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Delicious lemon curd tart topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream

Lemon Curd Tart

Bright, tangy, and impossibly smooth, this Lemon Curd Tart delivers sunshine in every bite with a buttery tart shell and silky lemon curd.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Choose a fresh, finely milled flour for best results.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality unsalted butter.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sifts better for the crust.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 large egg yolk Use room temperature for best incorporation.
  • 1/4 cup water Add if needed for dough consistency.
For the lemon curd
  • 1 cup sugar For sweetness of the curd.
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch For thickening the curd.
  • 1 cup water For the curd base.
  • 3 large eggs Room temperature preferred.
  • 2 large egg yolks Contributes creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice Fresh juice preferred for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest Adds brightness.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter To enrich the curd.
Garnish
  • Fresh berries For topping.
  • Powdered sugar For dusting before serving.

Method
 

Make and bake the tart shell
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut or rub together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add the egg yolk and a splash of water if needed, then press the dough evenly into a tart pan, trimming the edges and docking the base lightly.
  3. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges and base are light golden, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Start the curd base
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and 1 cup water until smooth. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Temper and thicken with eggs and lemon
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  2. Pour a few spoonfuls of the hot sugar-cornstarch liquid into the eggs while whisking to temper them, then slowly whisk the warmed egg-lemon mixture back into the saucepan.
  3. Return to medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes more until the curd is thick and glossy.
Enrich the curd and assemble
  1. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter a little at a time until fully melted and incorporated.
  2. Pour the finished lemon curd into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
Garnish and serve
  1. Before serving, scatter fresh berries on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
  2. For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice in a single smooth stroke.

Notes

Use room-temperature eggs and avoid overworking the crust dough. Store the assembled tart on a wire rack in the fridge to prevent sogginess.