Mini Lemon Curd Tarts
Desserts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Lemon curd is such a versatile ingredient, it serves as the base for many recipes (this one included). While many people think of it as a condiment, its uses as an ingredient in a more complex recipe are limitless. The tart flavor of the lemon curd mixes well with the crust and whipped cream providing an amazing dessert. We hope that this Mini Lemon Curd Tarts recipe post inspires you. 

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Yield: Approximately 24 Tartlets

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick of butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 cups lemon curd

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, then cut the butter into the dry mixture.
  2. Add in the cold water and form the dough (more water may be necessary depending on several factors such as humidity, age of flour, etc.). Do not excessively handle the dough.
  3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove dough from refrigerator and unwrap. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
  5. Gently press the dough into tartlet molds, then bake the dough in the molds at 350°F until golden brown (also known as blind baking, without any filling), about 10-12 minutes. Remove the basked shells from the oven and let them cool.
  6. After the baked shells have cooled completely, spoon lemon curd into each.
  7. Top with whipped cream if desired and serve.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

History of Lemon Curd

While the exact origins of lemon curd remain a bit fuzzy, its history offers a delightful journey through culinary evolution.

  • Early Mentions (1800s): The earliest printed reference of “lemon curd” appears in Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury's “The Lady's Own Cookery Book” (1844). This recipe involved actual curdling of cream with lemon juice, then straining the whey to leave a lemon-flavored “curd.” Interestingly, another term commonly used back then was “lemon cheese,” further reinforcing the curdling process involved.
  • Evolution to Modern Curd (Late 1800s/Early 1900s): Over time, recipes transitioned from using cream curdling to thickening the mixture with eggs, creating the smooth and velvety custard-like texture we know today. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lemon curd gained popularity in England as a breakfast spread, tea-time treat, and filling for pastries and tarts.

Lemon Mousse Recipe with Lemon Curd

  • Modern-Day and Global Expansion: The 20th century saw increased commercial production of lemon curd, making it widely available and further boosting its popularity. Its tangy sweetness and versatility led to its adoption in other countries, with slight variations reflecting local ingredients and preferences.
  • Interesting Tidbits: Early recipes sometimes used cornstarch or flour as thickeners before eggs became the standard. In earlier times, lemons were considered a luxury ingredient, adding to the perceived value of lemon curd. This classic dessert featuring lemon curd topped with meringue emerged as a popular use for the spread.

Mini Lemon Curd Tarts

From its literal curd origins to its modern custard-like form, lemon curd has carved a special place in culinary history. Its vibrant flavor, versatility, and historical ties continue to make it a beloved spread and filling enjoyed worldwide. This is such a great and versatile recipe. You can top it with any fruit of your choosing or just eat it as is. They are best when served a little chilled with some fresh blueberries and maybe some whipped cream. We hope that you are inspired by this Mini Lemon Curd Tarts dessert recipe and that you get in the kitchen yourself this holiday season. Happy baking!

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48 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. Martina

    lovely recipe! ♥

  2. ellen beck

    Such a simple recipe with amazing results. I had the pleasure of having some meyers lemons last year and made lemon tarts they turned out so good.

  3. nicole dz

    My hubby loves anything lemon. Love how yours look so pretty! Simple recipe to follow with easy ingredients. Love this!

  4. Lemon is one of my favorite things to have in a dessert. I love the sweet & sour mix. These sound awesome!

  5. Mmmmmmm! These look SO delicious and fresh for summer!

  6. Daisy

    I love this recipe. Anything with lemon curd is automatically my favorite!

  7. Angela S

    I actually make lemon tartlets quite frequently with a similar recipe. They are simple to make and so delish!

  8. This looks so delicious! I love the sweet and tart flavor combination!

  9. I’m lemon obsessed. I eat 2-3 full lemons daily between smoothies and lemon water. I love this simple recipe and will definitely be making them — I actually need a new fingerfood dessert for Wednesday so these might be perfect!

  10. This looks delicious, I could use a few of these right now.

  11. Dee

    I LOVE lemons and cooking with them. I will have to try these!

  12. These are so pretty and simple! I like little tartlets because then I feel less guilty about eating one

  13. Looks like a wonderful afternoon snack, one I could use right about now!

  14. Oh my heavens, those look so delicious, Stacie! Seriously yummy to my tummy!!!!

  15. Pam

    Those look so good! I love anything lemon flavored.

  16. Those look mouth watering! So yummy and pretty to look at too!

  17. Bias

    I confess – tarts are my naughty food weakness. They just taste so light and fresh. With the fruit… it seems like an indulgence that can’t possibly be all that bad… even if there is sugar. Lol! Love me the tart… and a tartlet is a much choice than eating a whole tart from the bakery. 😉

  18. I absolutely love lemon curd. I have never tried it in a tart but it looks so good!

  19. I pinned this! I have always wanted to try something this, but I’m a bust at desserts. (Most of the time)

  20. YUMMM.. this would make for an awesome dessert right about now… thanks for sharing, looks delicious and soo fruit..

  21. Yum. I love lemon desserts and these are just the right size – unless I eat all 24.

  22. Yum. I love lemon. I have to try to make these.

  23. They look delicious! I bet they’d be good on a warm summer day.

  24. Yum! I love that something so yummy looking is also so easy to make!

  25. These are beautiful little works of art! I love lemon too!

  26. Bize size desserts are great for a girl’s night in. We want our sweets in small bites. The lemon would be a refreshing summer treat. Adding it to my menu ideas.

  27. This is such a yummy Spring recipe. I love miniature desserts even though I always eat too many!

  28. Oh these look amazing! Lemon is one of my favorite dessert flavors. Thank you for the recipe.

  29. Shauna

    My FIL loves anything with Lemon so these would be awesome to make for his upcoming birthday. Thanks so much

  30. These look so yummy and fun! I love anything in bite-size form. And lemon… yum!!

  31. I absolutely love these! They are the perfect single serving size and oh so adorable. Plus I love a little lemon now and then!

  32. I’ve never tried making anything like this but you make it sound so easy I might actually be able to!

  33. Those look amazing! Sweet and sour = yum!

  34. YUM! These look so light and delicious. The perfect little bite of lemon sweetness!

  35. Maria Oller

    I love eating tartlets but hate how annoying are to make and bake, the lemon curd is delicious!

  36. I actually pinned this on me “Desserts I’s Like to Try” board on Pinterest! They look delish and I’m sure would do well at parties!

  37. I love lemon curd.I have to try your recipe especially since it doesn’t use a ton of ingredients.

  38. We are big lemon fans in our family, I would love to make this, it looks amazing!

  39. Lexie Lane

    These are so beautiful! I gotta try them! I’m bookmarking it!

  40. I love anything lemon and these not only look delicious, but also easy to make!

  41. These are so cute! My husband could definitely make these (he is the baker.)

  42. These look like miniature lemon meringue pies. Thanks for this recipe. I must try them at my next BBQ party.

  43. I absolutely adore lemony desserts, and this one looks fairly simple to make, too. Perfect!

  44. Birdiebee

    I love lemon desserts and these look so delicious. These are on my list to try to make.

  45. Pingback: Lemon Poppyseed Scones Dessert Recipe Divine Lifestyle

  46. Pingback: Lemon Curd Mousse Recipe Dessert Divine Lifestyle

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