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Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts
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Mini Lemon Curd Tarts are delightful bite-sized pastries featuring a crisp, buttery crust filled with a smooth, tangy lemon curd. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts balance sweetness and citrus zest effortlessly, making them an elegant yet simple refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tart Shells

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water

For the Lemon Curd

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for creamier curd)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tart Shells: Combine chilled butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor or mix by hand until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and bring dough together. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out and pressing into mini tart pans.
  2. Bake the Shells: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Blind bake tart shells by lining with parchment paper and filling with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, then bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. Make the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened to custard-like consistency. Remove from heat, strain to smooth, then stir in heavy cream if using. Cool completely.
  4. Assemble the Tarts: Once tart shells are fully cooled, spoon or pipe lemon curd evenly into each shell. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help lemon curd mix smoothly without curdling.
  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinking and ensure flaky shells.
  • Strain lemon curd to remove lumps for a silky smooth finish.
  • Do not overbake shells; keep them pale golden for tender texture.
  • Adjust sweetness of lemon curd by tasting before cooking and adding sugar as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini lemon curd tarts, lemon tarts, bite-sized dessert, citrus tartlets, gluten-free dessert, lemon curd recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/mini-lemon-curd-tarts/