Easy Homemade Lemon Tart

Posted on July 10, 2026

Delicious homemade lemon tart garnished with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Why Make This Recipe

A homemade lemon tart is a delightful treat that brings brightness and freshness to any table. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners and anyone who loves the tangy taste of lemon in a sweet dessert. It’s an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Plus, the combination of a flaky crust and smooth, zesty filling will impress your guests every time.

Easy Homemade Lemon Tart

How to Make Simple Homemade Lemon Tart

Ingredients:

Easy Homemade Lemon Tart
  • 1 cup plain flour (130 grams)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (110 grams)
  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup whipping cream
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • Juice from 1 large lemon (at least 1/3 cup)

Directions:

Easy Homemade Lemon Tart
  1. Mix the flour, melted butter, and icing sugar in a bowl until you form a soft dough.
  2. Press the dough into the base and up the sides of your cake tin.
  3. Pierce the dough several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
  4. Bake the crust blind for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  5. Take it out and let it cool down.
  6. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
  7. In another bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, egg, cream, and lemon juice.
  8. Carefully pour this mixture into the cooled pastry case.
  9. Return it to the oven and bake for another 35–40 minutes or until the filling is set.
  10. Let it cool completely before removing it from the tin.
  11. Dust it with icing sugar and serve.

How to Serve Simple Homemade Lemon Tart

You can serve the lemon tart chilled or at room temperature. Slice it into small pieces and dust the top with icing sugar for a pretty presentation. It goes well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries can also make a lovely addition on the side.

How to Store Simple Homemade Lemon Tart

Store any leftover lemon tart in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should last for about 3–4 days in the fridge.

Tips to Make Simple Homemade Lemon Tart

  • Make sure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing it with the flour. This helps create a smooth dough.
  • Don’t skip the step of piercing the dough. It helps to prevent air bubbles from forming.
  • When baking the tart, keep a close eye on the filling to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Variation

If you want a different flavor, you can add a bit of lime juice for a lime tart. You can also mix and match citrus fruits for a mixed citrus tart flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pastry to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.

What if I don’t have caster sugar?
You can blend regular granulated sugar in a blender for a few seconds to make a finer sugar that works similarly.

Can I freeze the lemon tart?
Yes, you can freeze the lemon tart. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Delicious homemade lemon tart garnished with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.

Simple Homemade Lemon Tart

This homemade lemon tart features a flaky crust and a fresh, tangy lemon filling, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup plain flour Approximately 130 grams
  • 1 stick unsalted butter Approximately 110 grams, melted
  • 4 tablespoons powdered sugar For the crust
For the filling
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • Juice from 1 large lemon lemon At least 1/3 cup of juice

Method
 

Preparation of the crust
  1. Mix the flour, melted butter, and icing sugar in a bowl until you form a soft dough.
  2. Press the dough into the base and up the sides of your cake tin.
  3. Pierce the dough several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
  4. Bake the crust blind for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  5. Take it out and let it cool down.
Preparation of the filling and final baking
  1. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, egg, cream, and lemon juice.
  3. Carefully pour this mixture into the cooled pastry case.
  4. Return it to the oven and bake for another 35–40 minutes or until the filling is set.
  5. Let it cool completely before removing it from the tin.
  6. Dust it with icing sugar and serve.

Notes

Serve the lemon tart chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries are also a nice addition. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about 3–4 days. For a lime variation, replace lemon juice with lime juice.

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