Delicious Lime Cream Tart

This delightful lime cream tart is a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. The tart is crafted from a luscious dough combining cocoa and rich butter, contrasted by a creamy filling infused with fresh lime juice. This dessert's versatility allows for various creative toppings, from powdered sugar to lime zest, giving each serving a unique, colorful presentation. Its refreshing taste makes it an ideal treat for warm summer days or as a revitalizing finale to any meal. The preparation process is straightforward yet requires some attention to detail, ensuring a tart that's as visually pleasing as it is tasty. After baking, cooling the tart in the refrigerator helps it set properly, enhancing its flavors. The tart's simplicity allows room for adaptations to suit different dietary preferences, such as using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Finally, serving this tart with a chilled beverage or a scoop of ice cream elevates the entire experience, making it a favorite at gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 150 g flour
• 100 g cold butter
• 70 g sugar
• 50 g cocoa powder (preferably dark and unsweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 large egg

Cream Ingredients

• 450 g of 25% sour cream (or low-fat or regular Greek yogurt)
• 120 g sugar
• 80 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 3 eggs
• Vanilla essence

For Decoration

• Powdered sugar
• 1 lime

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 100 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Add in cold butter, cut into small pieces, and blend until you achieve a crumbly texture.

2. Combine Ingredients: Add the egg to the mixture and knead the dough into a smooth ball. Make sure to work in a cooler environment to prevent the butter from melting prematurely.

3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably one hour, to firm up.

4. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, lightly flour your work surface, roll the dough into thin sheets, and place it in a greased tart pan (26 cm diameter) with a removable base.

5. Shape the Tart Shell: Press the dough gently into the pan to achieve your desired tart height and thickness. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling.

6. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the tart shell in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 6 minutes. Remove it from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 150°C.

7. Prepare the Cream Filling: Mix all cream ingredients until the sugar dissolves, ideally through a sieve to avoid lumps.

8. Fill the Tart Shell: Pour the cream mixture into the pre-baked tart shell and smooth the surface.

9. Finish Baking: Return the filled tart to the oven and bake at 150°C for 40 minutes or until the cream is set but remains slightly pale.

10. Cool and Chill: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours to set fully.

11. Decorate and Serve: Once chilled, decorate with powdered sugar or lime zest as desired.

12. Enjoy! Slice the tart into servings and savor with your preferred accompaniment.

Tips

• Ensure a Cool Room: Roll out the dough in a cool environment to maintain the dough's consistency and prevent the butter from melting.
• Use a Sifting Method: Pass lime juice through a sieve to ensure a smooth filling without pulp.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding fresh berries, edible flowers, or candied lime slices for an aesthetic touch.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbs: 35 g

Variations

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
• For a Sugar-Free Option: Replace sugar with a suitable sugar substitute, such as erythritol.
• Alternative Cream Base: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Complement with a glass of chilled white wine or a citrus-infused cocktail for a refreshing experience.

Best Places

1. Lime & Cocoa Cafe - Known for its citrus desserts. Location: 45 Orchard Road, Singapore.
2. Cream Delight Bistro - Offers a unique twist on classic desserts. Location: 28 Rue Rambuteau, Paris, France.
3. The Tart House - Famous for its variety of tarts. Location: 1111 Victoria Street, Toronto, Canada.
4. Zesty Sweets - Popular for refreshing lime desserts. Location: 23 Oak Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
5. Tropical Treats Bakery - Known for using fresh, local ingredients. Location: 90 Sunset Boulevard, Honolulu, USA.
6. Sweet Serenade - Offers a relaxing ambiance with delicious desserts. Location: 77 Queen’s Road, London, UK.
7. Heavenly Desserts Café - A cozy corner for sweet indulgence. Location: 12 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, USA.
8. Luscious Lime Lounge - Celebrated for innovative citrus desserts. Location: 300 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.
9. Citrus & Cocoa Boutique - A unique blend of flavors. Location: 19 Avenue Maria, Rome, Italy.
10. The Dessert Spot - A go-to place for tart lovers. Location: 44 Pearl Street, Cape Town, South Africa.