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Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue for Springtime Bliss

Indulge in Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue, a delightful treat celebrating spring's beauty.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shell
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Substitute with almond flour for gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Can use dairy-free substitute if needed.
  • 1 large Egg yolk Whole eggs may work, but yolks yield better texture.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Water Necessary for binding the dough.
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon juice Fresh juice recommended for best taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon zest Can be replaced with lime zest.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated sugar Reduce quantity for less sweet option.
  • 2 large Eggs Using large eggs is advisable.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 3 large Egg whites Ensure no yolk gets mixed in.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated sugar Consider a sugar substitute for a lighter version.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of tartar Can be omitted for quicker method.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Almond extract is an alternative.
  • 1 drop Violet food coloring Natural substitutes include butterfly pea flower or beet juice.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Saucepan
  • Electric mixer
  • Piping Bag with Star Tip
  • Mini Tart Pans

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make the Tart Shells: In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour and powdered sugar, pulsing until blended. Add cold unsalted butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk and water, pulsing until the dough just forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Shape and Bake the Tart Shells: Roll out the chilled dough, press into mini tart pans, prick the base, line with parchment and fill with weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, then cool.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Curd: Whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs in a saucepan over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove, stir in butter until smooth, and cool slightly before filling tart shells. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
  4. Make the Lilac Meringue: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar until warm. Move to an electric mixer and beat for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Fold in vanilla and food coloring.
  5. Assemble and Garnish: Pipe meringue onto cooled lemon curd tarts and lightly toast with a kitchen torch. Garnish with edible lilac petals or dried lavender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For best results, prepare tart shells and lemon curd a day in advance. Assemble with meringue just before serving.

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