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Lemon tart
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Instructions
Lemon tart base
Lemon curd
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Tips
When you are preparing the base, do not overwork the dough. This can activate the gluten in the flour and make your crust tough instead of tender and flaky. It is important to pre-bake the base as this will prevent a soggy bottom once the filling is added.
Tips
Make sure you cook the curd at low heat and keep stirring. The eggs in the curd can scramble if the heat is too high or if they are not stirred constantly.
Tips
Once your tart is baked, allow it to cool completely before slicing it. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Questions about lemon tart
Lemon tart is a classic and delicious dessert that never fails to impress. To get it just right and avoid any pitfalls, have a look at our answers to some frequently asked questions about it below.
A lemon tart is a type of dessert that consists of a pastry shell, typically made from shortcrust or sweet pastry dough, filled with smooth, tangy lemon curd or custard. The filling is often made from eggs, sugar, and lemon juice, sometimes with the addition of lemon zest for extra flavour. It is usually baked until the filling is set and then cooled before serving. A well-made lemon tart strikes a balance between tart and sweet and offers a contrast in textures between the crisp pastry and the creamy filling.
Combine wheat flour, sugar, butter, and water for the base and press the dough into a greased springform cake tin. Cover the tin and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, and then pre-bake it for about 12-15 minutes at 200°C. Next, prepare the filling with lemon juice, cornflour, eggs, sugar, and butter and pour it into the pre-baked base and finish baking the tart at 225°C for about 10 minutes. Let the tart cool in the tin on a cooling rack and remove it from the tin once it has fully cooled. Garnish the tart with lemon balm and serve with lightly whipped double cream.
To prepare the lemon curd filling for the lemon tart, start by mixing lemon juice and cornflour in a bowl. Stir eggs and sugar into this mixture. Place the bowl in a water bath and whisk consistently until the mixture thickens and gains volume. When you have the desired consistency, remove the bowl from the heat. Next, gradually incorporate butter pieces, whisking each one in thoroughly before adding the next. Once all the butter is incorporated, pour the curd into the pre-baked tart base and bake it in the oven.
A lemon tart can last in the fridge for 2-3 days if stored properly. Make sure the tart is covered tightly with cling film to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container – though you may have to slice the tart into smaller pieces to make it fit. If you store the tart for longer, the crust will begin to soften.
Yes, you can freeze a lemon tart. To do so, let it cool completely after baking. You can freeze it as a whole or slice it into smaller portions and freeze them individually. Place the tart (or the slices) on a tray and freeze for a couple of hours. When the tart is frozen, wrap it in cling film and foil to protect it from freezer burn, and then place it in an airtight container. You can store the tart in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Decorating your lemon tart with fresh lemon balm leaves adds an elegant touch and a subtle hint of extra flavour. The vibrant green leaves contrast beautifully with the bright yellow and make it more enticing. Lemon balm has a gentle lemon aroma and flavour, making it a fitting garnish for the tart.
Ingredients
Lemon tart base
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Wheat flour
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175 g |
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Sugar (.approx)
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2 tbsp |
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Cold butter
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100 g |
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Water (.approx)
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1 tbsp |
Lemon curd
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Freshly squeezed lemon juice (.approx)
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5 tbsp |
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Corn flour (.approx)
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1 tsp |
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Eggs
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3 |
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Sugar
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150 g |
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Soft butter in small pieces
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100 g |
Garnish
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Double cream
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250 ml |
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Fresh lemon balm leaves
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Other recipes
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Spoil friends and family with this easy lemon tart recipe
When it comes to delighting your loved ones with a homemade dessert, this easy recipe for lemon tart with lemon curd is a winner every time. Originating from France, where it is known as 'tarte au citron', this classic dessert offers a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Encased in a pastry shell, the filling is a vibrant, lemon-flavoured curd that is both sweet and tangy, contrasting beautifully with the flaky, buttery crust.
The simplicity of this recipe lies in the ingredients – just four for the base and five for the filling. And yet, the baked tart is a delight to the senses. The silky-smooth texture and intense lemony zing of the curd create a mouth-wateringly delicious taste experience in every bite. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet treat at a gathering, it is guaranteed to impress.
Served with whipped cream and lemon balm
A great lemon tart decoration is elegant and simple, which is why we serve ours with fresh lemon balm leaves and a dollop of whipped cream. Lemon balm has a mild citrusy aroma that reinforces the lemon theme of the dessert without overwhelming it. The vibrant green leaves also add a pleasing visual contrast to the yellow tart, making the dessert even more appealing to the eye. The addition of whipped cream not only makes each bite even richer but also offers a soothing creaminess to balance the tartness of the lemony citrus fruit.
Filled with a refreshing lemon curd for tart
At the very core of this scrumptious tart lies the zesty filling. Our lemon curd tart is bursting with a refreshing citrusy punch that perfectly teases your taste buds and forms an amazing duo with the buttery crust. The process of making the curd involves gently heating lemon juice, cornflour, sugar, eggs, and butter until it blossoms into a thick, creamy filling. This delectable filling meshes flawlessly with the slightly sweet, perfectly crisp pastry shell, creating a balanced and fulfilling flavour that leaves your palate singing with delight.
For more delicious summer dessert recipes, take a look at our easy cherry trifle, dreamy rhubarb crumble and classic strawberry tart.
Enjoy as a light dessert or an afternoon treat
There is something about the citrus flavour of a classic lemon tart that makes it a perfect dessert for a summer meal or a delightful afternoon treat. Served with a cup of tea or coffee, it is just the right amount of sweetness to enjoy without feeling overly indulgent. The bright, sunny flavours of the tart are reminiscent of carefree summer days, making it an instant mood booster.
And here is the best part, this tart serves 8 people, making it a fantastic option for a cosy get-together or a family dinner. And with its elegant appearance and refreshing flavour, it is sure to knock your guests off their feet and leave them itching for more. So, bring the taste of summer to your table with this amazing dessert recipe.
Make it your own
Even though the classic version is undeniably delicious, do not be afraid to add your own flair to the recipe.
If you are a fan of nutty flavours, consider adding finely ground almonds or hazelnuts to your pastry dough for an extra dimension of flavour. Or, if you prefer a little crunch, a graham cracker or biscuit base could be just the ticket.
While the zingy lemon curd filling is the heart of the tart, you can experiment by adding other citrus fruits. Try a mix of lemon and lime juice for a more complex tartness or add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice for a subtly different citrus aroma. You can also enrich the flavour of the filling by incorporating different spices. A pinch of cardamom or a few drops of vanilla extract can transform the classic tart into an exotic treat.
As for the topping, why not shake things up? Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of colour and added freshness.