Description
Jamie Oliver’s lemon curd tart is a classic dessert featuring a crisp, homemade shortcrust pastry filled with smooth, tangy lemon curd. The combination of buttery richness and citrusy brightness makes it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
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- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
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- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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- 1 egg yolk
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- 1–2 tbsp cold water
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- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Lemon Curd Filling:
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- 4 large eggs
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- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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- Zest of 2 lemons
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- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
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- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
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- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
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- In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
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- Add cold, cubed butter and pulse (or rub with fingertips) until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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- Mix in the egg yolk and gradually add cold water until the dough comes together.
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- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Shell
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- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
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- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan.
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- Trim excess dough, prick the base with a fork, and line with parchment paper.
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- Fill with baking beans or pie weights and blind bake for 15 minutes.
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- Remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Curd
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- In a heatproof bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
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- Place over a double boiler on medium heat, whisking continuously.
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- Gradually add melted butter while stirring until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
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- Strain through a sieve for an ultra-smooth texture and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
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- Pour the lemon curd into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top.
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- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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- Garnish with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
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- Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor.