Lemon Tartlets

Lemon Tartlets: A Zesty Delight for All Occasions!

When life hands you lemons, make tartlets! These delightful mini desserts are not only creamy and zesty, but they also bring a bright and cheerful hue to your dessert table. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked tartlet, filled with a luscious lemon filling that dances on your palate. The combination of buttery crust and tart lemon would make anyone’s sweet tooth sing with joy! Interestingly, Lemon Tartlets have a rich history dating back to medieval times when lemon desserts were seen as a luxurious treat. These little delights are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for family gatherings, birthday parties, or cozy dinners at home. Plus, if you love baking, you might also want to check out our creamy Chocolate Mousse recipe, which has become a staple in many household celebrations. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create these zesty Lemon Tartlets—a treat your loved ones will adore!

What are Lemon Tartlets?

Wondering what these fabulous treats are all about? Lemon Tartlets are essentially tiny versions of the classic lemon tart. They feature a delightful crisp pastry shell, lovingly cradling a rich lemon curd filling that’s both tangy and sweet. Now, you might be asking yourself, “Who came up with the idea for these dainty, delicious creations?” Well, you could say that the person had an irresistible urge to transform a regular lemon tart into the perfect bite-sized treat! After all, it’s widely believed that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these tartlets will definitely charm your guests. So why not give this recipe a whirl? Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Tartlets

You’re in for a real treat with these Lemon Tartlets! First and foremost, their main highlight is the bright, refreshing flavor that perfectly balances tanginess and sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue or as a finish to a hearty winter meal, these tartlets are a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, they are an economical choice, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home; it’s affordable indulgence at its finest! You can elevate your tartlets with vibrant toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you enjoy exploring more sweet creations, you might also like our delightful Cherry Cheesecake Bars, which pack a punch of flavor just like these tartlets.

How to Make Lemon Tartlets

Quick Overview

The best part about these Lemon Tartlets is how simple they are to make! In under an hour, you can turn a few basic ingredients into these show-stopping desserts. With a crispy crust and a refreshingly tart filling, each bite offers a perfect blend of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Tartlets

To make these scrumptious Lemon Tartlets, you will need:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg yolk
• For the Filling:
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the egg yolk until it forms a dough. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water.
   • Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of mini tartlet pans.
   • Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, heavy cream, eggs, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
3. Bake the Tartlets:
   • Pour the filling into the cooled tartlet shells, filling them about ¾ full.
   • Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and cool.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the tartlets are cool, you can garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries if desired. Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert!

What to Serve Lemon Tartlets With

Lemon Tartlets pair beautifully with a crisp summer salad or a light seafood dish, allowing their zesty flavor to shine. For beverages, consider serving them alongside a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or herbal iced tea to further complement the citrus notes. If you’re hosting a dinner party, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a delightful contrast in flavors!

Top Tips for Perfecting Lemon Tartlets

• Chill Your Dough: For a flakier crust, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into the tartlet pans.
• Fresh Lemons Are Key: Always use fresh lemons for the juice and zest, as bottled lemon juice can lack the vibrant flavor these tartlets need.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your tartlets during the final bake; the filling should be set but with a slight jiggle in the middle for the perfect texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you end up with leftover Lemon Tartlets (which is a rare occurrence), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They are best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to make them ahead of time, bake the crust and store it separately until you’re ready to fill and serve. This way, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful tartlets whenever the craving strikes.

So there you have it! A delightful recipe for Lemon Tartlets that will make your day a little brighter. Grab your apron and gather your ingredients—your next favorite dessert awaits!

Lemon Tartlets

Creamy and zesty mini desserts with a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 tartlets

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides the base for the tartlets.
• 0.5 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the crust.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Adds richness to the crust.
• 1 large egg yolk Helps bind the crust together.

For the Filling

• 0.75 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the lemon filling.
• 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice Adds tartness; about 2-3 lemons.
• 0.25 cups heavy cream Gives a creamy texture.
• 2 large eggs Adds richness and stability to the filling.
• 1 whole lemon, zest Enhances flavor and aroma.
• 1 pinch salt Balances sweetness.

Method

 

Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the egg yolk until it forms a dough. If it’s too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water.
5. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of mini tartlet pans.
6. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely.

Prepare the Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, heavy cream, eggs, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.

Bake the Tartlets

1. Pour the filling into the cooled tartlet shells, filling them about ¾ full.
2. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
3. Remove from the oven and cool.

Finish and Serve

1. Once the tartlets are cool, garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries if desired.
2. Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

Notes

Chill your dough for a flakier crust. Always use fresh lemons for juice and zest. Avoid overbaking; the filling should jiggle slightly for the best texture.