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Lemon Tart Recipe

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
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

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.

Notes

  • 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