Lemon Tart Recipe
This Lemon Tart is a bright, tangy, and elegant dessert with a buttery, crisp crust and a smooth, zesty lemon filling. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 –2 tbsp ice water as needed
- ½ tsp salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice about 4 lemons
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Incorporate the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice-cold water. Mix until the dough comes together, adding more water if needed.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out and Pre-Bake: Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Blind Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool.
Make the Lemon Curd Filling
Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Cook Over Low Heat: Place the pan over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Incorporate the Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in the melted butter until smooth.
Strain for a Silky Texture: Pass the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the Curd into the Tart Shell: Spread the lemon filling evenly into the pre-baked crust.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Cool and Chill: Let the tart cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set.
- Pre-Bake Crust: Blind bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Silky Smooth Filling: Strain the lemon mixture before baking to remove zest and air bubbles.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the tart cool completely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best texture.
- Serving Ideas: Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword Lemon Tart Recipe