Go Back
+ servings
Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Irresistible Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue Delight

These Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue are a delightful spring dessert bursting with flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Almond flour can be a gluten-free substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter Use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Can omit for vegan options.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cold Water Additional chilled liquid can be used.
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice and Zest Use fresh lemons for best taste.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Honey can be used as a substitute.
  • 3 large Eggs Chia eggs can work as a vegan alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Butter Coconut oil is a great non-dairy substitute.
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 3 large Egg Whites Ensure utensils are oil-free.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Superfine sugar yields a better texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar Can replace with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Swap for rose water for a floral twist.
  • a few drops Violet Food Coloring Consider natural options for coloring.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • electric mixer
  • Kitchen Torch

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until just combined into a dough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then roll it out on a floured surface. Press the dough into mini tart pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the shells are golden. Let them cool completely.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together fresh lemon juice, zest, granulated sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 8-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth and glossy. Pour the lemon curd into the cooled tart shells, smoothing the top, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
  3. In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar until warm and the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and use an electric mixer to beat until stiff peaks form, approximately 5-7 minutes. Gently fold in vanilla extract and violet food coloring.
  4. Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast the tips of the lilac meringue on each mini lemon tart until lightly browned. Garnish the tarts with edible lilac petals or a sprinkle of dried lavender before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Toast meringue gently to avoid burning.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!