Whipped Lemon Meringue Tartlets
Light and airy tartlets with a tangy lemon filling topped with sweet, fluffy meringue. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar 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 220 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 6 tbsp, cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 6 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in 1 large egg yolk and 2 tbsp cold water until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into 6 mini tart pans evenly, then prick the bottoms with a fork.
- Step 2: Bake tart shells for 15 minutes until golden around the edges. Remove and let cool. Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Let lemon filling cool slightly.
- Step 3: Fill cooled tart shells with lemon curd. In a clean bowl, beat 3 large egg whites and 1/4 tsp cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, continuing to beat on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Step 4: Pipe or spoon meringue over each tartlet, creating peaks. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes until meringue tips are golden. Cool completely before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whipped Lemon Meringue Tartlets take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Whipped Lemon Meringue 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 Whipped Lemon Meringue 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 Whipped Lemon Meringue Tartlets for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Whipped Lemon Meringue 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.
