Citron Meringue Tart

Citron Meringue Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a light, flaky crust with a tangy lemon filling and a fluffy meringue topping. The tartness of the lemon filling balances perfectly with the sweetness of the meringue, creating a harmonious flavor profile that excites the palate. Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party or a cozy family gathering, this tart is sure to impress your guests with its elegant appearance and mouthwatering taste. While it requires some attention to detail and patience during preparation, the result is a rewarding dessert that both looks and tastes exquisite. With readily available ingredients, it's accessible for home bakers looking to elevate their dessert game. Furthermore, the recipe offers a couple of filling options, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Follow this detailed guide to create a tart that's both visually stunning and delicious. For those looking for variations, you can adapt the recipe to cater to different dietary requirements without compromising on flavor. Finally, pair it with a light tea or coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g powdered sugar
• 50 g cold water
• 125 g butter
• 2 g salt
• 1 egg yolk

Original Filling:

• 100 g butter
• 150 g sugar
• 150 g lemon juice
• 4 egg yolks
• 20 g potato starch

Condensed Milk Filling:

• 1 can condensed milk (400 g)
• 125 ml lemon juice
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 lemon zest
• Potato starch (if the filling is too runny)

Meringue Topping:

• 220 g powdered sugar
• 5 egg whites

Preparation Time

• Total: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Sift the flour, powdered sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Create a well in the center and add the egg yolk.
2. Gently mix everything and add the grated or chopped cold butter.
3. Knead the dough with your hands, gradually adding the cold water. The dough is ready when it no longer sticks to the bowl or your hands.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and grease a tart mold.
6. Roll out the dough according to the shape of the pan and place it in the mold. Press the dough to form edges with your fingers.
7. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up and bake in the oven for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
8. For the original filling, beat the egg yolks with sugar, add the butter, and mix well. Incorporate lemon juice, zest, and potato starch.
9. For the condensed milk filling, beat the egg yolks with condensed milk, add lemon juice, zest, and potato starch if necessary.
10. Remove the tart base from the oven and let it cool slightly while whipping the egg whites. Lower the oven temperature to 150°C (302°F).
11. Whip the egg whites with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
12. Pour the filling of your choice into the tart mold and top with the whipped egg whites.
13. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then switch to grill mode briefly to brown the top.
14. The tart should be soft inside, with only the top slightly firm and golden brown.
15. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips

• Ensure the butter is cold when added to the dough for a flaky crust.
• If the lemon filling is too runny, adjust with additional potato starch.
• Chill the dough adequately before rolling out to ensure it doesn’t shrink in the oven.

Nutritions

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 4 g
• Fats: 20 g
• Carbs: 34 g

Variations

• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with plant-based margarine.
• For gluten intolerance, use gluten-free flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with herbal, green tea, or a strong espresso.
• Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Best Places

• Patisserie Valerie - Renowned for its exquisite pastries and tarts. Location: 44 Old Compton St, London, UK.
• Tartine Bakery - Known for creative baked goods and fresh ingredients. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Boulangerie Poilâne - A historic bakery famous for its artisanal goods. Location: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
• La Pasticceria Marchesi - Elegant patisserie offering traditional Milanese pastries. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, Milan, Italy.
• Breads Bakery - Acclaimed for its standout pastries in a vibrant setting. Location: 18 E 16th St, New York City, USA.
• L'Éclair de Génie - A modern bakery specializing in éclairs and tart variations. Location: 14 Rue Pavée, Paris, France.
• Pastéis de Belém - Famous for its iconic custard tarts in Lisbon. Location: Rua de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Café Sabarsky - Austrian-style café serving exquisite desserts. Location: 1048 5th Ave, New York City, USA.
• Tart Bakery - Contemporary bakery known for diverse flavor profiles. Location: 555 Sutter St, San Francisco, USA.
• Magnolia Bakery - Classic desserts with iconic muffin tops and pies. Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York City, USA.