Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart
The holidays call for indulgent desserts that elevate the festive spirit, and the Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart is no exception! This whimsical treat combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the fluffy sweetness of meringue, creating a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Picture a delightful shortbread base topped with creamy lemon filling and crowned with golden, pillowy meringue. Perfect for gatherings, this tart will have your friends and family swooning with every bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike!
Did you know that lemon meringue pie has been around since the 19th century? Its refreshing flavor and airy texture make it a favorite among dessert lovers, and when transformed into a delightful log, it adds a unique twist! Just like our popular Chocolate Mousse recipe, which is a rich and luxurious treat, the Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart brings a burst of joy to the dessert table. So get ready to impress your guests this season by trying out this show-stopping recipe that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
What is Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart?
So, what exactly is this enchanting Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart? Is it a cake? Is it a tart? Or maybe it’s a dreamy hybrid that combines the best of both worlds! Imagine a festive log filled with zesty lemon goodness and topped with a cloud of meringue that would make any sugar enthusiast weak in the knees. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to slice into a dessert that rolls their taste buds in a symphony of flavors? One could say that ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and this tart is the perfect ambassador for that sentiment! I can guarantee that after one slice, you will want to deck the halls with this log of joy. Get your baking gear ready and let’s roll!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart:
Three reasons to adore the Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart? Let’s start with the standout highlight: its irresistible combination of tart lemon filling that dances on your palate, paired with a generously fluffy meringue topping that adds loving sweetness without overwhelming the taste. Secondly, making it at home saves you the hefty price tag of bakery-bought desserts while allowing you to tweak it to your preferred sweetness level. Lastly, the texture of this tart is simply out of this world! Each bite offers a balance of crumbly shortbread, smooth lemon cream, and airy meringue. If you love lemon bars, you’ll definitely want to try this next! So roll up those sleeves, and make this delightful dessert for your next gathering!
How to Make Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart:
Quick Overview
Making this festive treat is straightforward and fun! With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your loved ones in no time. The secret lies in blending the right ingredients for each layer, with a focus on combining lemon and sugar to achieve that ideal flavor balance.
Key Ingredients for Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g of sugar
- 200 g butter
- 1 shortbread
- 150 g lemon juice
- 50 g cornstarch
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 100 g of icing sugar for the meringue
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (Th. 6).
- Spread the shortbread dough in a log mold or cake pan and prick it with a fork.
- Bake the dough for 15 minutes until it’s golden brown. Let it cool.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch.
- Heat the mixture over low heat while stirring until it thickens, then remove from heat and incorporate the butter cut into pieces.
- Pour the lemon cream over the shortbread base and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- For the meringue topping, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. Gradually add the icing sugar while continuing to beat until smooth and shiny.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon cream and create peaks using a spatula.
- Optionally, lightly brown the meringue with a kitchen torch or under a broiler for a few minutes.
- Refrigerate before serving and enjoy this deliciously tangy log!
What to Serve Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart With:
This delightful Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart pairs wonderfully with a cup of peppermint tea or a glass of sparkling wine. For a more decadent experience, consider serving it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each of these options complements the tart’s bright lemon flavor, adding layers of comfort and joy to your festive table.
Top Tips for Perfecting Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart:
- When making the meringue, ensure that your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease for ideal volume.
- If you’d like to switch flavors, consider incorporating other citrus fruits like lime or orange into the filling.
- Keep an eye on the meringue while browning, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt pretty quickly!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To properly store your Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart leftovers, cover it with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Unfortunately, meringue doesn’t reheat well; it is best enjoyed fresh. For future meals, if you plan on making this dessert ahead of time, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the tart’s beautiful texture.
Now that you have all the insights on making this whimsical Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart, it’s time to don that apron and bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen! Happy baking!
Christmas Log Lemon Meringue Tart
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 150 g of sugar
- 200 g butter
- 1 shortbread
- 150 g lemon juice
- 50 g cornstarch
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 100 g of icing sugar for the meringue
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 °C (Th. 6).
- Spread the shortbread dough in a log mold or cake pan and prick it with a fork.
- Bake the dough for 15 minutes until it’s golden brown. Let it cool.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cornstarch.
- Heat the mixture over low heat while stirring until it thickens, then remove from heat and incorporate the butter cut into pieces.
- Pour the lemon cream over the shortbread base and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- For the meringue topping, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. Gradually add the icing sugar while continuing to beat until smooth and shiny.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon cream and create peaks using a spatula.
- Optionally, lightly brown the meringue with a kitchen torch or under a broiler for a few minutes.
- Refrigerate before serving and enjoy this deliciously tangy log!
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