Delicious Lemon Tart Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to the zesty and vibrant world of Lemon Tarts! A classic dessert that combines the tanginess of lemons with the buttery goodness of a handmade pastry, Lemon Tarts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe will guide you to create the perfect Lemon Tarts that are sure to impress. Let’s explore the art of pastry making and bring a piece of sunshine to your plate!
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Tart Pan (9 inches / 23 cm)
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowls
- Microplane or Zester
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Fine Mesh Sieve
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- Pastry Dough:
- 200g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon Filling:
- 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 125ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 200g of all-purpose flour, 50g of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the 100g of cubed unsalted butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the 1 large egg yolk and 2 tbsp of cold water until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Tart Shell
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan. Gently press the dough into the tart pan and trim the excess edges. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 15 minutes. Line with parchment paper and fill with baking weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights, and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together 150g of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 125ml of fresh lemon juice, and zest of 2 lemons until well combined. Gradually whisk in 120ml of heavy cream. Stir the mixture until smooth and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any zest or egg solids.
Step 4: Bake the Tart
Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F). Pour the prepared lemon filling into the pre-baked tart shell. Carefully place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is just set and slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Lemon Tart from the tart pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Lemon Tart, a perfect blend of citrus flavor and buttery crust!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a vibrant and delicious Lemon Tart from scratch. The perfect harmony of tangy lemon flavors and buttery crust is sure to impress. Share this delightful dessert with friends and family, or savor it on your own for a moment of sweet indulgence. Enjoy the zesty goodness of homemade Lemon Tart!