Description
Easy Lemon Curd Tartlets are delightful mini desserts featuring a buttery, flaky tart shell filled with homemade tangy lemon curd. Perfect for any occasion, these tartlets combine fresh citrus flavors with a crisp crust, making a refreshing and visually appealing treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Curd Filling
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- Zest of 2 lemons
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the Tartlet Shells: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse together flour, chilled butter, powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water, pulsing just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll and shape.
- Roll and Shape: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut circles to fit mini tartlet pans and press the dough into each pan evenly, trimming excess dough.
- Bake the Shells: Prick bottoms of shells with a fork to prevent bubbling and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and butter. Stir constantly for 8-10 minutes until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
- Fill the Tartlet Shells: Once shells are cooled, spoon the lemon curd into each tartlet shell generously.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves if desired. Enjoy your refreshing lemon curd tartlets!
Notes
- Use chilled butter for a flaky crust texture.
- Chilling the dough prevents shrinking during baking.
- Watch tartlet shells closely while baking to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Fresh lemons give the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Cool tartlet shells completely before filling to prevent melting the curd.
- Experiment with lime or orange zest for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon curd tartlets, lemon dessert, mini tarts, easy lemon tart recipe, tangy lemon curd, buttery tart shells, party dessert
