Description
A bright and tangy lemon tart with a buttery shortbread crust, perfect for a sunny day or dessert anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
- Confectioners' sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- For the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with ice water, then add to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to an 11-inch round. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- For the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, lemon juice, heavy cream, lemon zest, and pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked tart crust. Carefully place the tart pan back into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly wobbly (it will continue to set as it cools).
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest to the filling. Ensure the butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: French