Lemon Cream Cheese Tart

This delightful lemon cream cheese tart combines a buttery crust with a tangy lemon curd and a smooth cream cheese topping. The texture is both creamy and slightly crumbly, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The tart is easy to prepare, though it requires some patience, as you'll need to allow each layer to cool before assembly. The key to the perfect tart is balancing the sweetness of the cream cheese with the zestiness of the lemon curd. Fresh fruits, such as berries, can be added on top to enhance the flavor and appearance. This tart pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of white wine. With a few simple ingredients, you can create this impressive dessert at home. Serve chilled for the best experience, ensuring each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether it's for a family gathering or a special celebration, this tart will impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 200 g flour
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 170 g butter
• 70 ml heavy cream

Lemon Curd:

• 160 ml lemon juice
• 120 g sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream:

• 200 ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g cream cheese

Preparation Time

• Total: 400 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the butter and mix thoroughly using a mixer or your hands.
2. Form the Dough: Gradually add heavy cream, mixing continually. The dough should begin to come together but remain slightly crumbly.
3. Prepare the Tart Mold: Press the dough evenly into a tart pan, ensuring it covers the base and sides. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
4. Chill the Dough: Place the tart mold in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to prevent shrinking during baking.
5. Preheat and Bake: Heat the oven to 180°C and bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
6. Make the Lemon Curd: In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, egg yolks, and sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat for about 7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts completely. Let the curd cool down.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, and continue mixing until creamy.
9. Assemble the Tart: Spread the cooled lemon curd over the tart base.
10. Add the Cream Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over the lemon curd, making sure it is even.
11. Chill the Tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least a few hours until set.
12. Decorate with Fruits: Just before serving, top the tart with fresh fruits like berries or slices of your favorite fruits.
13. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors of lemon and cream cheese complemented by your choice of fruits.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter.
• Substitute options: If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can provide a similar tangy taste.
• Technique tip: Always allow the lemon curd and tart base to cool fully before assembling to avoid melting.

Nutritions

• Calories: 380 (per serving)
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbs: 29 g

Variations

• Try a gluten-free base using almond flour.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with coconut cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairs well with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
• Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Best Places

• Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its tart varieties. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Balthazar - Classic French patisserie experience. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
• Café Landtmann - Elegant atmosphere with rich desserts. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Known for impeccable pastries. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.
• Antoinette Café - Offers a fusion of flavors in tarts. Location: 30 Penhas Rd, Singapore.
• Harrods Tea Room - Luxurious setting with diverse desserts. Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London, UK.
• Café de l’Opera - Historic café with exquisite treats. Location: La Rambla, 74, Barcelona, Spain.
• Tartine Bakery - Famous for innovative pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Angelina - Offers a refined taste in desserts. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Confeitaria Colombo - Traditional elegance in every bite. Location: Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.