Lemon cream tart with meringue

Lemon cream tart with meringue is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to your table. This classic recipe is perfect for impressing guests, as well as for indulging yourself during culinary moments of bliss. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 125 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the lemon cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 60 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons (or more to taste)

For the meringue:
- 135 g egg whites (about 4 egg whites)
- 135 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the crust

We start with preparing the crust, which will be the base of our delicious tart. In a bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar using a mixer or spatula. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes a smooth and fluffy cream.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as it will incorporate more easily into the sugar.
- You can also use salted butter to add an interesting flavor note.

Add the eggs, a pinch of salt, and the lemon zest. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well integrated. Gradually incorporate the flour. When the dough becomes harder to mix, use your hands to knead it gently until it becomes compact.

Tip:
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or the tart will be too hard.

After obtaining a uniform dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to give the dough a perfect texture.

2. Preparing the lemon cream

While the dough cools, we can prepare the lemon cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon zest over low heat. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. Add the flour and mix well.

When the milk is hot (but not boiling), gradually pour it over the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Return the mixture to low heat and continue stirring until the cream thickens. This step requires a bit of patience, but the result is worth the effort!

Once the cream has thickened, add the lemon juice. If you like your desserts a bit tangy, feel free to add more lemon juice according to your preferences.

3. Assembling the tart

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Use the sheet to line a tart pan, ensuring that the dough evenly covers the bottom and sides. Use a fork to make a few holes in the bottom of the pan so that the dough does not puff up during baking.

Pour the lemon cream into the crust and place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

4. Preparing the meringue

While the tart is in the oven, you can prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes firm and glossy. This step is crucial for achieving perfect meringue.

Tip:
To check if the meringue is ready, turn the bowl upside down - if it doesn’t flow, it’s perfect!

5. Finishing the tart

Once the tart is baked and the cream has set, remove it from the oven and evenly cover it with meringue. You can use a spatula to level it or create decorative shapes with a fork.

Put the tart back in the oven at 150°C for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue becomes lightly browned.

6. Serving

After the tart has cooled slightly, it is ready to be served! It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce. The fresh lemon flavor combined with the sweetness of the meringue will create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional information

A serving of lemon cream tart with meringue has approximately 300 calories. It is an excellent choice due to the lemon content, which is rich in vitamin C, helping to boost the immune system and detoxify the body.

Variations

- Vanilla-flavored meringue: Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the meringue for a distinctive flavor.
- Lemon cream with blackberries or raspberries: You can add some berries to the lemon cream for a touch of freshness and vibrant color.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different flavor instead of lemon?
Of course! You can experiment with other citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes, to change the flavor profile of the tart.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but the meringue may soften, so it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible.

3. What drinks pair well with this tart?
A cold lemonade or iced green tea pairs perfectly with the tart, providing a pleasant contrast between sweet and tangy flavors.

Now that you have gone through every step of this recipe, you are ready to impress anyone with your delicious dessert. Cooking is an art, and this lemon cream tart with meringue is surely a masterpiece that you will love to make again and again. Enjoy!