Lemon Curd Tartlets are a beautifully balanced dessert that combines crisp, buttery tart shells with a smooth, vibrant lemon curd filling. These mini treats showcase the refreshing brightness of fresh lemon while delivering a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert tables, these tartlets are charming, bite-sized delights that look as stunning as they taste. Their simplicity and refined presentation make them a go-to option when you want something impressive yet approachable.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Lemon Curd Tartlets because they offer the perfect harmony between sweet and tangy. The buttery tart shell complements the silky lemon filling, creating a balanced dessert that feels fresh rather than heavy. These tartlets can be made ahead, customized easily, and beautifully dressed with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or berries. They feel sophisticated but are not overly complicated, making them a bakery-quality treat you can make at home.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This recipe is a must-try because it features classic flavors in a delicate, elegant format suited for any celebration. Whether you love citrus or simply enjoy desserts with depth and texture, these tartlets deliver a refreshing twist on traditional sweets. They are easy to portion, visually appealing, and offer a flavor payoff far beyond the effort required. If you enjoy desserts that leave you wanting “just one more bite,” these tartlets are perfect.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 tartlets
Estimated Calories: Approximately 185 calories per tartlet
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French-inspired bakery style
Ingredients
Tart Shells
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
Lemon Curd Filling
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Simple Cooking Directions
- Prepare tart dough and form into shells; bake until lightly golden.
- Cook lemon curd ingredients until thickened, then cool slightly.
- Spoon or pipe lemon curd into tart shells.
- Chill before serving.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough
In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water a little at a time until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Shells
Roll dough and cut circles to fit baking tins. Press dough into molds and prick bottoms with a fork. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Curd
In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Cool slightly.
Step 4: Fill the Tartlets
Spoon or pipe lemon curd into cooled shells. Smooth tops and refrigerate until set.
Step 5: Garnish
Add fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream as desired.
How to Serve
Serve chilled on a decorative platter. These tartlets pair beautifully with tea, sparkling water, or champagne.
Recipe Tips
- Strain lemon curd for an ultra-silky texture.
- Chill tart shells before baking to prevent shrinking.
- Use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice for best flavor.
Variations
- Raspberry Lemon Tartlets: Add a raspberry layer under the lemon curd.
- Coconut Lemon Tartlets: Add shredded coconut to crust for tropical flavor.
- Lavender-Infused Lemon Tartlets: Add a hint of culinary lavender for floral notes.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze tart shells only, up to 2 months; fill after thawing for best texture.
Special Equipment Needed
- Tartlet pans or mini muffin tin
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Fine mesh strainer
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, although homemade gives the best fresh flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, tart shells may be baked ahead and assembled the day of serving.
Q: What if the filling is runny?
Cook longer until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Conclusion
Lemon Curd Tartlets are elegant, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. These bite-sized treats are perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence and showcase timeless citrus flavor in a delightful format. Once you make them, they’re sure to become a regular favorite.
