If you’re a fan of the lively lemon flavor in desserts, this sweet treat will hit the spot. Because it is rich in butter and sugar, the serving is small, but it packs a giant punch of both sour and sweet that is so pleasing. The no-roll tart shell streamlines prep time and ensures great results every time.
FOR THE TART SHELL
2 tablespoons sugar
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
FOR THE TART
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 large eggs
½ cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1 lemon, sliced, for garnish
Powdered sugar, for garnish
TO MAKE THE TART SHELL
1 In a small bowl, whisk the sugar and flour together. Drizzle with the melted butter and stir to blend.
2 Transfer the flour mixture to a tart pan, and use your hands to press the dough to the bottom and sides of the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3 Preheat the oven to 350°F.
4 Prick the tart shell with a fork about 20 times all over, then bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and cool completely before filling.
TO MAKE THE TART
1 In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the lemon juice and zest to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat.
2 In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the lemon juice, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the mixture has thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3 Add the butter pieces, and remove the pan from the heat. Stir until all the butter melts. Strain the custard through a wire mesh strainer into the tart shell. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, until cold, before serving.
4 Top with the lemon slices and powdered sugar. Serve.
Substitution tip: If you like lemon tart, you can also try the same recipe using limes. Key limes have the most flavor, but the standard grocery-store variety creates a great tart as well.
Per Serving Calories: 252; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 77mg; Carbohydrates: 25g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 4g; Phosphorus: 55mg; Potassium: 59mg; Sodium: 29mg