How to Make a French Lemon Meringue Tart
If you're looking to impress with a classic dessert, a French lemon meringue tart is a delightful choice. This recipe combines a tangy lemon filling and a fluffy meringue topping over a buttery tart crust. Follow these steps to create your own delicious tart at home.
Ingredients
For the tart crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the lemon filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tart Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and enough cold water to form a smooth dough.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a tart pan. Trim the excess dough. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
2. Make the Lemon Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour some of the hot mixture into the yolks to temper them, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart shell and smooth the top.
3. Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake
Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinking. Use a spatula to create decorative peaks. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the meringue is lightly browned.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow your tart to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours to set properly. Once chilled, slice and serve your French lemon meringue tart. Enjoy the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors!
This French lemon meringue tart is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing delight for the taste buds. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, you’re sure to impress your guests!