If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, crumbly base, look no further than the ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight. This irresistible tart combines a rich shortbread crust with a luscious, zesty lemon filling that bursts with sunshine in every bite. It’s a showstopper perfect for any occasion, whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a slice of pure joy.

ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This tart is a celebration of simplicity and freshness, relying on a few staple ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the buttery crust that adds a pleasant crunch to the vibrant lemon filling that brings brightness and zest.

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the crust that enhances flavor without overpowering the citrus.
Powdered sugar: Helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust with a subtle sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The essential dry ingredient that gives structure to both crust and filling.
Salt: A pinch sharpens the flavor of the buttery crust, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling while allowing the tartness to shine through.
Large eggs and egg yolks: Bind the filling, giving it a smooth and custardy texture.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the dish, delivering bright, refreshing citrus flavor.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma and adds bursts of sunny flavor throughout the filling.
Melted unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and enriches the lemon filling with a subtle depth.
Optional garnishes – lemon slices and powdered sugar: For that extra touch of elegance and sweetness when serving.

How to Make ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly greasing your tart pan to ensure easy release. Begin mixing the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, combining gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Press this dough evenly into the tart pan, piercing the base with a fork to prevent bubbles. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color, signaling a perfectly crisp crust ready to hold the filling.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Luscious Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, mix granulated sugar, whole eggs, and extra egg yolks in a bowl. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes silky-smooth and velvety. The bright lemon juice combined with the zesty zest lifts this filling straight into citrus heaven. Finally, stir in the melted butter, blending until fully incorporated for an ultra-rich, smooth texture that will set with a beautiful sheen.

Step 3: Bake the Tart with the Lemon Filling

Once the crust is perfectly baked and slightly cooled, pour the vibrant lemon mixture lovingly over it. Pop the tart back into your oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Watch closely—the filling should look firm to the touch but still retain its creamy nature. This step is where magic happens, turning your tart from simple ingredients into a bright citrus delight!

Step 4: Cool and Garnish

After baking, allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step helps the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld. Before serving, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and adorn with fresh lemon slices for that perfect pop of color and added citrus charm.

How to Serve ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instantly elevates the tart’s presentation. These simple touches not only make your dessert look picture-perfect but also add a hint of freshness and a contrasting powdery sweetness that complements the tangy filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The creaminess of these additions balances the tartness of the lemon and provides an indulgent mouthfeel. You can also serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea for a charming afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, consider serving individual tartlets using mini tart pans for cute, personal-sized portions. Alternatively, dust the tart with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a colorful, garden-inspired presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep it fresh and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the tart before adding the lemon filling by wrapping the baked crust securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw before preparing the filling. Finished tarts freeze less well because of the delicate texture, so it’s best to make it fresh if possible.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy chilled leftovers, simply bring slices to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the texture of the custard-like lemon filling.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice for this tart?

While freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the brightest, freshest flavor for the ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one that is 100% lemon juice, without added sugar or preservatives.

What is the best pan for baking this tart?

A tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal because it makes it easier to release the tart cleanly from the pan, preserving that beautiful shortbread crust and stunning presentation.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and filling with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The filling should be set and firm but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it silky and smooth.

Can I prepare this tart in advance for a party?

Absolutely! The ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can bake it a day before your event, store it in the refrigerator, and garnish just before serving for fresh, impressive presentation.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight that makes every bite a celebration of bright flavors and buttery comfort. It’s an effortlessly elegant dessert that brings warmth and joy to the table—something I encourage you to try soon. Trust me, once you make this tart, it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.