Description
A luscious French Lemon Cream Tart featuring a creamy, tangy lemon filling nestled in a crisp pre-made tart shell. This elegant dessert combines the richness of heavy cream and butter with the bright flavor of fresh lemon juice and zest, perfect for any special occasion or delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Shell
- 1 pre-made tart shell
Lemon Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove the mixture from heat to prevent it from boiling.
- Whisk Eggs and Lemon Juice: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the eggs while continuously whisking. This gradual combination helps to prevent the eggs from curdling and ensures a silky texture.
- Incorporate Butter: Stir in the cubed unsalted butter until it fully melts and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Fill Tart Shell: Pour the lemon cream filling into the pre-baked tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake: Bake the tart for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is just set and still slightly jiggly in the center, indicating perfect custard consistency.
- Cool: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature carefully to avoid cracking, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest just before serving to enhance the tart’s lemony aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs are tempered properly by slowly mixing the warm cream to avoid curdling.
- Pre-baking the tart shell before adding filling is essential to prevent a soggy crust.
- Chilling the tart for at least 2 hours helps the filling to set and develop flavors better.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, natural flavor.
- For extra shine, you can brush the tart edges with a little warmed apricot jam before serving.
