Description
At their heart, Lemon Meringue Tartlets are miniature versions of the iconic Lemon Meringue Pie. Each tartlet features:
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A pastry shell that provides structure and a crisp bite.
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A lemon curd filling, smooth and tangy with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing.
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A meringue topping, whipped into glossy peaks and lightly baked or torched for that irresistible golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tartlet Shells:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup blanched almonds
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 tbsp ice water
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 large egg + 3 egg yolks
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp limoncello (optional, for depth)
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 7 tbsp sugar
Instructions
1. Make the Tartlet Shells
- Pulse flour, almonds, sugar, and salt in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add butter and pulse until crumbly. Add ice water and pulse until dough forms.
- Wrap in plastic, chill for 15 minutes.
- Divide into 6 pieces, press into 4-inch tartlet pans. Freeze 10 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes with pie weights, then 5–10 minutes without until golden. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Whisk sugar, zest, juices, cornstarch, and ¼ cup water in a saucepan.
- Add egg and yolks, cook over medium heat until thickened (like pudding).
- Stir in butter and limoncello. Spoon into cooled tart shells.
3. Make the Meringue
- Beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beat to soft peaks.
- Gradually add sugar, beat to stiff glossy peaks.
- Pipe or spoon meringue over tartlets.
4. Bake & Finish
- Bake tartlets at 375°F for 15 minutes until meringue is golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
For extra flair, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint before serving. These tartlets are best enjoyed the same day, but you can prepare the lemon curd ahead of time and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Lemon Meringue Tartlets