Description
A delightful French Lemon Cream Tart featuring a buttery pre-made tart shell filled with a smooth, tangy lemon custard made from fresh lemon juice, zest, cream, and eggs. This elegant dessert combines citrus brightness with creamy texture, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Shell
- 1 pre-made tart shell
Lemon Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart.
- Heat Cream and Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove the pan from heat to avoid overheating the cream.
- Whisk Eggs and Lemon Juice: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly with the fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Temper the Eggs: Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the egg and lemon mixture while whisking continuously. This gradual incorporation prevents the eggs from curdling by gently bringing them to the warm temperature.
- Add Butter: Stir in the cubed unsalted butter until it is completely melted and the filling mixture becomes smooth and silky.
- Fill the Tart Shell: Pour the prepared lemon filling into the pre-baked tart shell. Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the surface evenly.
- Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the tart to cool down to room temperature on a wire rack before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill it for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the tart with additional lemon zest for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Using a pre-made tart shell saves time and ensures a consistent crust.
- Be careful not to overcook the filling; it should be slightly jiggly to maintain creaminess.
- Chilling the tart for at least 2 hours improves the texture and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to achieving bright citrus flavor.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option, adjusting the diet accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
