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Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue for a Whimsical Spring Treat

A delightful blend of tangy lemon curd and whimsical lilac meringue makes this Mini Lemon Tart an enchanting springtime treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold butter Make sure it's cold to prevent melting into the flour mix.
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2-3 tbsp cold water
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup butter
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 3 large egg whites Base for the meringue.
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar Stabilizes the egg whites.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp violet food coloring Natural coloring may be achieved with butterfly pea flower extract.
For Garnish
  • as desired edible flowers Adds aesthetic appeal.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Piping bag
  • kitchen torch

Method
 

Make the Tart Shells
  1. In a food processor, combine flour and powdered sugar, pulsing until well mixed. Add cold butter, processing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk and a splash of cold water, blending until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll it out and press into mini tart pans. Prick the bottoms with a fork, line with parchment, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, granulated sugar, and eggs over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Carefully fill the cooled tart shells with lemon curd, and refrigerate for at least one hour to set the curd.
Make the Lilac Meringue
  1. Set up a heatproof bowl over simmering water to create a double boiler. Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the bowl, whisking continuously until warm, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form, adding in the vanilla extract and violet food coloring until the desired hue is achieved. Use a piping bag to swirl the lilac meringue atop each tart.
Toast and Garnish
  1. Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast the tips of the meringue until lightly golden. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each tart with edible flowers. Serve immediately for the best presentation and flavor experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure all bowls and utensils are grease-free for achieving stiff peaks in the meringue. For best results, allow the lemon curd to chill completely before using.

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