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.
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.