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Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

Mini Lemon Tart with Lilac Meringue

A delightful dessert featuring buttery tart shells filled with tangy lemon curd and elegantly topped with lilac meringue, perfect for spring.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 tarts
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Tart Shells
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour Use almond flour for gluten-free options.
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Substitute with granulated sugar for a different texture.
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Use a flax egg for vegan adjustments.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Water Chilled lemon juice can add extra flavor.
For the Lemon Curd
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice Lime juice can be a refreshing alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Consider using orange zest for a unique twist.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Honey can be used for a natural substitute.
  • 2 large Eggs Aquafaba can serve as an egg alternative for vegan diets.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Coconut cream works well for a dairy-free version.
For the Lilac Meringue
  • 2 large Egg Whites Aquafaba can also replace egg whites.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar Lemon juice may be a suitable substitute.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Make sure it's well incorporated for perfect peaks.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract gives a unique twist.
  • 1 drop Violet Food Coloring Use natural sources like beet juice for color.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Medium saucepan
  • Electric mixer
  • kitchen torch
  • Mini Tart Pans

Method
 

Make the Tart Shells
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour and powdered sugar, pulsing until well mixed. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk and water until a dough forms. Chill for about 30 minutes, then press into mini tart pans. Prick the bottoms, line with parchment paper, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Curd
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and eggs over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly for about 8–10 minutes until thickened and it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and smooth. Pour into cooled tart shells and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Make the Lilac Meringue
  1. Prepare a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Add egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar, whisking gently until warm and sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat the mixture until stiff peaks form, about 5–7 minutes. Fold in vanilla extract and violet food coloring.
Toast and Garnish
  1. Pipe the meringue on top of the lemon curd in each tart shell, creating decorative swirls. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the tips of the meringue until golden. Garnish with edible lilac petals or a sprinkle of dried lavender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tartCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for a flaky crust. Store tarts in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze before adding meringue for up to 1 month.

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