mini lemon tart recipe

mini lemon tart recipe

The Best mini lemon tart recipe

I’ve always been a fan of mini lemon tarts, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special dinner party or a quick snack for the family.

The combination of tangy lemon curd and sweet pastry is a match made in heaven. I love how the mini size makes them feel more like a fun indulgence than a guilty pleasure.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the idea of being able to pop one of these into your mouth without feeling too guilty about it? My kids adore helping me make these in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get involved in the process.

There’s something so satisfying about watching them learn new skills and taste the fruits of their labor. As for me, I appreciate how this recipe allows me to whip up something delicious in no time at all – it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when we’re all scrambling to get dinner on the table.

And as an added bonus, these little tarts are actually pretty healthy, thanks to the use of lemon juice and olive oil instead of heavy cream or butter. Plus, they make great leftovers – just store them in an airtight container and enjoy for days to come.

The key to making these is all about mastering the home cooking technique – you want your pastry dough to be flaky and tender, but still hold its shape well when you’re cutting out the individual tarts. To achieve this, be sure to keep your butter cold and your ingredients well-chilled before mixing everything together.

Mini Lemon Tarts

Mini Lemon Tarts

4.9 from 1988 votes

These bite-sized lemon tarts feature a crisp, buttery pastry shell filled with a tangy, smooth lemon curd. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or afternoon treat, they are simple to make and impressive to serve.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pastry Shells

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Curd

3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

👨‍🍳Directions

1Make the pastry dough: In a food processor, pulse the flour and powdered sugar until combined.
2Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 10 pulses.
3Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water, then pulse until the dough just begins to clump together.
4If it seems dry, add the remaining ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time, and pulse again.
5Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc.
6Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
7Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
9Cut out 12 rounds using a 3-inch cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
10Gently press each round into the cups of a mini muffin tin, ensuring the dough reaches the edges.
11Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing.
12Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
13While the shells bake, prepare the lemon curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
14Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
15Remove the curd from heat and stir in the butter pieces until fully melted and smooth.
16Strain the curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any lumps.
17Fill each baked tart shell with the warm lemon curd, dividing it evenly among the 12 cups.
18Let the tarts cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the curd.
19Carefully remove the tarts from the muffin tin.
20Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with powdered sugar or fresh berries.

🔧Equipment

12-cup mini muffin tin
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan
Fine-mesh strainer
Rolling pin
Plastic wrap
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 13g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 40mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Mini Lemon Tarts Works

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or an elegant dessert for special occasions, these mini lemon tarts are always a good idea.

And as an added bonus, they’re ridiculously easy to reheat if you need them – just pop one (or two) into the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

When it comes time to serve these up at your next family gathering or holiday dinner party, consider setting up a little tart bar with all sorts of toppings – think fresh berries, whipped cream, or even chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Lemon Tarts

Q: What type of pastry dough should I use for mini lemon tarts?

For this recipe, I recommend using a classic all-butter pastry dough that’s been chilled until firm. This will help you achieve that flaky texture that everyone loves.

Q: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can prepare the pastry dough and lemon curd ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: How do I prevent my mini tarts from becoming too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure your pastry dough is well-chilled before baking, and don’t overfill the individual tarts with lemon curd.

Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus for the lemon juice?

No problem! While traditional lemon curd is amazing, you can experiment with other citrus flavors like lime or orange if you’d like.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover mini lemon tarts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days – just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight.

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