Lemon Meringue Tarts are a delightful dessert that combines a tangy lemon curd filling with a fluffy, sweet meringue topping, all nestled in a buttery tart shell. These individual tarts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Tart Shell:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Lemon Curd Filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)

For the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Timing

Making Lemon Meringue Tarts takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking and cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
5. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles to fit into individual tartlet pans.
7. Blind Bake: Place the dough circles into the tartlet pans. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Curd

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until combined.
2. Cook Curd: Add the butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
3. Strain: Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any solids.
4. Cool Curd: Allow the curd to cool slightly before pouring it into the cooled tart shells.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

1. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Top with Meringue: Spread or pipe the meringue over the filled lemon curd in the tart shells, creating peaks and swirls.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve the lemon meringue tarts chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of tangy lemon and sweet meringue!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Meringue Tarts (per tart, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Fruit Variations: Substitute lemon with lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Twist: Incorporate fresh berries on top of the lemon curd before adding meringue for added color and flavor.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Use a graham cracker crust instead of traditional pastry for a different texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Tarts are a classic dessert that beautifully combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of meringue. These individual tarts are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a perfect treat for any gathering. Enjoy this delightful recipe!