Description
Mini Lemon Tarts combine a tangy lemon filling with a buttery, flaky crust, creating the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, and sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and pulse again until combined. Slowly add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles that fit into the cups of a mini muffin tin.
- Gently press the dough into the muffin tin and trim any excess dough around the edges.
- Blind-bake the tart shells by placing a piece of parchment paper over the dough and adding pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the tart shells are cooling, make the lemon filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the heavy cream and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart shells, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake the filled tarts for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is just set.
- Allow the tarts to cool completely in the tin before transferring them to a serving platter.
Notes
- For a no-bake version, skip baking the tart shells and refrigerate the mini cheesecakes directly after assembling. The crust will firm up naturally in the fridge.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a dollop of lemon curd on top of each cheesecake.
- These mini cheesecakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg