with eggs, milk and sugar, then steamed or baked in a water bath until set.

It is similar to crème caramel but often richer because many recipes use condensed milk and evaporated milk. It is a good make-ahead dessert because it needs chilling before serving.

19. Leche Frita

Leche frita means fried milk in Spanish. It is made by cooking milk with sugar and flour or cornflour until thick, chilling it until firm, then cutting it into pieces, coating and frying them. The pieces are often dusted with cinnamon sugar.

It is crisp outside and creamy inside, making it a clever dessert from very ordinary ingredients.

20. Lemon Curd Tart

Lemon curd tart is a simple dessert made with pastry and lemon curd. You can make the curd yourself or use a jar if time is tight.

To keep it cheap, use homemade shortcrust pastry or a reduced ready-made pastry sheet. Serve with a little yoghurt or crème fraîche to balance the sweetness.

21. Lemon Fool

Lemon fool is a creamy dessert made by folding lemon curd or lemon mixture through whipped cream, yoghurt or custard. It is quick, soft and spoonable.

It is especially useful when you have a few spoonfuls of lemon curd left in a jar. Layer it with crushed biscuits for a low-effort pudding.

Fried And Dough-Based Desserts That Start With L

22. Loukoumades

Loukoumades are Greek dough balls that are fried until golden, then soaked or drizzled with honey syrup. They are often sprinkled with cinnamon, chopped nuts or sesame seeds.

They are best eaten fresh, while crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle. If honey is expensive, a simple sugar syrup can still make a tasty version.

23. Lokma

Lokma are small fried dough balls found in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines. They are similar to loukoumades and are usually soaked in syrup.

They are made from inexpensive ingredients such as flour, yeast, sugar and water, so they are a budget-friendly sweet treat if you are comfortable frying at home.

24. Long John Doughnut

A Long John is a long, bar-shaped doughnut, often topped with icing or filled with cream, custard or jam. It is common in North America, but the idea is familiar to anyone who enjoys filled doughnuts.

For a thrifty version, buy plain finger doughnuts and add your own glaze or filling at home.

25. Lussekatter

Lussekatter are Swedish saffron buns traditionally eaten around St Lucia Day. They are shaped into curls and sometimes decorated with raisins.

Saffron is expensive, so if you want a budget version, use a small pinch for colour and flavour rather than a heavy hand. Some home bakers add a little turmeric for extra colour, though it changes the traditional flavour.

Sweets And Confectionery Beginning With L

26. Ladoo

Ladoo, also written laddu, are round Indian sweets made in many different ways. Popular versions include besan ladoo made with gram flour, coconut ladoo, boondi ladoo and rava ladoo made with semolina.

They are often served at festivals and celebrations, but they are also lovely with tea. Many versions use store cupboard ingredients, making them surprisingly achievable at home.

27. Lokum

Lokum is the Turkish name for Turkish delight. It is a soft, chewy confection usually made with sugar and starch, and flavoured with rose, lemon, orange, mint or nuts.

It is often dusted with icing sugar to stop it sticking. Small pieces are enough because it is very sweet, so a box can go a long way when served with coffee.

28. Liquorice

Liquorice is a chewy sweet made with liquorice root extract. It can be sweet, salty, soft, hard, filled or coated, depending on the style.

In the UK, liquorice allsorts are the best-known version. They are more of a sweet than a dessert, but they fit neatly into an alphabet foods list.

29. Lemon Drops

Lemon drops are hard boiled sweets flavoured with lemon. They are sharp, sweet and nostalgic, often found in old-fashioned sweet shops.

They can also be crushed and used sparingly as decoration on cakes, biscuits or cupcakes, though they are very sweet so a little is enough.

30. Lollipops

Lollipops are sweets on sticks and come in many flavours, colours and shapes. They are not a pudding in the traditional sense, but they are a classic sweet treat beginning with L.

For parties, lollipops can be cheaper than individually wrapped desserts, but they are best treated as an occasional sweet rather than an everyday snack.

Frozen Desserts That Start With L

31. Lemon Sorbet

Lemon sorbet is a dairy-free frozen dessert made with lemon juice, sugar and water. It is refreshing after a rich meal and can be served in small scoops.

You do not need an ice cream machine to make a basic version, though stirring during freezing helps reduce large ice crystals.

32. Limoncello Sorbet

Limoncello sorbet is a grown-up lemon sorbet flavoured with limoncello liqueur. Because alcohol affects freezing, it tends to have a softer texture than ordinary sorbet.

This is best served to adults only. If you want a family-friendly alternative, use lemon syrup or a little elderflower cordial instead.

33. Lemon Ice Cream

Lemon ice cream is creamy, sharp and sweet. It can be made with a custard base or a simpler no-churn mixture using cream and condensed milk.

It pairs well with berry crumbles, shortbread, meringues and fruit salad. If you have leftover lemon curd, ripple it through vanilla ice cream for a quick cheat version.

34. Lolly Ice

Lolly ice is a regional term used in parts of the UK for an ice lolly. It can be made with squash, fruit juice, yoghurt or blended fruit.

Homemade ice lollies are a great money-saving dessert for children. Use reduced fruit, leftover smoothies or diluted cordial poured into moulds.

Fruit-Based Desserts Beginning With L

35. Lychee Sorbet

Lychee sorbet is a fragrant frozen dessert made with lychees, sugar syrup and often lime juice. Tinned lychees are usually easier to find than fresh ones and can be more affordable.

Drain the fruit, blend it and use some of the syrup from the tin to sweeten the sorbet.

36. Loganberry Pie

Loganberries are a cross between raspberries and blackberries, with a tart flavour that works well in pies and crumbles. Loganberry pie is not as common as apple pie, but it is a lovely dessert if you can get the fruit.

If loganberries are unavailable, use frozen mixed berries and call it a berry pie inspired by loganberry flavours.

37. Lingonberry Jam Desserts

Lingonberries are tart red berries used in Scandinavian cooking. Lingonberry jam is often served with savoury dishes, but it also works in desserts.

Spoon it over rice pudding, pancakes, cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. A small jar can last well because the flavour is punchy.

38. Lemon Trifle

Lemon trifle is a bright twist on a traditional trifle, usually made with sponge, lemon curd, custard, cream and sometimes jelly. It is a good make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Use trimmings from a homemade cake, reduced-price madeira cake or leftover sponge fingers to keep the cost down.

How To Choose An L Dessert For A Theme Night

If you are planning an alphabet dinner, quiz night or school food project, choosing the right dessert beginning with L depends on time, budget and how many people you are feeding.

• Cheapest option: lemon bars, lemon fool, lolly ice or a simple lemon curd tart.
• Best for a crowd: lemon drizzle cake, lemon trifle, lamingtons or layer cake.
• Best make-ahead dessert: leche flan, lemon posset, Linzer torte or cheesecake.
• Best no-bake choice: lime cheesecake, lemon fool, lemon posset or layered biscuit desserts.
• Most impressive: lava cake, lemon meringue pie, lapis legit or loukoumades.
• Best for trying something new: ladoo, lokum, leche frita, lapis sagu or lychee sorbet.

Money-Saving Tips For Making Desserts That Start With L

Desserts do not need to be expensive. A few smart swaps can make these letter L desserts cheaper without making them feel mean.

• Use seasonal citrus offers: lemons and limes vary in price, so buy larger bags when they are better value and freeze zest or juice in ice cube trays.
• Choose own-brand basics: flour, sugar, butter, baking spread, cream cheese and biscuits are often much cheaper in supermarket own-label ranges.
• Turn leftovers into layers: stale cake can become trifle, lamingtons, cake pops or a base for creamy desserts.
• Use frozen fruit: frozen berries are useful for sauces, pies, fools and toppings, and you only use what you need.
• Make small portions: rich desserts like posset, lava cake and leche flan are satisfying in smaller servings.
• Check reduced sections: cream, yoghurt, lemons, sponge cakes and pastries are often reduced close to their use-by date. Use chilled reduced items promptly and follow the date label.

FAQs About Desserts That Start With L

What is a popular dessert that starts with L?

Lemon drizzle cake is one of the most popular desserts that starts with L, especially in the UK. Lemon meringue pie, lava cake and lamingtons are also well-known choices.

What are easy desserts beginning with L?

Easy desserts beginning with L include lemon posset, lemon fool, lemon bars, lime cheesecake, lemon sorbet and lolly ice. Many use simple ingredients and do not need advanced baking skills.

What is a fancy dessert that starts with L?

Lava cake is a fancy-looking dessert that starts with L, but it can be made at home. Linzer torte, leche flan, lapis legit and lemon meringue pie are also good options for a more impressive pudding.

Are there any Indian desserts that start with L?

Yes. Ladoo, also spelled laddu, is a popular Indian sweet. It comes in many varieties, including besan ladoo, coconut ladoo, rava ladoo and boondi ladoo.

What chocolate dessert starts with L?

Lava cake is the best-known chocolate dessert starting with L. It is a small warm chocolate cake with a soft molten centre, often served with ice cream or cream.

What frozen desserts start with L?

Frozen desserts beginning with L include lemon sorbet, limoncello sorbet, lemon ice cream, lychee sorbet and lolly ice.

What British desserts start with L?

British desserts and sweet bakes that start with L include lemon drizzle cake, lemon meringue pie, lemon posset, lemon syllabub, lardy cake and lemon trifle.

What is the cheapest L dessert to make?

Some of the cheapest L desserts are homemade lolly ice, lemon fool, lemon bars and lemon drizzle cake. They use basic ingredients and are easy to scale up for families or guests.

More Alphabet Dessert Inspiration

From lemony British classics to rich custards, fried dough sweets and international bakes, there are plenty of desserts that start with L to choose from. If you want something quick, make lemon fool or lolly ice. If you want a crowd-pleaser, go for lemon drizzle cake or lamingtons. For something different, try ladoo, lokum, leche flan or loukoumades.

The letter L is a particularly good one for dessert lovers, mainly thanks to lemons, limes and lots of lovely layered bakes.