Lemon Curd Tartlets Recipe
Lemon Curd Tartlets are the little rays of sunshine your dessert table has been longing for—crisp, buttery shells filled with luxuriously tangy lemon curd and topped with bursts of fresh berries. Every bite balances the sweet, zesty, and creamy, making these tartlets irresistible whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or just need a pick-me-up. They’re gorgeous, absolutely scrumptious, and will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Lemon Curd Tartlets so delightful is just how simple the ingredient list is—yet each plays a starring role, ensuring the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and color. From that melt-in-your-mouth pastry to the zippy curd, here’s what you need (plus a couple of lovely finishing touches).
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of your tartlet shells and gives structure for the perfect crisp bite.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness to the pastry, which balances out the tart lemon filling.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for that golden, flaky crust—make sure it’s straight from the fridge!
- Egg yolk: Binds your dough while adding richness that keeps shells tender, not tough.
- Cold water: Just a bit brings the dough together without overworking it.
- Lemon curd (store-bought or homemade): The tangy, glossy heart of the tartlet—choose your favorite or whip up a quick homemade batch.
- Fresh berries (optional): A pop of color and a little burst of juiciness to complement the lemony filling.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a celebratory finish—totally Instagram-worthy, too!
How to Make Lemon Curd Tartlets
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by pulsing your flour and powdered sugar together in a food processor, then add those cold cubes of butter. Pulse until it all looks like coarse crumbs—this sets the foundation for a tender, flaky crust. Blend in the egg yolk, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. This way, you avoid overmixing and keep that amazing texture.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, shape it into a disk, wrap it up snugly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the gluten relax and the butter stay firm, which is the secret to a shell that holds its shape and bakes up delightfully crisp.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Tartlet Shells
After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut rounds to fit your mini tartlet pans or muffin tin. Gently press the dough into the pans, making sure they fit snugly into the corners, and prick the bottoms with a fork to keep them from puffing. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until just golden at the edges. Let the shells cool completely before filling—patience pays off here!
Step 4: Fill with Lemon Curd
Once your tartlet shells are cool, spoon or pipe in that luscious lemon curd, filling each shell generously. Smooth the tops with a spoon or an offset spatula, and chill the filled tartlets for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the curd to set, for picture-perfect slices every time.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your chilled Lemon Curd Tartlets with fresh berries and a light snowy dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. It’s the flourish that turns them into a showstopping treat, and the contrast between tart, sweet, and fruity pops with every bite.
How to Serve Lemon Curd Tartlets
Garnishes
A classic Lemon Curd Tartlet loves to be dressed up! Go for a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for color and juicy contrast—or add a swirl of whipped cream or edible flowers for a playful, elegant finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a magical, bakery-worthy look.
Side Dishes
While these tartlets dazzle on their own, they’re even better with a supporting cast: think afternoon tea with delicate finger sandwiches and fresh fruit, or a springtime dessert spread featuring almond biscotti or buttery shortbread. If you’re feeling bold, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream brings creamy coolness to the tangy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no limit to how you can showcase your Lemon Curd Tartlets! Try arranging them on a tiered stand for a brunch buffet, or nestle each tartlet in a colorful cupcake wrapper for grab-and-go treats at a picnic. For parties, label each one with a mini flag to charm your guests—or stack them into a tower centerpiece for a dessert table with serious wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Lemon Curd Tartlets fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’ve added fresh berries or whipped cream, add those just before serving so everything stays bright and beautiful.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the tartlet shells on their own if you’re making them ahead. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month, then fill with lemon curd after thawing. Freezing assembled tartlets can affect the texture of the curd, so try to assemble them the day you’ll serve if possible.
Reheating
These treats are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen just the shells, let them thaw completely at room temperature before filling and serving.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Curd Tartlets with premade tartlet shells?
Absolutely! Using store-bought tartlet shells is a fantastic shortcut. Just fill them with your favorite lemon curd, chill, and add your garnishes—no one will guess you didn’t make every bit from scratch.
What’s the best lemon curd to use?
Homemade lemon curd tastes deeply fresh and zesty, but a high-quality store-bought curd works beautifully if you’re in a hurry. If you’re up for making it, look for recipes that use plenty of real lemon juice and zest for max flavor.
Can I make these tartlets gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend for the flour, and make sure your tartlet pans are well-greased. The process stays the same, yielding crisp, golden pastry for everyone to enjoy.
How far in advance can I assemble them?
You can prep Lemon Curd Tartlets a day ahead—just keep them chilled until serving. If you’re making them more than one day early, store the shells and curd separately and assemble shortly before guests arrive.
Can I add different toppings?
Definitely! Fresh berries are classic, but you can also try candied citrus peel, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. Get creative and let your personality shine through each tartlet.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that showstopping, sunshine-filled dessert, Lemon Curd Tartlets are sure to become your new favorite. With their buttery crust and tangy lemon heart, these bite-sized beauties are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Give them a try—you’ll love watching them disappear!
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Lemon Curd Tartlets Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 tartlets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Lemon Curd Tartlets. A buttery crust holds a zesty lemon curd filling, topped with fresh berries for a burst of flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
For Garnish:
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse flour and powdered sugar. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water until dough forms. Chill, roll, and form into tartlet pans.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Fill and Chill: Fill tartlet shells with lemon curd. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with berries and powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-made tart shells for convenience.
- For variation, top with whipped cream.
- Tartlets can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
