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A hand grabbing one of many lemon tarts.

Lemon Tarts

5 from 1 vote
Servings 9 tarts
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 23 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 33 minutes
A deliciously creamy, citrusy custard filling sits perfectly inside the cutest little shells in these easy Mini Lemon Tarts.

Ingredients
 

  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 1/2 small lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (approximately 1 lemon )
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teapoon vanilla extract
  • 9 mini tart shells or pastry shells (these can be frozen, made from scratch or even a shelf stable premade phyllo dough shell)

Instructions
 

  • Juice and zest lemon and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk on medium heat for 1 minute or until there is no grain to the mixture.
  • Add the lemon juice and cook for another minute whisking to combine.
  • Next, add the lemon zest and using a silicone spatula stir the mixture until thickened on low heat for 10 minutes. Be sure to continue stirring to keep the smooth velvety texture.
  • After the mixture has thickened remove it from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until combined and silky in texture. Allow the lemon curd filling to cool.
  • IF USING FROZEN TART SHELLS: While the lemon curd is cooling, bake pastry shells according to package directions and allow them to cool on a cooling rack.
  • Fill cooled tart shells using a medium cookie scoop or with about a tablespoon and a half of the lemon curd filling.
  • Serve at room temperature if you are in a rush but for best results chill them for at least one hour and enjoy! Garnish with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream.

Notes

Storage: This recipe is best eaten the day it is made but can be kept refrigerated without garnishes for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 378IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.3mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American