Tangy Lemon Curd Tart with Dreamy Mascarpone Cream Recipe

Summer’s golden rays call for a delightful lemon curd tart with whipped mascarpone cream that dances between tangy and sweet.

Bright citrus notes mingle with silky cream, creating a dessert that sings of sunshine and indulgence.

The buttery tart shell cradles a vibrant filling bursting with zesty flavor.

Rich mascarpone adds a luxurious cloudlike texture that melts on your tongue.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of creamy and bright elements that will transport you to a Mediterranean afternoon.

Delicate yet decadent, this tart turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of culinary artistry.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that promises pure, unrestrained deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 9

Lemon Curd Tart with Whipped Mascarpone Ingredients

• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy, bright flavor foundation that defines the tart's signature zesty profile.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Create silky, luxurious texture and help thicken the curd naturally.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances citrus sharpness and contributes to smooth, glossy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and highlights citrus notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy smoothness and helps stabilize the curd's texture.

• Mascarpone: Offers luxurious, velvety richness with subtle tangy undertones.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture and adds delicate smoothness.

• Fresh Raspberries: Bring vibrant color and burst of sweet-tart freshness.
• Fresh Blackberries: Add dramatic visual contrast and juicy complexity.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces unexpected herbal sophistication and aromatic elegance.

Baking Tools for Lemon Tart with Mascarpone

• Double Boiler or Saucepan and Heatproof Bowl: Perfect for gently heating lemon curd without scorching.
• Non-Metal Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly without scratching the bowl.
• Immersion Blender: Helps incorporate butter into lemon curd quickly and evenly.
• Stand Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Creates fluffy, stiff mascarpone cream in minutes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for perfect results.
• Offset Spatula or Rubber Spatula: Spreads cream and lemon curd smoothly and evenly.
• Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Allows easy removal and beautiful presentation of the tart.

Step-by-Step for Tart Assembly and Topping

• Citrus Preparation

Gather fresh lemons and room temperature ingredients for a smooth, tangy experience. Select ripe, fragrant lemons that feel heavy and bright.

• Water Bath Magic

Create a gentle heating environment using a simmering water bath. This technique ensures delicate, even cooking without scorching sensitive ingredients.

• Silky Custard Creation

Blend lemon juice, eggs, and sugar in a heatproof bowl. Whisk continuously while suspended over steaming water, transforming raw ingredients into a luxurious, glossy mixture.

• Butter Transformation

Cool the custard slightly, then introduce soft butter pieces. Use an immersion blender to create an incredibly smooth, rich lemon curd with a velvety texture.

• Creamy Cloud Topping

Combine mascarpone and heavy cream in a mixer. Whip until peaks form, creating a light, airy cream that will complement the intense lemon flavor.

• Elegant Assembly

Layer the whipped cream on a prepared tart shell, then carefully spread the lemon curd on top. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

• Finishing Touch

Just before serving, adorn the tart with fresh berries and delicate thyme leaves. The herbs and fruits add a burst of color and bright, aromatic notes.

Ideas for Zest and Cream Pairings

• Replace lemon juice with lime or grapefruit for a unique twist on the classic tart, creating exciting flavor variations that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Whisk continuously and maintain low, steady heat to prevent egg scrambling, ensuring a silky-smooth lemon curd with perfect consistency every single time.
• Prepare the lemon curd and tart shell up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time and reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Experiment with different toppings like toasted coconut flakes, edible flowers, or candied lemon zest to add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor to your elegant dessert.
• Use an instant-read thermometer when making the lemon curd to guarantee food safety and achieve the ideal creamy texture without overcooking the eggs.

Serving This Tart for Brunch or Tea Time

• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Serve this lemon curd tart alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tart's bright citrus flavors.
• Berry Burst Garnish: Add a vibrant touch by scattering additional fresh berries around the plate, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation that highlights the tart's fresh ingredients.
• Tea Time Companion: Pair the tart with a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea, which will beautifully balance the richness of the mascarpone cream and the zesty lemon curd.
• Seasonal Celebration: During summer months, serve the tart on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers to create a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert that captures the season's essence.

Storage Suggestions for Lemon Curd Tart & Cream

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store the lemon curd tart in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delicate texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap the tart carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for a maximum of 2 weeks to maintain its delicious quality without compromising taste or texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lemon curd and mascarpone cream separately up to 5 days before assembling, storing each component in sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum convenience.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove the tart from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to soften and become more pronounced, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Silky Lemon Curd Tart

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Silky lemon curd tart with whipped mascarpone cream offers a luxurious dessert experience from Mediterranean culinary traditions. Delicate pastry and tangy citrus combine with creamy mascarpone, creating an elegant finale for sophisticated palates.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 145 grams (5.1 oz) lemon juice
• 225 grams (8 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 150 grams (5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) mascarpone, room temperature
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fl oz) heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh blackberries
• Fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Prepare Lemon Curd Base: Create a gentle water bath by simmering water, then whisk together lemon juice, eggs, egg yolk, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl positioned above the simmering water.
2. Cook Custard Mixture: Continuously stir the mixture over indirect heat, monitoring temperature until it thickens to a custard consistency and reaches 180°F, ensuring smooth incorporation of ingredients.
3. Cool and Refine Lemon Curd: Remove from heat, continue whisking to cool to 135°F, then gradually blend in room temperature butter using an immersion blender to create a silky, uniform lemon curd.
4. Craft Mascarpone Cream: Utilize a stand mixer with a whisk attachment to blend mascarpone and heavy whipping cream, beating until firm, voluminous peaks form.
5. Assemble Tart Layers: Spread whipped mascarpone cream evenly across the prepared tart shell, then carefully pour lemon curd over the cream, ensuring a smooth, balanced distribution.
6. Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the tart for 1-2 hours to set layers and intensify flavors, then adorn with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and delicate thyme sprigs before serving.

Notes

• Maintain Consistent Heat: Use a gentle simmer to prevent egg scrambling and ensure smooth, creamy lemon curd texture.
• Whisk Continuously: Constant stirring prevents ingredient separation and promotes even heat distribution during cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor curd temperature closely; 180°F indicates proper thickening without compromising egg proteins.
• Cooling Technique: Allow lemon curd to cool to 135°F before adding butter to prevent separation and maintain silky consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg