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Mini Lemon Tart

Irresistible Mini Lemon Tart with Fluffy Lilac Meringue

This Mini Lemon Tart combines tangy lemon curd with fluffy lilac meringue for an elegant dessert experience.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free baking mix.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use cold butter for best results.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Can replace with a flax egg for a vegan version.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Ice-Cold Water
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice Substitute with lime juice for variation.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Can omit if necessary.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar No substitutions recommended.
  • 3 large Eggs Can substitute aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 3 large Egg Whites Can use aquafaba for a vegan meringue.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar Can omit if necessary.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Substitute with almond extract for variation.
  • a few drops Violet Food Coloring Can use natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower extract.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • Electric mixer
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Kitchen Torch
  • Mini Tart Pans

Method
 

Prepare Tart Shells
  1. In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour and powdered sugar, then add chilled unsalted butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, about 30 seconds. Mix in the egg yolk and ice-cold water gradually until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll it out and fit into mini tart pans, prick the bases, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool.
Make Lemon Curd
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in unsalted butter until smooth. Pour into cooled tart shells and chill for at least an hour.
Prepare Lilac Meringue
  1. Place egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk until warm and sugar dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Incorporate vanilla extract and violet food coloring.
Toast and Garnish
  1. Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the tips of the lilac meringue until golden brown. Garnish with edible lilac petals or a sprinkle of dried lavender. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Make tart shells and lemon curd a day in advance; assemble with meringue just before serving for optimal freshness.

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