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Zesty Lemon Tartlets: Bite-Sized Brightness in Every Shell


  • Author: Norah
  • Total Time: ~1 hr 15 min
  • Yield: ~12 tartlets (using 6–8 cm tins)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicate, buttery tartlet shells filled with bright and velvety lemon curd. These mini treats are simple yet elegant—perfect for afternoon tea, parties, or any time you crave a tangy-sweet bite.


Ingredients

Tartlet Shells

  • 250 g all-purpose/plain flour

  • 50 g icing sugar, sifted

  • 1 pinch fine salt

  • 120 g cold unsalted butter

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

Lemon Curd

  • 4 egg yolks

  • 100 g caster (or granulated white) sugar

  • 125 ml lemon juice (≈ 3 large lemons)

  • 75 g unsalted butter, room temperature

  • Lemon zest (optional)


Instructions

  • Make the crust:

    • In a food processor, pulse flour, icing sugar, salt, and cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    • Add the egg, pulse briefly until dough holds together. Form a disk, wrap, refrigerate 30 minutes.

    • Roll out chilled dough, cut rounds or shape in tartlet tins. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for ~15 min until edges are light golden. Cool completely.

  • Make the lemon curd:

    • Whisk yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a heatproof bowl.

    • Place over simmering water, whisk until thickened (~10 min). Remove from heat, whisk in butter until smooth. Cool.

 

  • Assemble:

    • Spoon or pipe lemon curd into cooled tart shells. Chill 1–2 hours, or until set.

    • Garnish as desired with zest, berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

You can bake whole tartlets or a full-sized tart using this filling.

To ensure curd isn’t runny, cook until it thickly coats the back of a spoon and cools to room temperature

Make ahead: both shells and curd can be refrigerated for 2–3 days; assemble before serving.

  • Prep Time: ~20 min + 30 min chill
  • Cook Time: ~25 min (shells + curd)
  • Category: Dessert / Tartlets
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: International / Tea-time

Keywords: lemon tartlets, lemon curd, mini tarts, tea dessert, citrus tart