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Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue for a Spring Delight

Delightful Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue combine zesty lemon curd and sweet lilac meringue, perfect for spring gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Spring
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Consider gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness and fine texture to tart shells.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Must be cold for the ideal texture.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Enriches the tart dough.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Ice Water Helps bind the tart dough together.
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed is highly recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Enhances the citrusy aroma.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Provides sweetness to balance the tartness.
  • 3 large Eggs Whisk until fully combined.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Ensure it is whisked until smooth.
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 3 large Egg Whites Whip until stiff peaks form.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar Helps stabilize the meringue.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for meringue) Balances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds flavor to the meringue.
  • 1 drop Violet Food Coloring Gives meringue a lilac hue.

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • piping bag
  • kitchen torch

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make the Tart Shells: Combine all-purpose flour and powdered sugar in a food processor. Cut in cold unsalted butter until resembling fine crumbs. Add egg yolk and enough ice water to form a smooth dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough, press into mini tart pans, prick bottoms, line with parchment and fill with weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs over medium heat, stirring for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter until smooth. Pour into cooled shells and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Make the Lilac Meringue: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, mix egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar, whisking until warm (3-5 min). Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in vanilla and food coloring.
  5. Pipe the Meringue: Pipe the lilac meringue over the tarts in swirls, creating visual charm with peaks.
  6. Toast and Garnish: Lightly toast meringue tips with a kitchen torch until golden. Garnish with edible lilac petals or dried lavender if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Prepare tart shells and lemon curd in advance. Add meringue just before serving for best texture.

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