Why You’ll Love This French Lemon Cream Tart
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the tart in advance for effortless entertaining.
- Elegant and Delicious: A show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Perfectly Balanced: Sweet and tangy flavors come together in harmony.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these on hand!
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor (optional, for making the crust)
- Tart pan with removable bottom (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Saucepan
French Lemon Cream Tart
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Description
Bright, zesty, and refreshingly light, this French Lemon Cream Tart is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery shortcrust pastry and a silky-smooth lemon cream filling, this tart balances sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s elegant, yet surprisingly simple to make, making it an ideal treat for dinner parties, celebrations, or just because!
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tart Crust
- In a bowl (or using a food processor), mix the flour and powdered sugar. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan.
- Press the dough into the tart pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Filling
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Strain the lemon cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
- Pour the lemon cream into the cooled tart crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the brightest flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Proper chilling ensures a flaky crust.
- Whisk Constantly: When making the lemon cream, whisking prevents curdling and ensures a silky texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the tart up to a day in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the tart (without garnishes) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Absolutely! A pre-made crust can save time and still taste great.
Q2: Can I use limes instead of lemons?
A: Yes! Lime juice will create a delicious lime cream tart with a similar texture.
Q3: How can I make the filling firmer?
A: Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water to the lemon mixture while cooking.
Conclusion: A Tangy Slice of Heaven
This French Lemon Cream Tart is a dessert you’ll come back to again and again. Its bright, citrusy flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
Did you make this tart? Share your photos and let us know how it turned out!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: 300
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every refreshing, zesty bite of this French classic!
