Lemon Tart recipe made of a buttery, flaky crust filled with tangy lemon curd, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness this elegant dessert serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Try More Lemon Desserts Recipes:
💛 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Tart Recipe:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of the lemon curd perfectly complements the sweetness of the buttery crust, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
- Elegant Presentation: This tart has a beautiful, sophisticated look that makes it ideal for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The tart can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient dessert for gatherings or events.
- Refreshing and Light: The bright, zesty lemon flavor makes this tart a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer.
âť“ What Is Lemon Tart Recipe?
Lemon Tart is a classic dessert consisting of a crisp pastry crust filled with smooth and tangy lemon curd. It’s a refreshing and elegant dessert that highlights the bright flavor of lemons, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time.
🍋 Lemon Tart Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
🥮 How To Make Lemon Tart
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix until the dough just comes together, adding more water if needed. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the softened butter until smooth. Pour the lemon curd into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the lemon curd is fully set. Serve chilled, garnished with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
đź’ Recipe Tips:
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking (baking the crust without the filling) ensures that the pastry stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the lemon curd.
- Cook the Lemon Curd Slowly: Stir the lemon curd constantly while cooking over medium heat to avoid curdling. The curd is ready when it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Cool Completely: Allow the tart shell and lemon curd to cool completely before assembling. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy and helps the tart set properly.
- Garnish Creatively: Add a decorative touch with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even edible flowers. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate the presentation.
- Make It Ahead: The tart can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent dessert for entertaining, as it allows you to prepare it ahead of time.
- Use a Tart Pan with a Removable Bottom: A tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to release the tart from the pan without damaging the crust.
🍯 What To Serve With Lemon Tart?
Lemon Tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Lemon Frosting, or fresh Lemon Curd for a refreshing contrast, serve it with a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a cup of hot herbal tea.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Lemon Tart?
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers lemon tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tart should be kept chilled to maintain the firmness of the lemon curd.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftovers lemon tart for up to 1 month wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Lemon Tart?
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) place leftovers lemon tart slices on a baking sheet warm in the oven for about 3-4 minutes. This method gently reheats the tart without drying out the lemon curd.
- In The Microwave: Place slice of leftovers lemon tart on a microwave-safe plate microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious with microwaving to avoid melting the lemon curd too much.
FAQ’S
Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Tart?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary. However, the tartness and freshness of the flavor may not be as vibrant.
How do I prevent the crust of Lemon Tart from becoming soggy?
Blind baking the crust before adding the lemon curd filling helps keep the crust crisp ensure the crust is fully cooled before filling it.
Can I add meringue to the top of Lemon Tart?
Yes, you can add a meringue topping to create a Lemon Meringue Tart spread the meringue over the lemon curd and bake until the meringue is golden brown.
How do I know when the lemon curd in Lemon Tartis properly thickened?
The lemon curd is properly thickened when it coats the back of a spoon and you can run your finger through it, leaving a clear line. It should have a smooth, velvety texture without being runny.
Can I use a pre-made crust for the Lemon Tart?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made pie crust or tart shell simply bake it according to the package instructions before filling it with lemon curd.
How do I prevent Lemon Tart from sticking to the pan?
To prevent Lemon Tart from sticking, use a tart pan with a removable bottom and ensure that the crust is well-greased. You can also lightly flour the pan before pressing in the dough.
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Lemon Tart Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of the tart)
- Calories: 357
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
Lemon Tart Recipe
Description
Lemon Tart recipe made of a buttery, flaky crust filled with tangy lemon curd, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness this elegant dessert serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix until the dough just comes together, adding more water if needed. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the softened butter until smooth. Pour the lemon curd into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the lemon curd is fully set. Serve chilled, garnished with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
Blind Bake the Crust: Blind baking (baking the crust without the filling) ensures that the pastry stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the lemon curd.
Cook the Lemon Curd Slowly: Stir the lemon curd constantly while cooking over medium heat to avoid curdling. The curd is ready when it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Cool Completely: Allow the tart shell and lemon curd to cool completely before assembling. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy and helps the tart set properly.
Garnish Creatively: Add a decorative touch with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even edible flowers. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate the presentation.
Make It Ahead: The tart can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent dessert for entertaining, as it allows you to prepare it ahead of time.
Use a Tart Pan with a Removable Bottom: A tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to release the tart from the pan without damaging the crust.
Not a fan of lemon desserts or custards, but I made this to use up some lemons.
Thank you for giving it a try! It’s great that you used the lemons, and you might be surprised by how delicious it turned out. Let me know what you thought! 🍋✨