This French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd is a delightful dessert that combines a crisp buttery pastry crust with a bright and zesty lemon curd filling. Perfect for any occasion, this tart is sure to impress your guests with its refreshing flavors and elegant presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe stands out for its balance of sweetness and acidity, making it an irresistible choice for lemon lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a tangy filling that awakens the taste buds.
- Crispy Crust: A buttery pastry crust provides the perfect texture contrast to the smooth lemon curd.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for celebrations, brunches, or as a sweet finish to any meal.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can master this classic French dessert.
- Make Ahead Option: This tart can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your French lemon tart successfully, you’ll need some essential tools that simplify the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Speeds up mixing the dough, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for the tart crust.
- Tart pan: Provides support while baking and gives the tart its classic shape.
Ingredients
This French lemon tart is made with a crisp buttery pastry crust and filled with a zesty and bright lemon curd filling and baked to perfection.
For the Crust
- 1 1/3 cup Flour
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/3 cup Powder sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter (cold, unsalted)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 4 Egg yolks (large)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
Step 1: Make the Tart Dough
Start by making the tart dough. In a food processor, add the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
Add cold cubed butter to the mixture. Blend until you achieve pea-sized pieces of butter. If you don’t have a food processor, mix by hand using cold hands to keep the butter cold.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until a dough forms but avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Transfer chilled dough onto a clean floured surface. Roll it into a circle using a rolling pin. Place it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming off any excess edges. Poke small holes in the crust with a fork and freeze for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns light golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
How to Serve French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
Serving your French lemon tart w/ lemon curd can elevate any dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this zesty treat.
Classic Serving
- Serve slices of the tart with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tartness.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and flavor.
Mint Leaves
- Add a sprig of mint on top for a refreshing touch that complements the lemon flavor.
Ice Cream
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a cool and creamy addition.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant finish.
Citrus Zest
- Grate some additional lemon zest over the top to enhance the citrus aroma and taste.
How to Perfect French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
To achieve the best results with your French lemon tart w/ lemon curd, follow these helpful tips.
- Use cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are cold. This helps in creating a flaky crust.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the crust tender and flaky.
- Chill before baking: Letting the dough chill helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes. You want it golden brown, not dark.
- Let it cool completely: Allow the tart to cool fully before slicing; this will help set the filling properly.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
Pairing your French lemon tart w/ lemon curd with delightful side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances out the tartness of the lemon. - Coconut Whipped Cream
A dairy-free alternative that brings a tropical twist to your dessert. - Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and provides a refreshing contrast. - Pistachio Crumble
A crunchy pistachio topping adds texture and nutty flavor that works well with lemon. - Lemon Sorbet
A light, frozen treat that amplifies the lemony notes without being too heavy. - Graham Cracker Crust Cookies
These cookies can serve as a crunchy side that echoes the flavors in your tart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a French lemon tart can be a rewarding experience, but certain pitfalls can ruin the outcome. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using room temperature butter: This can lead to a greasy crust. Always use cold, unsalted butter for the best texture in your tart crust.
- Overmixing the dough: This leads to a tough crust instead of a flaky one. Mix just until combined and avoid excessive handling.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the dough to shrink when baking. Always chill your tart dough for at least an hour.
- Skipping the blind bake: Not pre-baking may result in a soggy crust. Blind bake the shell to ensure it stays crisp against the lemon curd filling.
- Ignoring zest quality: Using old or dry zest can diminish flavor. Always use fresh lemon zest for maximum brightness in your filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store your French lemon tart in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Freezing French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months if you want to preserve it longer.
- Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until slightly heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-15 second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat for a few minutes while covered, ensuring even warming without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the best French lemon tart?
To make the best French lemon tart, focus on using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh lemons for juice and zest. Ensure proper chilling of the dough and follow baking times closely.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes, you can use store-bought lemon curd for convenience. However, homemade provides a fresher taste and better control over sweetness and acidity.
What is the difference between lemon curd and lemon filling?
Lemon curd is thick, smooth, and rich with eggs and butter, while lemon filling is often lighter and may not contain butter. For this recipe, use lemon curd for optimal flavor.
Can I customize my French lemon tart?
Absolutely! You can customize your French lemon tart by adding fruits like berries on top or infusing herbs like basil into your lemon curd for added complexity.
Final Thoughts
This French lemon tart w/ lemon curd is a delightful dessert that combines tangy flavors with a buttery crust. Its versatility allows countless variations, so feel free to experiment with toppings or fillings! Try this recipe today and enjoy its refreshing taste any time of year.
French Lemon Tart W/ Lemon Curd
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of a French Lemon Tart with Lemon Curd—a dessert that effortlessly marries a crisp, buttery pastry crust with a bright, tangy filling. This classic treat is not only visually stunning but also exceptionally delicious, making it perfect for any occasion. The balance of sweetness and acidity in the lemon curd will awaken your taste buds, ensuring that this tart is a hit at dinner parties, brunches, or simply as a sweet escape for yourself. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels looking to impress.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- Make the tart dough by combining flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and blend until pea-sized. Mix in egg and vanilla just until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for at least one hour. Roll out on a floured surface and transfer to a tart pan; freeze for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- Prepare the filling by whisking together lemon juice, zest, sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and yolks until smooth. Pour into the cooled crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Let the tart cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (77g)
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Use cold ingredients for a flaky crust. Fresh lemons yield the best flavor; avoid bottled juice. Customize with toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream.
