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Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue: Spring Bliss Awaits

Delight in Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue, a charming spring dessert bursting with tangy flavor and floral elegance.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Granulated sugar can be used but may alter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter Vegan butter is a great substitute.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Can replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 2-3 Tbsp Ice Water Ensure it’s cold for the best flakiness.
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed is always best.
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Prefer no substitutes for ideal results.
  • 3 large Eggs Aquafaba can be used as a vegan substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Salted butter can work with adjustments.
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 2 large Egg Whites Substitute with aquafaba for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Alternatives may change stability.
  • 1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar Lemon juice can be a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Can be omitted.
  • 1 drop Violet Food Coloring For a natural option, try beet juice blended with blueberry juice.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Edible Lilac Petals Optional but enhances spring-time presentation.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • medium saucepan
  • stand mixer
  • piping bag
  • Tart Pans
  • Kitchen Torch

Method
 

Make the Tart Shells
  1. In a food processor, pulse together flour and powdered sugar until well combined. Add cold butter in small pieces, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, incorporate the egg yolk and ice water, blending until a dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll it out to fit mini tart pans, pressing it firmly into shape. Prick the bases with a fork, line with parchment, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and eggs until well blended. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared tart shells. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the curd.
Make the Lilac Meringue
  1. In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar until warm to the touch. Transfer to a stand mixer and beat on high speed for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form and glossy. Fold in vanilla extract and violet food coloring gently for even distribution.
Pipe the Meringue
  1. Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe dollops or swirls of the meringue onto each cooled mini lemon tart.
Toast and Garnish
  1. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the tips of the meringue. Garnish each mini tart with edible lilac petals or dried lavender for an elegant touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Assemble the tarts no more than a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator for optimal freshness; they're best enjoyed within 48 hours.

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