Introduction

The lemon tart, known as “tarte au citron” in French, is a classic dessert that perfectly combines sweet and tangy flavors. With its smooth custard filling nestled in a crisp pastry shell, this delightful treat is ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties. In this article, we explore the ingredients, preparation time, and cooking details for creating this delicious dessert.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– For the pastry: 200g of all-purpose flour
– 100g of unsalted butter, softened
– 50g of powdered sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– A pinch of salt

– For the filling: 3 large eggs
– 150g of granulated sugar
– 150ml of fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 100g of unsalted butter

Prep Time

The preparation time for this delectable lemon tart is approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time needed to prepare the pastry and the filling.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in french

– Temps de cuisson: 25 minutes
– Temps total: 55 minutes
– Rendement: 8 portions

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust

Combine flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Add cold butter pieces and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk and mix until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a tart pan. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pan, pressing it evenly into the edges. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Gradually add the cream while continuing to whisk until fully combined.

Fill the Baked Crust

Pour the prepared lemon filling into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly.

Bake the Tart

Return the filled tart to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Cool and Serve

Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.

Notes

Storage

The lemon tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with adding herbs like basil or mint to the filling for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This tart pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Consult Lemon Quality

For the best flavor, choose fresh lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, as they yield more juice.

Cook techniques

Preparing the crust

The tart crust is essential for achieving the right texture and flavor balance. Use cold butter and work quickly to keep the dough flaky.

Baking the crust

Blind baking the crust before adding the filling prevents sogginess. Use pie weights or dried beans to hold the crust in shape while it bakes.

Making the lemon filling

For a smooth filling, ensure you strain the lemon juice and zest to remove any pulp or seeds before cooking.

Cooking the filling

Cook the filling gently over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to avoid curdling the eggs.

Chilling the tart

After baking, allow the tart to cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for best setting results.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pastry for the tart crust?

Yes, store-bought pastry can save time, but homemade adds a fresher flavor.

What type of lemons should I use?

Use fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor; organic lemons are ideal as they are free from pesticides.

How do I know when the filling is done?

The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when you run your finger through it.

Can I freeze the lemon tart?

Yes, lemon tart can be frozen, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

What can I serve with lemon tart?

Lemon tart pairs well with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Conclusion

The lemon tart is a delightful dessert that combines the refreshing tartness of lemons with a smooth and creamy filling, all enclosed in a buttery crust. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also provides a great opportunity to impress your family and friends. The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it a favorite choice for any occasion. Enjoy this classic treat and experiment with different presentations to make it uniquely yours.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Fruit Tart

An exquisite combination of fresh seasonal fruits atop a creamy custard filling makes a vibrant and appealing dessert.

Chocolate Lemon Tart

A delicious twist on the classic recipe, this version incorporates a rich chocolate layer for a decadent flavor experience.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Transform your lemon tart into a pie by adding a fluffy meringue topping, providing a beautiful contrast in textures and flavors.

Lemon Blueberry Tart

Add a burst of flavor by mixing blueberries into your lemon filling for a fruity and tangy combination that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Mini Lemon Tarts

Create individual servings of lemon tart in small pastry shells for a charming and easy-to-serve dessert, perfect for gatherings.

Lavender Lemon Tart

Infuse your lemon tart with lavender for an aromatic twist that elevates the typical lemon flavor profile to a more sophisticated level.

Coconut Lemon Tart

Incorporate coconut into your lemon tart for a tropical touch, adding shredded coconut to the crust or the lemon filling for extra texture.