Rating: 3.60
(115)

Lemon Tart

January 21, 2025

Lemon tart is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, offering a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. With its buttery, flaky crust and smooth, tangy lemon filling, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, lemon tart brings a little sunshine to any occasion.

The crust is key to a great and crunchy tart. A buttery, shortcrust pastry adds a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth lemon filling. Once baked to a golden perfection, the crust provides the perfect base to hold the vibrant lemon custard. The tartness of fresh lemon juice and the richness of eggs and cream combine to create a silky filling that’s sweetened just enough to balance the citrus zing.

The filling is made by whisking together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. A little bit of cornstarch or flour helps thicken the custard, while butter makes it velvety smooth. Once poured into the baked shell, the tart bakes briefly, just enough to set the filling into a custard-like consistency without losing the brightness of the lemon.

For an extra touch, you can garnish the tart with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few lemon zest curls, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also add a pop of color and flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon notes.

Lemon tart is a timeless French dessert that combines the simplicity of fresh ingredients with a refined, yet comforting, flavor. It’s refreshing without being overly sweet, making it a perfect way to end a meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something citrusy, this lemon tart is sure to delight.

Lemon Tart
Lemon Tart
3.60 from 115 votes
A Lemon Tart is a tart dessert consisting of a pastry shell with a lemon-flavored filling. It’s a perfect balance of tart and sweetness, making it a refreshing dessert option.
Servings 8 pieces
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and diced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 3/4 cup sugar for filling
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and dice butter. Mix until resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water and mix until dough forms.
  • Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
  • In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water until smooth.
  • Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk egg yolks and stir into the mixture. Return to heat, cook while stirring until thick. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and zest.
  • Pour filling into baked crust. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  • Let the tart cool before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 250kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: dessert, lemon tart, pastry
Cooking Method: Baked
Diet: Low-carb
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar angelo.kozey says:

    2 stars
    I tried making this, but my filling was too runny. I don’t know if I messed up or what. Any tips?

  2. 5 stars
    This lemon tart is amazing! The filling turned out perfectly tangy and the crust was flaky. Definitely a keeper!

  3. User avatar darron.crooks says:

    5 stars
    Luv it! So refreshing and bright, made it for brunch and everyone asked for seconds.

  4. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    2 stars
    Wasn’t sure about the cornstarch part… does it even need that?

  5. User avatar roosevelt.berge says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart is devine! Perfect tang and sweetness, my whole family loves it!

  6. User avatar Cammar Pilru says:

    1 star
    Too much work for a tart. I just want something easy! 😩

  7. 3 stars
    Why do you add cornstarch? Isn’t it just gonna make it more chewy? Just stick to the egg yolks, right?

    1. 2 stars
      I dunno, but I just use egg yolks and it works fine. Cornstarch sounds fancy but maybe pointless? 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar elias.johnston1975 says:

      5 stars
      Cornstarch actually helps thicken the filling without making it chewy. It gives a nice texture. Try it, you won’t regret!

  8. 4 stars
    Why does it have cornstarch? Isn’t that for pudding? This is not how my grandma made it, but it was still good!

  9. User avatar bret.cartwright81 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! I love lemon desserts and this one hits the spot. Instructions were clear and easy to follow.

    1. User avatar Hillman Hunter says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! Lemon desserts are the best. 🍋

  10. 2 stars
    I tried making this, but my tart was so runny. I must’ve done something wrong. Maybe too much water? Ugh.

  11. User avatar thalia.beahan says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but too sour for my taste. I think I messed up with the lemon juice, maybe less next time.

  12. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    1 star
    Lemon tart? More like lemon disaster! I burnt the crust and the filling was too runny. Not my best day in the kitchen.

  13. User avatar andree.lemke60 says:

    3 stars
    Do I really need to let it cool? I ate it warm 🤷‍♂️.

  14. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!! I love lemon everything. This recipe is so easy, I made it in no time. Thanks!!!

  15. User avatar earline.bartoletti28 says:

    1 star
    My uncle’s neighbor’s sister makes the best lemon tart, and this one ain’t it. Sorry!

  16. 5 stars
    This was the best! I even brought some to my neighbors. They loved it too!

  17. User avatar Hotblack Desiato's bodyguard says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart recipe is AMAZING! The acidity of the lemon mixed with the sweet crust is just perfect. I’m making this for a family gathering. Can’t wait!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I love lemon desserts, and a tart is always a crowd-pleaser. Hope your family loves it as much as you do!

    2. User avatar cary.mertz62 says:

      3 stars
      Not sure if lemon and sugar go well together. Isn’t it sour? But who knows, maybe it’ll surprise me. I might try it.

  18. 3 stars
    Eh, it was ok. I think I prefer chocolate desserts. 🍫

  19. User avatar trinidad.jones says:

    1 star
    Who eats lemon tart anyway? Not for me!

    1. 4 stars
      Not everyone likes it, but I think it’s a classic! Have you tried it with whipped cream?

    2. User avatar Pasta Fasta says:

      5 stars
      Lemon tart is amazing! It’s sweet and tangy, perfect for summer. I love it!

  20. User avatar dede.torp says:

    5 stars
    This Lemon Tart is amazing! Zesty and sweet, just perfect for my family gathering. Thank you so much!

    1. User avatar katelynn.kihn13 says:

      5 stars
      So glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser at my gatherings too! 🍋

    2. User avatar lowell.murray41 says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know, it sounds too sweet. Aren’t lemon tarts supposed to be more tart? 🤔

  21. User avatar roman.schmidt says:

    3 stars
    Can someone explain why you need that much sugar? Seems excessive…

  22. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

    4 stars
    Totally delish! 😍 I might try adding strawberries next time for a twist.

  23. User avatar Syble Morar says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! Super easy to follow, and the flavor is absolutely delightful. Perfect balance of sweet and sour!

  24. User avatar Maryam Welch says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart is just divine! The flavors really pop, and it’s so refreshing. Will definitely make it again!

    1. User avatar Beregond says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This lemon tart is the best, my family loves it too! 🍋

  25. User avatar blythe.waters2010 says:

    4 stars
    I love lemon tarts! I thought it’d be hard to make but this was pretty straightforward. Will keep this recipe!

  26. User avatar lessie.bartell says:

    4 stars
    Easy peasy! My family loved it! I used bottled lemon juice (shhhh).

  27. User avatar emil.quigley9 says:

    5 stars
    The lemon tart turned out perfect! I don’t even like lemon things much but this wowed me. 😋

    1. User avatar Angelo Schoen says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! Lemon tart is such a delightful dessert, even for non-lemon lovers. 🍋

  28. User avatar mei.oberbrunner94 says:

    2 stars
    I tried making this last night and it was super runny! What did I do wrong?

  29. User avatar anabel.schulist says:

    2 stars
    I messed up the dough, it was too crumbly. Maybe it’s the butter, idk. 😕

  30. User avatar galen.rohan60 says:

    3 stars
    Tart ok, but pretty sour! Next time I’ll add more sugar. 🤷‍♂️

  31. User avatar shena.conroy7 says:

    2 stars
    Lemon juice in baking? Is that even safe? 🤨

  32. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    4 stars
    Super simple! But next time, I will add more sugar to the filling for sweetness.

  33. 5 stars
    This is NaTurel! Lemons and sugar are good for you. Great recipe!

  34. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    2 stars
    Easy to make, but it didnt set properly for me… I think I might have messed up somewhere. 🙁

  35. User avatar wally.zemlak says:

    2 stars
    Meh, I didn’t like the crust. Too dry and crumbly. I prefer a softer pie crust.

    1. User avatar victor.schmidt42 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get your point! The crust can make or break a tart. Maybe try a different recipe next time? You might find a softer one!

  36. User avatar nelda.wisoky2015 says:

    2 stars
    I followed this recipe but my tart turned out runny. Did I do something wrong? 🤔

  37. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! Finally, a tart that’s not too sweet. My kids loved it! Thanks for sharing!

  38. User avatar Humma Kavula says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, the method seems complicated, isn’t there a simpler way to make a tart? Like premade crust?

    1. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! Using a premade crust would save so much time! But the homemade one has a special taste. Maybe try both and see what you like more!

    2. User avatar dewayne.weimann2016 says:

      3 stars
      But then it’s not really a homemade tart, is it? You gotta put in some effort for that deliciousness! 😄

  39. User avatar mana.renner says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart was absolutely delicious! Tangy and sweet just like I love it! ❤️

  40. User avatar Barry Manilow says:

    3 stars
    Tasted amazing but took me forever to make. Who has time for this?

  41. User avatar Spriggan Earth Mother says:

    4 stars
    The egg yolk step scared me, but the tart turned out pretty good! But my friend said it looks like a pizza.

    1. 5 stars
      I think it’s awesome that you tried it! And who cares if it looks like a pizza? As long as it tastes good!

  42. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    I found this recipe way too sweet for my taste. I would reduce the sugar next time.

  43. 4 stars
    Easy to make! I substituted with lime juice as didn’t have lemons. Still turned out good!

  44. User avatar john.wisozk says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! This lemon tart is the best dessert I’ve made in a long time!

  45. User avatar sanford.schmitt says:

    5 stars
    I can’t even… This tart is lemony goodness! 10/10 would eat again!

  46. User avatar marylin.toy says:

    4 stars
    Lemon tart? More like lemon frart! 😂 Just kidding, it was good, but I’m not a big fan of lemon. Still, a decent try.

  47. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

    1 star
    Lemon? Yuck! Who wants a dessert that taste like cleaning supplies?

    1. 5 stars
      Lemon adds such a bright flavor! Can’t wait to try this tart!

  48. User avatar Wellington Yueh says:

    3 stars
    Why is everyone raving? This is just a tart with lemon. Meh.

  49. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Glorious tart! My fam thinks I’m a pro chef now. 😂

  50. 2 stars
    I tried to make this but the filling was too runny. What did I do wrong? Not sure if I will try again.

  51. User avatar ronald.fay2006 says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart was a hit at my family gathering! I added a bit more lemon zest for extra flavor. Definitely making this again!

  52. User avatar rudy.leffler1 says:

    5 stars
    Best lemon tart recipe ever!! Simple and tasty. My kids loved it too!

  53. User avatar shalon.kulas68 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making this but the mixture didn’t thicken. What went wrong? Maybe I did something wrong?

  54. 1 star
    I completely burned mine. Maybe my oven is too hot? Any tips?

  55. User avatar alfred.thompson says:

    3 stars
    Why do you use cornstarch? Can I just put more flour? I ain’t got none.

  56. User avatar fredda.altenwerth30 says:

    3 stars
    I had to slap some whipped cream on it because it was kinda sour for my taste. But overall, not bad.

  57. 5 stars
    This is the best lemon tart recipe ever! So tangy and perfect!

  58. User avatar bernice.lueilwitz98 says:

    5 stars
    So easy to follow! My kids helped me and they had a blast! 😍

  59. 2 stars
    It came out way too sour! I thought lemon was supposed to be sweet! Not sure if I did something wrong.

  60. User avatar claudette.emmerich52 says:

    5 stars
    This lemon tart turned out amazing! The balance of sweet and tart is perfect. Will definitely make again!

  61. User avatar leandro.jakubowski says:

    4 stars
    Lemon tart! Yum! Simple and tasty! Thanks for the recipe! 👍

  62. User avatar suzanne.huel says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe ever! Made it twice in a week. Even my picky aunt loved it. 😍

    1. User avatar williams.cruickshank1991 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome! I’m definitely trying this recipe for my next family gathering. 😄

  63. User avatar bobbye.cremin2024 says:

    2 stars
    Doesn’t lemon juice make it sour? I prefer sweet pastries, this recipe seems odd…

  64. User avatar robbie.gottlieb says:

    3 stars
    Lemon tart tastes good, but its not real tart if it dont have meringue on top! Just sayin.

  65. User avatar gena.smith1993 says:

    2 stars
    Why would anyone use fresh lemons when there’s lemon juice in a bottle? Seems silly to me.

    1. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      5 stars
      Using fresh lemons makes a big difference in flavor! Bottled stuff just doesn’t compare, trust me.

    2. User avatar Paul "Muad'Dib" "Usul" Atreides says:

      2 stars
      Why bother? Bottled lemon juice is good enough for me. Don’t see the hype over fresh ones.

  66. User avatar jessika.pfeffer2017 says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, I followed everything but it didn’t come out like the picture. Not bad, just not great. 🤔

  67. User avatar reuben.johnson1966 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have cornstarch, so I used flour instead. Still turned out pretty good, but not sure if it was correct.

  68. User avatar sonja.hoppe78 says:

    2 stars
    Followed the recipe step by step but mine did not thicken 🙁. What did I do wrong?

  69. User avatar terresa.keebler4 says:

    3 stars
    I had to adjust the sugar, it was way too sweet for me. Next time, I’ll try less sugar.

  70. 5 stars
    This lemon tart was a hit at my family dinner! Super easy to make and tasted amazing! 🍋

  71. User avatar stefan.pollich says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe, but I think there need more sugar for filling. Just not sweet enough for my taste.

  72. 5 stars
    This lemon tart was a hit at our family gathering! So zesty and refreshing! Will definitely make again.

  73. 2 stars
    I had trouble with the crust, it came out too hard. Maybe I mixed it too much? Not sure if I’ll try it again.

    1. User avatar james.homenick1991 says:

      3 stars
      Hard crust? Idk, maybe just a bad recipe? I never have that problem. But keep trying!

    2. 4 stars
      I think maybe you overworked the dough. It should be crumbly, not tough! Try mixing it less next time, and it should be better!

  74. 5 stars
    YUM! Fresh lemon juice made all the difference. My new favorite dessert recipe! ❤️

    1. User avatar ernie.mclaughlin37 says:

      5 stars
      So glad you loved it! Lemon juice really does brighten things up! 🍋

  75. User avatar charlesetta.rolfson2007 says:

    2 stars
    Too complicated for me. I usually just buy dessert from the store. Not sure I’ll try this again.

    1. User avatar juliette.rau1971 says:

      5 stars
      C’mon, it’s not that hard! I followed the steps and it turned out amazing! Store-bought can’t compare to homemade! You should give it another shot!

    2. User avatar adrien.stark says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! It does sound kinda tricky. If you want an easier option, try making a no-bake lemon pie instead. Way simpler! 😅

  76. User avatar vella.bruen says:

    5 stars
    Yum! 😍

  77. User avatar Trina Woods says:

    4 stars
    Easy recipe!! I’m not a baker but this was simple to follow. My husband loved it!

  78. User avatar cherrie.hauck0 says:

    5 stars
    OMG this tart is so good!! I could eat the whole thing in one go! 😍

  79. 3 stars
    Lemon too strong! I like lemon but now my mouth feels weird. Next time I’ll reduce the juice.

  80. 5 stars
    10/10 will make again! So simple!

    1. 3 stars
      It was okay, but mine turned out too sour. Maybe I put in too much lemon? 🤨

    2. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This tart is a favorite in my house now. So tangy and sweet! 🍋

  81. User avatar kraig.schneider4 says:

    3 stars
    Lemon Tart? I thought it was gonna taste like lemonade, but it was different. Not bad, but not what I expected.

  82. 1 star
    Lemon tart? More like lemon disaster. I don’t even want to talk about how it turned out. Never baking again!

    1. User avatar waldo.koch10 says:

      4 stars
      Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that! Have you tried using less lemon juice next time? Sometimes it can be too overpowering.

    2. User avatar Mirna Kessler says:

      2 stars
      You probably messed up the measures. Lemon tart ain’t that hard! Just gotta follow the recipe right.

  83. 4 stars
    Easy to make. I used margarine instead of butter and it still worked! Yum!

  84. User avatar Miss Kandice Skiles says:

    1 star
    I dunno, it tasted off. Maybe too much lemon? Not my jam.

  85. User avatar franklyn.larson9 says:

    2 stars
    Never made a tart before. Is it supposed to be tricky? Mine came out a bit soggy 😩.

  86. User avatar Arwen Evenstar says:

    3 stars
    I think I messed up the crust… it was crumbling all over. But the filling tasted nice. Maybe next time I’ll just buy a pre-made crust.

  87. 4 stars
    Lemon tart??? Yum! Got a slice left? 😂

3.60 from 115 votes
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