Lemon Tart Buttery Crust (Printable view)

Bright lemon tart paired with a crisp, buttery shortcrust for a fresh, elegant dessert experience.

# What You Need:

→ Buttery Crust

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 large egg yolk
06 - 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water

→ Lemon Filling

07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 2 large egg yolks
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

14 - Powdered sugar for dusting
15 - Thinly sliced lemon wheels
16 - Fresh berries or mint leaves

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a food processor, pulse together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water. Pulse just until dough comes together, adding additional water if needed.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
04 - Roll out dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Press dough into pan, trim edges, and prick base with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
05 - Bake crust for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment paper; bake another 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
06 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
07 - Pour filling into warm crust. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
08 - Cool tart completely on a wire rack. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
09 - Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices, berries, or mint if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart with fresh lemon juice and zest
  • Buttery, crisp shortcrust pastry that melts in your mouth
  • Impressive presentation that's ideal for entertaining
  • Make-ahead friendly—actually tastes better after chilling
  • Versatile base that can be adapted with different citrus fruits
02 -
  • Use room-temperature eggs for the filling to ensure smooth mixing and even baking
  • Zest your lemons before juicing—it's much easier and you'll get more zest
  • Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs
  • The tart tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts with a hot, damp cloth
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