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–+ servings
Delicious mini lemon tarts topped with whipped cream on a decorative plate

Mini Lemon Tarts

Bright, bite-sized indulgences featuring a crisp, buttery shortcrust filled with silky lemon curd and topped with toasted meringue. Perfect for gatherings, tea time, or a cheerful dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 tarts
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Use for the tart crust.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar Keeps the crust tender.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it is softened.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the lemon curd filling

  • 2 large eggs For the curd.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar Used in the curd.
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Use the freshest lemons.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the meringue

  • 1 large egg white Use the egg white from the curd preparation.
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar Stabilizes the meringue.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetening for meringue.
  • ¼ cup water Optional for Italian meringue.

Instructions
 

Preheat and prep

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your tartlet pan on a baking tray.

Make the crust

  • In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly.
  • Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if it becomes too soft while working.

Form and blind bake

  • Press the dough into the tartlet shells and prick the bottoms with a fork.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.

Make the lemon curd filling

  • Whisk eggs with granulated sugar until frothy, then stir in lemon juice and zest.
  • Pour the mixture into the baked shells.

Bake the filled tartlets

  • Bake for 15–20 minutes until the curd is set, avoiding overbaking.

Prepare the meringue

  • Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar.
  • Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Top and brown

  • Spread or pipe the meringue over the tarts and bake for 5–10 minutes until lightly golden.

Cool and finish

  • Let cool before serving. Chill slightly for cleaner slices.

Notes

For variety, try roasted lemon curd or swap for Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 30mgSugar: 10g
Keyword Citrus treats, Lemon tarts, Meringue, Mini desserts
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