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Lemon Curd Tartlets


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 tartlets 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tart Shells:

  • 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Curd:

  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 34 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tart Dough

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Slowly add this mixture to the flour-butter mixture, pulsing until the dough just comes together. If needed, add an extra teaspoon of water.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Bake the Tart Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than your tartlet molds and press the dough into each mold. Trim any excess.

Use a fork to prick the bottoms of each tart shell, then place them in the freezer for 10 minutes to prevent shrinking.

Line each tart shell with parchment paper and fill with baking weights or dry beans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Remove the weights and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Curd

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.

Once thick, remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Strain the curd through a sieve to remove any lumps, then let it cool for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Fill and Chill the Tartlets

Spoon the lemon curd into the cooled tart shells, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or edible flowers. Enjoy these tartlets chilled for the best texture and flavor.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g