Welcome to the world of zesty bliss with my ultimate classic lemon tart recipe! This tart has a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust that perfectly cradles a tangy lemon filling that dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made this; the aroma of fresh lemons filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait for it to cool before diving in! It’s become a staple for family gatherings and dinner parties, with everyone eagerly asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you taste this tart, you’ll understand why it’s my go-to dessert for any occasion. Let’s get started on creating this citrusy delight!
Ingredients for the Ultimate Classic Lemon Tart Recipe
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our crust, giving it that delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily into the dough.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – This adds a touch of sweetness to the crust without being too heavy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 large egg yolk – This helps bind the crust together and gives it richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is key for that bright, zesty flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly to balance the tartness.
- 3 large eggs – These will create a lovely, creamy filling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds an extra punch of lemony goodness!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – For that silky, smooth texture in the filling.
How to Prepare the Ultimate Classic Lemon Tart Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this lemon tart! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert to impress everyone.
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
First, in a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. I like to use my fingers to blend them until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—it’s super satisfying! Once it’s crumbly, add in the egg yolk. Mix it all together until the dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first; just keep mixing until it comes together. Now, gently press the dough into a tart pan, making sure it evenly covers the bottom and up the sides. And don’t forget to prick the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling!
Step 2: Bake the Tart Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop that crust into the oven. Bake it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as you want it just right—not too dark! When it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
In a clean bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. I love watching it transform as the sugar dissolves! Once it’s all mixed, slowly add the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. This will give our filling that rich, velvety texture. Make sure everything is well-blended, but don’t overmix—just until it’s smooth.
Step 4: Bake the Lemon Tart
Now, pour that luscious lemon filling into the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit wobbly. Once it’s done, let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Trust me, this chilling time makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Classic Lemon Tart Recipe
- Refreshing and tangy lemon flavor that brightens any occasion.
- Buttery crust that perfectly complements the filling.
- Easy-to-follow steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home.
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Tips for Success with the Ultimate Classic Lemon Tart Recipe
To make sure your lemon tart turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest—trust me, the flavor will be infinitely better than bottled. When making the crust, don’t overmix the dough; you want it to be crumbly but still hold together. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so start checking a few minutes early. If the filling looks too wobbly when you take it out, that’s okay! It will set as it cools in the fridge. Lastly, let it chill for at least two hours before serving; this really allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the process, and have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I strive to provide accurate nutritional information, please keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in your ultimate classic lemon tart recipe. Factors like the size of the eggs, the type of sugar, or even the butter can slightly change the values. For precise nutritional information, consider calculating it based on the specific ingredients you choose. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can, I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The tartness and brightness of fresh lemons make a world of difference in this ultimate classic lemon tart recipe!
How do I know when the lemon tart is done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. Don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools!
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! This lemon tart is perfect for making a day in advance. Just let it chill in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when you are!
What should I serve with my lemon tart?
I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh berries. They add a lovely contrast to the tartness and make it even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your ultimate classic lemon tart, simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry; the tart can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, which is how I love it! There’s no need to reheat, but if you prefer it a bit warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Ultimate Classic Lemon Tart Recipe: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is the ultimate classic lemon tart recipe with a buttery crust and a tangy lemon filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Add egg yolk and mix until dough forms.
- Press dough into a tart pan and prick with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest.
- Slowly add heavy cream and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Chill the tart for a firmer texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ultimate classic lemon tart recipe
