Lemon Tart Buttery Crust (Print Version)

A zesty lemon tart with a crisp, buttery shortcrust, ideal for springtime entertaining and sweet finishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Buttery Crust

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 large egg yolk
06 - 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water

→ Lemon Filling

07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 2 large egg yolks
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

14 - Powdered sugar for dusting
15 - Thinly sliced lemon wheels
16 - Fresh berries or mint leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - In a food processor, pulse together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Add egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water to the processor. Pulse just until dough comes together, adding the additional tablespoon of water if needed to achieve a cohesive dough.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes if time permits.
05 - Roll out dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough into pan, trim edges, and prick base with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
06 - Bake crust for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment paper, then bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool briefly.
07 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth.
08 - Pour filling into the warm crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly to the touch.
09 - Cool tart completely on a wire rack. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
10 - Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices, fresh berries, or mint leaves if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The buttery shortcrust pastry offers a crisp, tender base that balances the tartness of the filling.
  • The lemon filling is bright and zesty, made from fresh lemon juice and zest for an authentic flavor.
  • This dessert is visually stunning, adorned with fresh berries and mint leaves to elevate any occasion.
02 -
  • Use cold butter and ice water to keep the crust flaky and tender.
  • Allow the tart to chill for at least 2 hours to let the filling fully set for cleaner slices.
  • Do not overbake the filling; it should remain slightly wobbly in the center when removed from the oven.
  • Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy release and presentation.
  • If you don't have pie weights, dried beans or rice can be used to blind bake the crust.
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