Lemon Tart Recipe

Looking for a bright, zesty treat? This classic lemon tart recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery, flaky crust and a silky lemon filling. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy lemon tart is sure to impress. Using simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, zest, and rich cream, it’s one of the best lemon desserts for any occasion. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for spring gatherings, family dinners, or just because!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Tart

If you love lemon desserts as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat! One of my all-time favorite recipes is my famous lemon cake, which has gained over half a million views on YouTube, thanks to its perfect balance of sweetness and tang. But let me tell you, this lemon tart recipe has taken the crown—it’s so beloved among my viewers that it’s garnered over 4 million views on my Lemon Tart Video recipe! It’s clear that this tart holds a special place in many kitchens, and I’m sure it will in yours too.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Perfect balance of flavors: The buttery, flaky crust pairs beautifully with the tart, silky lemon filling.
• Easy to make: With simple, everyday ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is approachable even for beginners.
• Elegant presentation: This tart looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery, making it ideal for impressing guests at any occasion.
• Ultimate lemon flavor: Using fresh lemon juice and zest ensures that every bite bursts with bright, zesty lemon goodness.

Ingredients for Lemon Tart

For the crust:

1. Flour – Forms the base of the tart crust, providing structure and a tender, crumbly texture.
2. Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust while keeping it light and smooth.
3. Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the crust.
4. Butter – Creates a flaky, tender crust by adding moisture and richness.
5. Salt – Enhances the flavors in the crust and balances sweetness.
6. Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle flavor to complement the buttery crust.

For the filling:

1. Sugar – Sweetens the tart filling while balancing the tartness of the lemons.
2. Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the filling, creating a smooth, custard-like texture.
3. Egg yolks – Add additional richness and creaminess to the filling.
4. Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the filling.
5. Heavy cream – Adds a creamy, luscious texture to the lemon filling.
6. Fresh lemon juice – The star of the recipe, providing the tart, refreshing lemon flavor.
7. Lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant citrus oils.

Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor!

How to Make a French Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

1. Make the dough: Combine flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla to create the buttery base for your tarte au citron.
2. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the dough stays firm and easy to work with, making this an easy lemon tart recipe.
3. Roll and shape: Roll out the chilled dough and press it into your tart pan, trimming any excess. This creates the perfect flaky crust.
4. Blind bake the crust: Line the dough with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or beans, and bake until golden. This step ensures the crust is crisp and ready for the filling.
5. Prepare the filling: Whisk fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and heavy cream for a smooth, tangy filling that’s essential for the best lemon tart.
6. Bake the tart: Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake again until the lemon filling is just set for a rich, creamy texture.
7. Cool and serve: Let the tart cool completely, then refrigerate before serving to achieve the perfect set and flavor balance.

Substitutes and Variations

Here are some easy substitutions and creative variations to adapt this lemon tart recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Substitutes:

• Gluten-free crust for lemon tart: Swap out the regular flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend designed for baking, as it will provide the best texture.
• Dairy-free Lemon Tart: Replace the butter in the crust with a plant-based butter or margarine. For the filling, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative to achieve that creamy texture without dairy.
• Low-sugar Lemon Tart: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content without compromising flavor.

Variations:

• Lime or orange tart: For a twist, replace the lemon juice and zest with lime or orange to create a lime tart or orange tart. Both variations bring a unique citrus flavor that’s equally delicious.
• Blueberry lemon tart: Add a layer of fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries) on top of the lemon filling before baking. The combination of sweet berries and tart lemon is irresistible.
• Meringue-topped lemon tart: For an elegant variation, top your lemon tart with a fluffy meringue. Simply whip egg whites and sugar into stiff peaks, spread over the baked tart, and bake until the meringue is lightly golden.
• Lavender-infused lemon tart: Add a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the filling to give your lemon tart a floral twist. The delicate lavender pairs wonderfully with the bright lemon flavors.
• Chocolate crust: For a decadent version, replace the traditional crust with a chocolate cookie crust or a chocolate shortbread base. The rich chocolate complements the tartness of the lemon filling beautifully.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own by trying these fun substitutes and variations!

How to Store Lemon Tart

Properly storing your lemon tart will ensure it stays fresh and delicious, whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for an event. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration:

• In the fridge: After your lemon tart has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The tart stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture, but the crust may soften slightly over time.

Freezing:

• To freeze: If you’d like to store your lemon tart longer, it freezes well. Once the tart has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice separately for convenience. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• To thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen lemon tart, transfer it to the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours, but avoid microwaving, as that can affect the texture.

Pro tip:

If you’re freezing, consider freezing the tart without the filling, then add the filling fresh after thawing to maintain the best texture in the crust.

More Lemon Dessert You Might Like

I get it, you love lemon desserts! But you also want to diversify, because you can’t eat just lemon tart all day. So here are some lemon dessert ideas you will love:

• 6 lemon dessert ideas
• Lemon cheesecake bars
• Lemon meringue pie

 

Frequently Asked Questions