Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets
Tiny, tangy-sweet tartlets with a buttery crust and vibrant lemon curd that dances on the tongue. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 165 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup, cold unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp ice water
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 oz, softened unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: For crust: Pulse 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter and pulse until crumbly. Gradually add 2 tbsp ice water until dough forms a ball. Chill 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Roll dough into a 12-inch circle, then cut into 12 circles. Press each into a mini muffin tin. Prick bottoms with a fork and chill 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 4: For curd: Whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 egg yolks, and 1 tbsp lemon zest in a heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water and whisk constantly for 8 minutes until thickened and pale yellow, coating the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in 2 oz softened unsalted butter until smooth. Pour into cooled tart shells and refrigerate 2 hours until set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (45 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Giggling Lemon Curd Tartlets?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many desserts recipes and this is hands down the best.
