lemon meringue tart
A classic Lemon Meringue Tart featuring a buttery shortcrust base, tangy lemon curd filling, and a fluffy, toasted meringue topping.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 tart (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To make the crust, combine flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and water gradually until the dough comes together. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and press into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.
- To make the lemon curd, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth.
- Pour the lemon curd into the cooled tart shell and chill for at least 1 hour.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
- Toast the meringue under a broiler for 1–2 minutes or use a kitchen torch until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure the meringue touches the crust edges to prevent shrinking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- The tart is best eaten the day it’s made, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To avoid a weepy meringue, spread it while the curd is still warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon meringue, tart, lemon dessert, meringue topping, classic tart