Lemon Tartlets: A Zesty Bite of Citrus Delight

Lemon tartlets are a delightful treat, combining the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons with the buttery, flaky texture of pastry. These mini tarts are perfect for any occasion—whether you're serving them as a sophisticated dessert at a dinner party, offering them as a refreshing snack, or simply enjoying them with your afternoon tea.

What Makes Lemon Tartlets Special?

Lemon tartlets are a great way to indulge in a burst of citrus flavor without overwhelming your palate. The secret lies in the balance between the sweet and tart elements of the lemon curd filling and the buttery pastry crust. The crust, made with flour, sugar, and butter, provides a perfect base that contrasts with the smooth, tangy lemon curd.

The Perfect Recipe for Lemon Tartlets

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

    • 100g sugar
    • 25g cornstarch
    • 1g salt
    • 125ml lemon juice (about 15 lemons)
    • 160ml water
    • 28g unsalted butter
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1g lemon zest
    • 3 egg yolks

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry:

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and enough cold water to bring the dough together. Place between two sheets of parchment and roll out to 3mm thickness. Chill for 30 mins on a baking tray.
  2. Using a cookie cutter that is 1cm wider than your muffin tins, cut out circles from the dough. Carefully push into the muffin tin, pressing into the corners. Chill 30 mins.
  3. Pre heat oven at 180C and prick into the chilled dough with a fork. Place paper liners into each hole and fill with pie weights (or rice). Bake for 15 mins, remove the cases and bake another 15 mins.

Make the Lemon Curd Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add lemon juice and water. Whisk to combine and cook until it gels with big bubbles popping on the surface. Ensure you whisk regularly to avoid lumps.
  2. Remove from heat and mix in butter and lemon zest.
  3. Whisking continuously, add egg yolks to ensure it doesnt scramble.
  4. Take it back on heat and cook for a minute, whisking continuously,

Bake:

  1. Pour the curd into the muffin tins to the top of that bakes tarts.
  2. Bake 8 minutes or until it levels our and just starts to bubble.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes in the tin. Twist gently to release and place wire rack over the tray. Flip gently to transfer the tarts carefully. Flip right side up and let cool completely.
  4. Serve at room temperature or cold. Store at room temperatyre for 24 hours or in the fridge for 2 days.

    Lemon tartlets are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Their zesty flavor makes them a refreshing treat that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just as a simple dessert for yourself, these tartlets are a must-try for any lemon lover.

    Try making these lemon tartlets at home and let their bright, citrusy flavor transport you to a sunny day!

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