Description
Delight your spring gatherings with these Mini Lemon Tarts topped with fluffy lilac meringue, combining zesty lemon custard and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of violet food coloring or a mix of red and blue
- Optional: edible lilac flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Shells: Pulse flour and powdered sugar in a food processor. Add cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Mix in egg yolk and cold water. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough, press into mini tart pans, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Make the Lemon Filling: Whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until thickened (8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in cubed butter until smooth. Cool slightly before pouring into tart shells. Chill in the fridge for about an hour to set.
- Prepare the Meringue: Whisk egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until warm. Remove from heat and whip until stiff peaks form (5–7 minutes). Add vanilla extract and violet food coloring. Pipe onto tarts.
- Toast the Meringue: Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue. Garnish with edible lilac petals if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice. Ensure butter is cold for a flaky crust. Chill the filling for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg