Easy Citrus Tart Recipe

Easy Citrus Tart Recipe

This Easy Citrus Tart Recipe is a tangy and creamy recipe, which is made with fresh lemon juice and a simple graham cracker crust. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, plus chilling time.

Easy Citrus Tart Recipe Ingredients

For the curd:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, plus 1/2 cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 large eggs plus 3 egg yolks
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the tart:

  • 14 whole graham crackers
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Whipped cream, for topping

How To Make Easy Citrus Tart Recipe

  1. Make the Lemon Curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk the whole eggs and egg yolks, then whisk this into the lemon mixture.
  2. Cook the Curd: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thick like pudding, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Finish and Strain the Curd: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, a few pieces at a time, until it is fully incorporated. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, using a spatula to push it through.
  4. Chill the Curd: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until it is completely set, at least 4 hours.
  5. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Break the graham crackers into pieces and pulse them in a food processor with the sugar until they are finely ground. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse again until the crumbs are moist.
  6. Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden. Transfer the crust to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
  7. Assemble and Chill the Tart: Pour the chilled curd into the cooled crust. Gently press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the tart is fully set.
  8. Serve: Before serving, carefully remove the springform ring. Transfer the tart to a platter and top with fresh whipped cream.
Easy Citrus Tart Recipe
Easy Citrus Tart Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to get a non-soggy crust? The key is to cool the graham cracker crust completely before adding the chilled lemon curd. A warm crust can absorb moisture and become soft.
  • Why do I need to strain the curd? Straining the cooked curd is an essential step to guarantee a perfectly silky-smooth texture. It removes any small bits of cooked egg or zest that might have formed.
  • How do I know when the lemon curd is thick enough? It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. When you draw a line through it with your finger, the line should hold its shape.
  • Can I use bottled lemon juice? For the best, brightest flavor, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled juice can sometimes have a dull or slightly metallic taste.

What To Serve With Citrus Tart

This tart is a wonderful dessert on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions.

  • A dollop of freshly whipped cream
  • A garnish of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries
  • A dusting of powdered sugar
  • A hot cup of tea or a light coffee

How To Store Citrus Tart

  • Refrigerate: Cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften slightly over time.
  • Freeze: You can freeze the tart without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Citrus Tart Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Sugar: 40g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best results.

Why didn’t my curd set properly?

The most common reason is that it wasn’t cooked long enough. It’s crucial to whisk it constantly over medium heat until it becomes noticeably thick before you remove it from the heat.

Can I use a regular pie pan instead of a springform pan?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch regular pie pan. A springform pan just makes it easier to remove the tart for a cleaner presentation.

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Easy Citrus Tart Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 18 minutesRest time:8 hours Total time:8 hours 43 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:8 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:450 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A bright and tangy lemon tart with a silky-smooth curd filling and a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Make the lemon curd on the stovetop until thick. Strain and chill for at least 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the graham cracker crust by combining pulsed crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
  3. Press the crust into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
  4. Pour the chilled curd into the cooled crust and refrigerate for another 4 hours until fully set.
  5. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling both the curd and the final tart thoroughly is essential for the perfect set.
  • Pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd prevents a skin from forming.
  • Using fresh lemon juice will give you the best, most vibrant flavor.
  • Ensure the crust is completely cool before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
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