These tangy and sweet lemon tartlets are perfect for parties, tea time, or just a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 1/4cupsall-purpose flour
- 1/2cupunsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4cupgranulated sugar
- 1pieceegg yolk
- 1tbspcold water (if needed)
- 1pinchsalt
For the Lemon Curd Filling
- 1/2cupfresh lemon juice
- 2piecelemon zest
- 1/2cupgranulated sugar
- 3piecelarge eggs
- 1/4cupunsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How to make Lemon Tartlets
Make the Tartlet Shells
In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and pulse again. If the dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles that fit your tartlet molds.
Press the dough circles into the molds and prick the bottoms with a fork.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd
In a heatproof bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs.
Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth.
Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove zest for a silky texture.
Cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the surface) and chill for at least 1 hour.
Assemble the Tartlets
Spoon or pipe the chilled lemon curd into the cooled tartlet shells.
Optionally, top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
Serve and Enjoy
These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the butter is cold when making the tartlet shells for a flaky texture.
Whisk constantly while cooking the lemon curd to prevent curdling.
FAQS
How do I make lemon tartlets from scratch?
To make lemon tartlets from scratch, start by preparing the dough with all-purpose flour, cold butter, sugar, and an egg yolk. Pulse these ingredients in a food processor until crumbly, then chill the dough. Roll it out, cut into circles, and press into tartlet molds. Bake until golden, then prepare the lemon curd by whisking together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs over a double boiler until thickened. Fill the cooled tartlet shells with the lemon curd and chill before serving.
Can I make lemon tartlets gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free lemon tartlets by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking and has a good texture to mimic traditional flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you will still achieve delicious tartlets!
What is the best way to store lemon tartlets?
Lemon tartlets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It's best to add any toppings, like whipped cream or berries, just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
What can I use as a substitute for fresh lemon juice in lemon tartlets?
If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, but keep in mind that fresh juice provides a brighter flavor. Alternatively, you can use lime juice for a different citrus twist, or a combination of lemon and lime juice for added complexity.
What are some good pairings for lemon tartlets?
Lemon tartlets pair wonderfully with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. For beverages, consider pairing them with a light tea, sparkling water, or a refreshing lemonade to complement the tartness.
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