Description
Delicious, refreshing tarts with a crisp pastry crust, topped with a tangy lemon curd, fresh strawberries, and a fluffy meringue finish. Perfect for summer desserts or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 package (14 oz) shortcrust pastry dough, thawed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the shortcrust pastry dough and cut into circles to fit tart pans. Press dough into pans and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden. Let cool.
- For the lemon curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Whisk in egg yolks one at a time, then return the pan to low heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and a pinch of salt. Let cool to room temperature.
- For the meringue: In a large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fill cooled tart shells with lemon curd and top with sliced strawberries. Spoon or pipe the meringue on top of the tarts, creating peaks and swirls.
- Bake the tarts for 10–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the meringue is golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can macerate the strawberries with a bit of sugar for 10 minutes before using them in the tarts.
- If you prefer a sweeter meringue, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Make ahead: Lemon curd can be prepared the day before and refrigerated.
- Ensure the tart crust is completely cooled before filling with lemon curd to avoid it becoming soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg