Lemon Butter Tarts

Name: Lemon Butter Tarts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large fresh lemons (juice only); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Published: December 20, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Lemon Butter Tarts

This incredible Lemon Butter Tarts transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lemon Butter Tarts:

All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating the flaky crust that cradles all that lemony goodness.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust; it helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the tart filling while balancing out the tanginess of the lemons.
Fresh Lemons: The star of the show! Choose ones that are firm and heavy for maximum juiciness.
Eggs: These help bind everything together while adding richness to the filling.
Heavy Cream: A splash of cream elevates the filling to creamy perfection.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Lemon Butter Tarts:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite mixing bowl because we’re about to get our bake on.

Step 2: Make the Tart Crust

In your mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add a pinch of salt and ice water as needed to form a dough.

Step 3: Roll Out and Shape

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about an eighth of an inch thick. Drape it over your tart pans, pressing it gently into place. Trim off any excess dough peeking over the edges with flair!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice (about three lemons), eggs, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!

Step 5: Fill Those Tarts

Pour that luscious lemon mixture into each tart shell until they’re three-quarters full—don’t worry if they look like they’re going to overflow; they won’t!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pop those beauties in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are just set but still jiggly in the center. Trust me; they will firm up as they cool!

Once done baking, allow them to cool before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy! Transfer to plates and serve with some whipped cream on top for that extra touch of elegance.

And there you have it! Your homemade Lemon Butter Tarts are ready to steal the spotlight at any gathering—just be prepared for everyone’s eyes lighting up like they’ve seen dessert heaven!

You Must Know About Lemon Butter Tarts

This showstopping Lemon Butter Tarts delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the tart crust. Next, blind bake the crust until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the lemon filling ingredients until smooth. Finally, pour the filling into the crust and bake until set for perfect results.

Flavor Your Way

Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange instead of lemon for a unique twist. You can also add a hint of fresh herbs like thyme or mint for an unexpected flavor burst. Don’t hesitate to mix in some zest for extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Lemon Butter Tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Lemon Butter Tarts

This professional-quality Lemon Butter Tarts relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up these Lemon Butter Tarts and share them with friends; their delighted reactions make my kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant!

FAQs

What are Lemon Butter Tarts?

Lemon Butter Tarts are delightful desserts featuring a rich, creamy lemon filling encased in a flaky pastry shell. These tarts are known for their tangy yet sweet flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The buttery crust perfectly complements the zesty filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Often garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream, Lemon Butter Tarts not only please the palate but also make for an elegant presentation at gatherings.

How do you make the crust for Lemon Butter Tarts?

To create the perfect crust for Lemon Butter Tarts, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add an egg yolk and cold water to form a dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into tart pans. Chill for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky texture. Pre-bake the crust until lightly golden, allowing it to hold up against the luscious lemon filling.

Can I use other citrus fruits in place of lemon?

Absolutely! While Lemon Butter Tarts are traditionally made with lemons, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, or grapefruits. Each fruit adds its unique flavor profile to the tart. Just be mindful of adjusting the sugar levels based on the sweetness or tartness of your chosen fruit. This flexibility allows you to customize your tarts while still enjoying that signature buttery crust.

How should I store leftover Lemon Butter Tarts?

To store leftover Lemon Butter Tarts, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have unfilled tart shells, keep them stored separately at room temperature. Reheat filled tarts slightly before serving to restore their creamy texture and delightful flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Butter Tarts are an exquisite dessert that combines tangy lemon flavors with a buttery crust, making them irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just indulging yourself, these tarts promise satisfaction. Remember that experimenting with different citrus fruits can lead to delightful variations on this classic recipe. Enjoy each bite of your homemade Lemon Butter Tarts and impress your guests with this scrumptious treat!