ead Lemon Tart – A Bright Citrus Delight Recipe
This Sweet & Zesty Shortbread Lemon Tart combines a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with a bright and tangy lemon filling, creating a refreshing citrus dessert perfect for any occasion. The vibrant lemon flavor balanced by a sweet, smooth custard filling makes this tart a delightful treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Powdered sugar
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a tart pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Shape and Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan. Use a fork to pierce holes across the crust to prevent bubbling, then bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar, whole eggs, egg yolks, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour until the mixture is smooth and silky.
- Add Butter to Filling: Stir the melted unsalted butter into the lemon filling until fully incorporated, ensuring a rich, smooth custard.
- Bake the Tart: Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the filling is set and firm to the touch but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the tart cool completely to room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh lemon slices before serving for a bright and elegant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the tart pan with a pie dish, but the shortbread crust works best in a shallow pan for even baking.
- Ensure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the best tangy flavor and vibrant aroma.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the zest up to 2 tablespoons.
- Store the tart refrigerated; it keeps well for up to 3 days.
- Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing to maintain clean, firm edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Lemon tart, Shortbread crust, Citrus dessert, Lemon zest, Baking recipe, Easy lemon tart, Homemade lemon tart