Description
This Classic Lemon Tart features a crisp, cooked shortcrust pastry filled with a smooth, tangy lemon custard. The tart is baked until just set, resulting in a luscious dessert with a slight wobble in the center that melts in your mouth. Finished with a dusting of icing sugar, this refreshing and elegant tart is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 Cooked and cooled shortcrust pastry tart case
Filling
- 5 Large eggs
- 150 ml Double cream
- 180 g Caster sugar
- 4 Lemons (zest and juice)
Topping
- 4 tbsp Icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C fan (or 180°C conventional/350°F/Gas Mark 4) to prepare for baking the tart.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, double cream, caster sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the lemon custard filling.
- Prepare the pastry case: Place your cooked and cooled shortcrust pastry tart case back into its tin and set the tin on a baking sheet for easy handling in the oven.
- Fill and bake: Pour most of the lemon filling into the pastry case, reserving a small amount. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the custard is almost set but still has a slight wobble in the center, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Cool the tart: Remove the tart from the oven and carefully place it on a cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely to ensure the filling firms up properly.
- Finish and serve: Once cooled, sprinkle the top of the tart lightly with icing sugar. Slice into 12 portions and serve for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the shortcrust pastry tart case is fully cooked and cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- The slight wobble in the filling after baking is key to a creamy texture; avoid overbaking.
- Use unwaxed lemons for zesting to avoid bitterness and pesticide residues.
- Chill the tart further in the fridge if you prefer a firmer filling before serving.
- For an extra touch, garnish with thin lemon slices or fresh berries if desired.
