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.
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.
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.
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.
Wheat flour
|
175 g |
---|---|
Sugar (.approx)
|
2 tbsp |
Cold butter
|
100 g |
Water (.approx)
|
1 tbsp |
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (.approx)
|
5 tbsp |
---|---|
Corn flour (.approx)
|
1 tsp |
Eggs
|
3 |
Sugar
|
150 g |
Soft butter in small pieces
|
100 g |
Double cream
|
250 ml |
---|---|
Fresh lemon balm leaves
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.