If you’re looking for a delightful treat that comes together in about 30 minutes, you’re in for a real treat with these Lemon Curd Tartlets! This no-bake wonder makes for a quick and easy dessert perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Your family will love the bright, zesty flavor, and the best part is you can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry! So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delightful adventure!
Ingredients Breakdown
- Ready-Rolled Shortcrust Pastry (2 packs, 320g each)
- Medium Lemons (4)
- Caster Sugar (200g)
- Medium Eggs (4, room temperature)
- Unsalted Butter (50g, room temperature)
- Icing Sugar (2 tbsp, for dusting)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s make these delicious lemon curd tartlets!
Preheat the Oven (5 minutes) Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is essential because we want our tartlets to bake perfectly, with that lovely golden brown color.
Prepare the Pastry Cases (10 minutes) While the oven is heating up, take your ready-rolled shortcrust pastry and unroll it onto a clean surface. Cut it into circles to fit your tartlet tins. Gently press the pastry into the tins, making sure there are no air bubbles. Tip: Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pastry to help it cook evenly.
Bake the Pastry Cases (15 minutes) Place the pastry cases in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden and crisp. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen fills with that incredible buttery aroma. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Make the Lemon Curd (10 minutes) In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together the lemon juice, zest, castor sugar, and eggs. Stirring continuously, it will start to thicken. This is where the magic happens! Add in the butter, and continue stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. The curd should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Fill the Tartlet Cases (5 minutes) Once your tartlet shells have cooled and your lemon curd is ready, it’s time for the fun part! Pour the lemon curd into each pastry case until they’re filled just under the edge. You don’t want any spills, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect, this is homemade, after all!
Chill and Serve (optional, but recommended) Allow the tartlets to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the curd. Once they’re perfectly chilled, dust with icing sugar before serving.
And just like that, you have a stunning dessert that will definitely impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Lemon Curd Tartlets recipe is my go-to whenever I need something light and refreshing for dessert. The bright lemon flavor brings a smile to my face! It’s also a comfort food classic that reminds me of summer picnics with family and friends. Plus, the versatility is amazing, you really can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, and it still tastes incredible. You can even substitute the lemon with other citrus fruits like lime or orange if you’re feeling adventurous!
If you loved this Lemon Curd Tartlets, be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, my Easter Poke Cake, or my Carrot Cake Truffles!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
One of the best things about these tartlets is that they come together in under 30 minutes (not including chilling time). You’ll be amazed at how such a delicious dessert can be so quick!
Minimal Cleanup Required
With only a couple pots and utensils to wash, this recipe is perfect for those evenings where you want dessert without the hassle. You can even enjoy them straight from the refrigerator without any fuss!
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me, the whole family will love these tartlets. They’re light, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy those dessert cravings. I mean, who says no to lemon?
Customizable
Feel free to switch up the fillings based on what you have in your refrigerator. Berries, passion fruit, or even a chocolate ganache can add a delightful twist. It’s fun to mix and match!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can easily make these tartlets a day in advance for a party or family gathering. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container; they will last up to 4 days in the fridge!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Lemon Curd Tartlets
Serve these tasty little bites chilled with a sprig of mint for some extra flair! They pair wonderfully with a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt on the side.
Storage
These lemon curd tartlets keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
While these tartlets are best served cold, if you fancy them warm, you can pop them in the oven at a low temperature (around 160°C or 320°F) for 5-10 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
While lemon curd itself can freeze well, I wouldn’t recommend freezing these tartlets once they’re assembled, as the pastry may lose its texture. However, you can freeze the lemon curd alone for up to 3 months and then whip up fresh tartlet cases whenever you want!
And that’s it for our Lemon Curd Tartlets! These adorable desserts are not only delicious and zesty, but they are also so simple to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up again and again for any occasion. So, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to delight everyone around your table! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Lemon Curd Tartlets
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Unroll the ready-rolled shortcrust pastry onto a clean surface and cut it into circles to fit your tartlet tins.
- Gently press the pastry into the tins, pricking the bottom with a fork to avoid air bubbles.
- Bake the pastry cases in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let them cool.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix lemon juice, zest, caster sugar, and eggs. Stir continuously until thickened.
- Add butter and continue stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the lemon curd into each cooled pastry case until filled just under the edge.
- Allow the tartlets to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the curd.
- Dust with icing sugar before serving.