Lemon tart, or tarte au citron in French, is a classic dessert that perfectly captures the fresh and lively taste of lemons.
This delicious treat features a crispy pastry shell filled with smooth, tangy lemon custard, making it a favorite for those who love citrus flavors.
<h3>Ingredients and Preparation</h3>
<b>Basic Components</b>
A traditional lemon tart consists of two main parts:
1. Pastry Shell: Made from sweet shortcrust pastry, this shell is flaky and tender. It's often baked before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
2. Lemon Filling: The filling combines fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and cream. The key to a perfect lemon tart is balancing the lemon’s tartness with the sweetness of the sugar.
<h3>Recipe Overview</h3>
Here’s a simple recipe for a classic lemon tart:
<b>Ingredients</b>
<b>For the Pastry:</b>
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
<b>For the Lemon Filling:</b>
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
Lemon Tart Bakery Style Recipe By Food Fusion
Video by Food Fusion
<b>Instructions</b>
<b>Make the Pastry:</b>
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk, cream, and vanilla, and mix until a dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough and place it in a tart pan. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until it turns golden.
<b>Prepare the Filling:</b>
1. In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the cream.
2. Pour the filling into the baked tart shell and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is just set.
<b>Cool and Serve:</b>
Let the tart cool completely before serving. If you like, dust it with powdered sugar.
<h3>Flavor Profile</h3>
The lemon tart is loved for its bold and bright flavor. The tartness of the lemons is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, creating a refreshing and indulgent taste. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the crisp pastry shell, making every bite enjoyable.
<h3>Variations</h3>
While the classic lemon tart is popular, there are many variations. Some recipes add flavors like lavender or basil, while others use different citrus fruits, such as limes or oranges. For a unique twist, some bakers even use olive oil in the pastry to add richness.
