The Perfect Lemon Curd Tart: A Zesty Delight for Every Occasion

The Perfect Lemon Curd Tart: A Zesty Delight for Every Occasion

There's something undeniably delightful about a classic lemon curd tart. With its buttery crust and tangy filling, it's the perfect dessert to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet treat at home. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a lemon curd tart that balances the tang of fresh lemons with the sweetness of sugar, all nestled in a crisp pastry shell.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:

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

• For the lemon curd:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: In a food processor, combine flour and sugar. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse again. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together.

2. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges.

5. Bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and parchment, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool.

6. Prepare the lemon curd: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs. Add butter and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

7. Assemble the tart: Pour the lemon curd into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least an hour before serving to set the curd. Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream or berries if desired.

Enjoy this zesty and refreshing lemon curd tart that captures the essence of a timeless dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it's a treat that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.