Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of spring with these delightful Easter Lemon Curd Tarts. Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a light dessert after a festive meal, these tarts are sure to brighten up your table and impress your guests. The combination of zesty lemon curd and buttery pastry creates a flavorful treat that is both elegant and easy to make. Let’s dive into making these scrumptious Easter Lemon Curd Tarts!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Curd:
– 3-4 lemons, zest and juice
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Start by making the pastry. In a food processor, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, and sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture. Pulse again until the dough comes together. If needed, add another tablespoon of water until the dough forms a ball.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead lightly. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles and gently press them into a greased muffin tin.
5. Prick the bottom of each pastry shell with a fork. Line each shell with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or rice to blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and beans, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Allow the pastry shells to cool.
6. While the pastry is cooling, prepare the lemon curd. In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter until the butter has melted.
7. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly pour the eggs into the lemon mixture, whisking constantly until the curd thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient, and continue stirring until you achieve a custard-like consistency.
8. Once the lemon curd is ready, spoon it into the cooled pastry shells, filling them to the top.
9. Refrigerate the tarts for at least 2 hours to set the lemon curd.
Serve these Easter Lemon Curd Tarts as a delightful treat for your guests to enjoy. The combination of the buttery pastry and zesty lemon curd is a match made in heaven, providing a burst of freshness in every bite. Perfect for any spring gathering, these tarts add a touch of sophistication to your table while being simple to create. Enjoy the flavor of Easter with these delicious tarts that are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home!
