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Lemon Curd Tart with Fresh Berries

lemon curd tart - featured image

This easy, stunning dessert features a crisp tart crust filled with silky, tangy lemon curd and topped with fresh berries. Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a showstopper treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 12 tablespoons ice water (if needed)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 34 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.)
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam or honey, warmed (optional)
  • Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Stir in egg yolk. If dough is dry, add ice water a teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
  3. Press dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Fit into a 9-inch tart pan, press into edges, prick bottom with a fork, cover with parchment, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake 10 more minutes, or until golden.
  6. In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (8–10 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, a few cubes at a time, until smooth and glossy.
  8. Strain curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Let cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Pour cooled curd into baked crust. Smooth top and chill in fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  10. Just before serving, top with fresh berries. Brush with warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish, if desired.
  11. Slice with a sharp knife (wiped clean between cuts) and garnish with mint leaves.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough and curd thoroughly. Strain the curd for a silky texture. Make the crust and curd ahead for easy assembly. Use any berries or fruit in season. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations work well. Wipe knife between slices for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon curd tart, easy dessert, fresh berries, brunch, French tart, lemon dessert, spring dessert, summer dessert, potluck, baking, tart recipe