The French Lemon Tart, or Tarte au Citron, is a classic dessert known for its exquisite balance of sweet and tart flavors. With its silky lemon curd filling and crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry, it’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like something from a Parisian patisserie—but is surprisingly achievable at home.
The secret to a perfect French lemon tart lies in the quality of its ingredients and the harmony of textures. The crust, typically a pâte sucrée (sweet shortcrust), is slightly crisp and subtly sweet, providing the perfect contrast to the vibrant filling. It’s blind-baked until golden and crisp, ensuring it holds up without becoming soggy when the curd is added.
The lemon curd is where the magic happens. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter, it’s gently cooked until thick and smooth. The result is a glossy, luscious filling with a bright, citrusy punch and a creamy finish. Some versions strain the curd for an ultra-smooth texture, while others fold in a touch of cream or butter for added richness.
Once assembled, the tart is chilled until set and served cool—either as is or dusted with powdered sugar. For a modern touch, some top it with toasted meringue or candied lemon peel.
Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, elegant dinners, or anytime you crave a dessert that’s both refreshing and refined, this tart never fails to impress. Its clean lines and golden-yellow hue make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Pair your lemon tart with a cup of tea or a glass of chilled white wine for a truly delightful experience. A French lemon tart pairs beautifully with light, refreshing wines that complement its bright citrus flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend dessert lover, the perfect French lemon tart is a timeless treat worth mastering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for the tart crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed, for the tart crust
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the tart crust
- 1 large egg yolk for the tart crust
- 1/4 cup ice water for the tart crust
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice for the lemon filling
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest for the lemon filling
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar for the lemon filling
- 3 large eggs for the lemon filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed, for the lemon filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, and sugar for the crust. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and ice water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork all over.
- Blind bake the crust by covering it with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
- For the filling, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and add the cubed butter, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling into the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Slice and enjoy your Perfect French Lemon Tart!
Nutrition
Delicious! Tasted just like the ones from the bakery. Will be making this again for sure!
Easy recipe to follow, but I had to substitute with margarine. Still turned out nice! Thx!
This lemon tart is amazing! Perfect balance of tart and sweet. My family loved it!
Why do people think this is ‘perfect’? I think it’s just okay. Not everyone likes lemon like that.
I totally agree! This tart is way too lemony for my taste. I prefer something without such a strong flavor.
Have you even tried it though? It’s called a lemon tart for a reason! You gotta appreciate the tartness!
Lemon tart????????????? YUM!
Right? I can almost taste it already! 🍋😋
I didn’t have pie weights, so I used rice. It was a bit messy but worked out! Still tasty.
Wasn’t that impressed honestly. I’ve had better lemon tarts before. Too much lemon taste for my liking.
I followed the recipe but my crust was too soggy. What did I do wrong?