Lemon Custard Tart
If you’re looking for a dessert that brightens your day, this Lemon Custard Tart is just the thing! With its buttery shortcrust base and a creamy, zesty filling, it’s a treat that feels special yet is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. I love serving this delightful tart at family gatherings or even just as a sweet ending to a cozy dinner at home. The balance between sweet and tangy makes it a favorite for all ages!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This lemon custard tart comes together with simple steps that anyone can follow. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll create something delicious!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a slice of this tart! Its refreshing flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dessert in advance. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits!
- Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served chilled on a warm day or at room temperature, this tart fits perfectly into any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything to make this delightful Lemon Custard Tart!
For the Shortcrust Base:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Custard Filling:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Add Fruit: Toss in some fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Infuse Flavors: Try adding herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist on the classic lemon flavor.
- Use Different Citrus: Experiment with lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a different citrusy delight.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to make this tart suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
How to Make Lemon Custard Tart
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by mixing together the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because it creates that flaky texture we love in pie crusts! Add in the egg yolk and enough cold water until everything comes together as dough. Press this mixture into your tart pan and chill it for 20-30 minutes—this helps it hold its shape while baking.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the crust base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake it for about 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Allowing it to cool slightly before adding the filling will ensure that your custard doesn’t get watery.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Custard
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Gradually add in the milk while whisking non-stop—this prevents pesky lumps from forming! Keep stirring until thickened; this step is vital for achieving that silky custard texture. Once thickened, remove it from heat and stir in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla until everything is smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Bake the Tart
Pour that beautiful custard into your pre-baked crust. Bake it for 25-30 minutes until just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This slight jiggle indicates that it will firm up perfectly as it cools.
Let your tart cool completely before slicing into it—patience pays off! Serve chilled or at room temperature, and watch everyone enjoy every last crumb!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Custard Tart
Creating the perfect Lemon Custard Tart can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your tart turns out wonderfully every time.
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Use cold butter for the crust – Starting with cold butter helps achieve that flaky texture in the shortcrust. The butter should remain solid until baked, creating steam pockets that give the crust its unique crunch.
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Don’t skip the chilling step – Chilling the tart dough allows it to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking. This simple step ensures your crust retains its shape and has a tender bite.
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Whisk vigorously while cooking the custard – Continuous whisking when heating the lemon custard prevents lumps from forming. It also promotes even cooking, giving you a smooth and creamy filling.
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Check for doneness carefully – When baking, look for a slight jiggle in the center of the custard. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
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Let it cool completely – Allowing the tart to cool fully before slicing not only improves the flavor but also helps set the filling. This way, each slice will hold its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Lemon Custard Tart
Serving your Lemon Custard Tart can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert presentation and make it even more delightful for your guests.
Garnishes
- Fresh berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that complements the tartness of lemon.
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkling of powdered sugar gives an elegant touch without overwhelming the tart’s bright flavors.
- Mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint not only enhance aesthetics but also add a refreshing aroma that pairs wonderfully with citrus desserts.
Side Dishes
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, homemade whipped coconut cream provides a luscious and creamy contrast to the tart’s acidity.
- Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and oranges creates a refreshing side that balances out the richness of the custard.
- Green tea: Serving your tart with a warm cup of green tea offers an earthy counterpart that enhances the zesty notes while providing a soothing finish.
- Almond biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti makes for an excellent crunchy accompaniment; perfect for dipping into coffee or enjoying alongside each bite of tart.
With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with a beautiful Lemon Custard Tart that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every slice!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Lemon Custard Tart is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance for parties, gatherings, or even just to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and handle it:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the tart to cool completely before storing.
- Cover the tart with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- If you prefer your tart slightly warm, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the tart on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Enjoy at room temperature or chilled after reheating.
FAQs
Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about this delicious Lemon Custard Tart!
Can I use other citrus fruits in this lemon custard tart?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted using other citrus juices like lime or orange for a different flavor profile while maintaining that lovely custard texture.
How do I prevent my lemon custard tart from cracking?
To avoid cracks, ensure you don’t overbake the tart. It should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. Cooling it gradually at room temperature will also help maintain its smooth surface.
What can I serve with my lemon custard tart?
Lemon Custard Tart pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A dollop of yogurt can complement its zestiness too!
How long does this lemon custard tart last in the fridge?
When stored properly, your Lemon Custard Tart will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about creating this luscious Lemon Custard Tart! Its bright flavors and creamy texture make it truly special, whether you’re indulging on a sunny afternoon or impressing guests at a dinner party. Enjoy every step of the process, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations! Happy baking!
Lemon Custard Tart
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Lemon Custard Tart, where bright citrus meets creamy custard in a perfectly buttery shortcrust. This dessert is not only a visual treat but also an easy-to-make recipe that will impress your family and friends. The fresh lemon juice combined with the silky smooth filling creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and tang, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy dinners at home. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to savor every bite without the last-minute rush.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- To make the crust, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and enough cold water to form dough. Chill for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick chilled crust with a fork and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- For the filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour custard into the cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow tart to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
