Bright and Zesty Lemon Curd Tarts

August 4, 2023

If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, these Lemon Curd Tarts are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. They combine a rich, buttery almond-flavored sweet pastry crust with a luscious lemon curd that’s smooth, tangy, and full of fresh citrus flavor. These tarts are elegant, simple to prepare, and an ideal dessert for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dinner parties.

Why Lemon Curd?

Lemon curd has always been one of my favorite fillings. It’s wonderfully versatile and brings a burst of vibrant flavor to any dessert. The combination of zesty lemons and creamy butter creates a smooth, velvety texture that complements the crumbly pastry shell perfectly. Plus, it’s the ideal balance of sweet and tart, making these tarts irresistible.

A Nutty Twist on a Classic Tart Crust

The addition of almond flour to the sweet pastry dough gives the crust a subtle nuttiness that elevates the flavor of the whole dessert. The almond flour also adds a soft, tender crumb to the otherwise crisp tart shell. And with the ease of individual tart pans, these mini tarts are not only fun to make but also easy to serve.

A Simple, Yet Impressive Dessert

Although they may look fancy, these tarts are easy to prepare. The pastry dough comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, so all you need to do is roll it out and bake the tart shells. The lemon curd is equally simple—just whisk together lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and butter for a smooth and creamy filling.

Whether you’re hosting guests or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, these Lemon Curd Tarts are a wonderful choice. Their refreshing flavor, paired with a buttery crust, makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Choosing the Right Tart Pan

When it comes to making these Lemon Curd Tarts, selecting the right tart pan is key to achieving perfectly crisp and evenly baked crusts. Here are two great options depending on the type of presentation you’re aiming for:

    No matter which option you choose, both pans will help you achieve a beautifully baked crust and make your lemon tarts look stunning!

    These tarts are perfect for anyone who loves a balance of buttery richness and bright, zesty lemon flavor. Give this recipe a try, and if you need extra guidance, check out the step-by-step video tutorial below to see how it’s done. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

    Print Pin Recipe

    Individual Lemon Tarts

    These Lemon Curd Tarts feature a buttery, almond-infused sweet pastry crust filled with silky homemade lemon curd, bursting with bright citrus flavor. Topped with whipped cream, they make a perfect zesty, bite-sized dessert!
    Prep Time 3 hours 40 minutes
    Servings 5
    Author Kristina Richardson

    Ingredients

    Sweet Pastry

    • 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 stick
    • 2/3 cup confectioners sugar
    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • 3 tbsp almond flour
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 egg
    • 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour

    Lemon Curd

    • 2 lemons (zested)
    • 1/2 cup lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
    • 2/3 cup sugar
    • 3 eggs
    • 3/4 cup butter, diced 1 1/2 sticks

    Instructions

    Sweet Pastry

    • Mix the Dough:In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Sift the confectioners' sugar over the butter and add the vanilla extract, almond flour, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth.Add the egg and mix until incorporated.Sift in the flour and stir until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
    • Chill the Dough:Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
    • Prepare & Bake the Tart Shells:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter five individual tart pans (about 4 inches in diameter).Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use your tart pan as a guide to cut out dough circles. Reroll any scraps as needed to get 5 circles.Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the tart pans. Prick the base of each tart shell with a fork to prevent puffing.Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tart shells are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

    Lemon Curd

    • Prepare the Lemon Curd: In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and eggs. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Do not let it boil. Remove from the heat and strain the mixture over the diced butter in a bowl. Use an immersion blender (or a whisk) to blend the curd until smooth and the butter is fully incorporated.

    Assemble the Tarts:

    • Let the lemon curd cool slightly, then pour it into the cooled tart shells. Smooth the tops if necessary.

    Chill and Serve:

    • Refrigerate the tarts for at least 1 hour to set the curd.Before serving, top with homemade whipped cream or enjoy as is.