Description
A delightful dessert that harmonizes tangy lemon curd, a buttery crust, and a light, airy meringue, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup sugar (for the filling)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, diced butter, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until crumbly.
- Stir in the egg yolk along with enough ice water to form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it evenly along the bottom and sides.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow cooling on a wire rack.
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and mix in the beaten egg yolks, along with lemon juice, zest, and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly. Let it sit as you prepare the meringue.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form; your meringue should be glossy and hold a beak when lifted.
- Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to prevent shrinkage. Form peaks with the back of a spoon for a decorative finish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until the meringue turns golden.
- Let cool before serving, allowing flavors to develop further.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: The crust can be made a day ahead, and the lemon filling can be chilled until ready to assemble and top with meringue. Consider adding fresh berries on top for contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg