Meyer Lemon Curd Tartlets
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes
Experience the delightful tang of Meyer lemons in these bite-sized tartlets, perfect for any occasion.
Meyer Lemon Curd Tartlets are a delightful dessert that combines the unique sweetness of Meyer lemons with a buttery crust. These tartlets are perfect for tea time, celebrations, or whenever you want a refreshing treat.
Why You'll Love These Tartlets
- Bright and zesty flavor from Meyer lemons
- Creamy curd filling with a buttery crust
- Perfectly portioned for individual servings
- A stunning addition to any dessert table
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart
Meyer lemons are known for their unique balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an ideal choice for desserts. Unlike regular lemons, which can be quite sour, Meyer lemons have a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the curd. This delightful combination creates a refreshing experience that tantalizes your taste buds with each bite. Whether you're hosting a spring gathering or simply treating yourself, these tartlets are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor profile.
The creamy filling of Meyer lemon curd contrasts beautifully with the buttery tartlet shell. The curd is smooth and luscious, providing a satisfying texture that melts in your mouth. Each tartlet is a perfect portion, making them easy to serve and enjoy without the fuss of slicing a larger cake. This aspect not only makes them visually appealing but also allows guests to indulge without feeling overwhelmed.
An Elegant Dessert for Any Occasion
These Meyer lemon curd tartlets are not just delicious; they're also visually stunning. The bright yellow filling peeking out from the golden crust adds a pop of color to any dessert table. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a bridal shower, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, these tartlets are a fantastic choice. Their petite size makes them perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, creating an elegant end to any meal.
Additionally, these tartlets can be garnished in various ways to elevate their presentation. Consider topping them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness, or a few fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. The versatility of these tartlets allows you to customize them for any occasion, making them a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Tartlets
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to make these delicious tartlets.
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Meyer Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start making the tartlets.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Meyer Lemon Curd Tartlets.
Make the Tartlet Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
Prepare the Meyer Lemon Curd
In a saucepan, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth.
Assemble the Tartlets
Once the tartlet shells have cooled, fill each shell with the Meyer lemon curd. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Meyer Lemon Curd Tartlets!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once assembled, these tartlets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or make-ahead desserts for gatherings. Just be sure to cover them to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Before serving, consider adding a fresh garnish to bring back that vibrant look.
If you want to make the tartlet shells in advance, they can be baked and stored at room temperature for a day or two. This allows you to prepare ahead of time, minimizing stress when it's time to serve. Just fill them with the lemon curd shortly before serving to maintain their crispness.
Variations to Try
While Meyer lemons are the star ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other citrus fruits to create a variety of tartlets. Consider using blood oranges for a more floral flavor or key limes for a classic tart taste. Each fruit brings its unique personality to the curd, allowing you to customize the recipe based on seasonal availability.
For added complexity, you can infuse the curd with herbs like rosemary or thyme. Simply add finely chopped herbs to the lemon juice mixture as it cooks, then strain them out before chilling. This unexpected twist can elevate the flavor profile and provide a gourmet touch to your tartlets.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
Yes, but the flavor will be more tart. You may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
→ How do I store leftover tartlets?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the tartlet shells in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
→ Is it possible to freeze the tartlets?
Yes, you can freeze the shells unfilled. Once filled with curd, they are best eaten fresh.
Meyer Lemon Curd Tartlets
Experience the delightful tang of Meyer lemons in these bite-sized tartlets, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 tartlets
What You'll Need
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Meyer Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin. Press the dough into the muffin cups and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
In a saucepan, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a silky texture.
Once the tartlet shells have cooled, fill each shell with the Meyer lemon curd. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g