Zesty Lemon Curd Tart Recipe: A Sunshine Slice of Joy

Sunshine dances through the kitchen as a silky lemon curd tart recipe beckons with tantalizing promise.

Bright citrus notes weave magic into this classic dessert, turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Delicate pastry cradles a velvety filling that sings with zesty flavor and elegant charm.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this stunning sweet treat that balances tartness and richness perfectly.

Each golden slice promises a moment of pure indulgence, with a smooth custard that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The secret lies in carefully selected ingredients and precise technique, transforming ordinary lemons into an extraordinary dessert.

One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean afternoon, where flavors burst with vibrant energy and pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Blueberry–Lemon Curd Tart

• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together, choose fresh and high-quality eggs for best results.
• Heavy Cream: Provides moisture and enhances the tender texture of the crust, select cream with high fat content.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers subtle aromatic depth, opt for pure vanilla extract for authentic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structural foundation of the crust, look for fresh, unbleached flour.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Contributes delicate sweetness and smooth texture, ensure it's lump-free.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor, use a pinch to elevate the crust's taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers flakiness and rich flavor, choose high-quality butter and keep it very cold.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy citrus essence, select ripe, firm lemons with vibrant color.
• Whole Egg, Egg Yolks: Creates silky, creamy texture and helps thicken the curd, use fresh room-temperature eggs.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and complex flavor, select raw, unprocessed honey for best taste.
• Kosher Salt: Heightens and balances the sweet-tart flavors, use sparingly.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches the curd's smoothness, cut into small pieces for even melting.
• Heavy Cream: Increases luxurious, velvety consistency, choose cream with high fat percentage.

Tools That Make Blueberry Lemon Tart Simple

• Food Processor: Essential for perfectly mixing tart crust ingredients and creating a smooth, even dough.
• Mixing Bowls: Perfect for whisking egg yolks, cream, and preparing various ingredients.
• Tart Pan: Creates the beautiful shape and allows easy removal of the finished tart.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the dough to the perfect thickness and shape.
• Saucepan: Used for cooking lemon curd and blueberry layers smoothly.
• Whisk: Crucial for combining ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: Ensures smooth, silky texture for lemon curd and blueberry layer.
• Pie Weights: Keeps the tart crust flat during initial baking.
• Foil: Protects crust during blind baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

Making Blueberry–Lemon Curd Tart from the Crust Up

• Tart Crust Foundation

Crafting the perfect base starts with mixing egg yolks, cream, and vanilla into a silky blend. Pulse together flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a food processor, then gently introduce chilled butter until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Drizzle in the creamy egg mixture and watch the dough magically transform.

• Chilling and Shaping

Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it up snugly, and let it relax in the refrigerator for an hour. Roll out the chilled dough into a beautiful circle, carefully nestle it into a tart pan, and pop it in the freezer for a quick chill. Warm up the oven and prepare to bake the crust to golden perfection.

• Lemon Curd Magic

Whisk together bright lemon juice, zesty citrus peels, eggs, honey, and a whisper of salt in a saucepan. Slowly coax the mixture into a luxurious custard over gentle heat. Swirl in cold butter and a splash of cream to create a silky smooth filling that will make taste buds dance.

• Blueberry Symphony

Transform fresh blueberries into a vibrant purple purée. Enhance with a touch of honey and a hint of salt. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch whisper, creating a glossy, rich topping that will crown your tart with fruity brilliance.

• Final Flourish

Allow the tart to set in the cool embrace of the refrigerator. When ready, gently release from the pan and slice into stunning wedges that reveal layers of tangy and sweet perfection.

Helpful Tips for Balancing Tart and Sweet Flavors

• Keep butter ice-cold when making the tart crust for the flakiest, most tender texture. Cold butter creates beautiful, delicate layers that melt in your mouth.
• Prepare the tart crust and lemon curd a day ahead to reduce stress and enhance flavor development. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist. Each berry brings its own vibrant color and distinctive taste to the tart.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios over the final blueberry layer. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth curd and fruit.
• Enhance the presentation by adding fresh lemon zest, mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These simple touches elevate the tart's visual appeal and flavor profile.

Serving the Tart That’s a Showstopper

• Heavenly Brunch Centerpiece: Wow your friends at a Sunday morning gathering by presenting this tart as the star attraction. Its vibrant colors and elegant design will make breakfast feel like a gourmet event.
• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Complement the tart with a chilled glass of prosecco or a light moscato wine. The citrusy notes and sweet blueberry layer create a perfect match for a crisp, bubbly drink.
• Fresh Garnish Magic: Sprinkle fresh blueberries and lemon zest around the tart's edges for extra visual appeal. Tiny mint leaves can add a pop of green that makes the dessert look professionally styled and absolutely irresistible.
• Summer Picnic Showstopper: Pack this tart in a portable container for outdoor celebrations. Its firm structure makes it easy to transport, and the bright flavors scream summer refreshment at beach parties or backyard gatherings.

How to Store Leftover Blueberry–Lemon Tart

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Chilled Sanctuary: Store the tart in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its delicate texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 1 month to enjoy a future delightful dessert without compromising quality.
• Slice Separation: Place parchment paper between individual slices when storing to prevent sticking and maintain each piece's beautiful presentation.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always serve the tart chilled for optimal taste, allowing the lemon curd and blueberry layers to hold their perfect creamy consistency.

Creamy Lemon Curd Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon curd tart showcases delicate citrus flavors with buttery pastry. Balanced sweet-tart notes and silky filling promise delightful French-inspired dessert experience you can savor with afternoon tea or elegant gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups (158 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (38 g) confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) heavy cream
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes and chilled
• ¼ cup lemon zest
• ½ cup (120 ml) lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
• 1 large egg
• 5 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chilled
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream
• 10 oz (2 cups or 280 g) blueberries
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ¼ cup honey

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Pulse flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a food processor. Incorporate chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal, then blend in egg yolk mixture until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Chilling and Shaping: Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for an hour. Roll out to an 11-inch circle, transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, trim edges, and freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Crust Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line crust with foil, fill with pie weights, and blind bake for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove weights and cool completely.
4. Lemon Curd Creation: Combine lemon juice, zest, eggs, honey, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture reaches 165°F (74°C) and thickens. Remove from heat, whisk in butter, strain, and fold in heavy cream.
5. Tart Assembly: Pour lemon curd into cooled crust and bake for 10-12 minutes until glossy. Allow to cool completely.
6. Blueberry Layer: Purée blueberries and strain for juice. Whisk juice with honey and create a cornstarch slurry. Cook the mixture over medium heat until thickened and glossy.
7. Final Touches: Pour blueberry layer over set lemon curd. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely set. Remove from pan, slice, and optionally garnish with fresh blueberries before serving.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to ensure flaky, tender crust texture and prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Monitor Curd Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to precisely hit 165°F when cooking lemon curd, preventing scrambling and ensuring smooth, silky consistency.
• Strain for Smoothness: Always strain both lemon curd and blueberry layers through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or zest, creating a professional, elegant finish.
• Patience with Cooling: Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next, preventing bleeding and maintaining distinct, clean layer boundaries for a visually stunning tart.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 80mg