Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, tangy dessert without the fuss of a traditional crust, this Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Bright, creamy, and bursting with real lemon flavor, this tart offers a perfectly smooth custard texture that feels indulgent yet light. It’s a simple, elegant dessert that’s easy to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe will delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in building the flavor, texture, and freshness you expect from this tart. From the zing of fresh lemon juice and zest to the richness of melted butter, these simple components come together beautifully to create a delectable dessert that’s both rustic and refined.
- 4 large eggs: Provide the custardy structure and help the tart set beautifully without needing a crust.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness with just the right sweetness for a refreshing bite.
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: Offers vibrant, natural lemon flavor that’s essential for that signature zing.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest: Adds an aromatic burst that intensifies the citrus experience.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the custard a delicate firmness and subtle texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the tart from tasting flat.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brings richness and a silky finish to the tart’s custard base.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Softens and rounds out the lemon’s sharpness with a whisper of warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A pretty, sweet garnish to add that final delicate touch.
How to Make Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to make sure it’s perfectly warm when your tart is ready to bake. Grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish generously with nonstick spray or butter to ensure your tart releases easily after baking. This step sets the stage for a smooth, crack-free dessert.
Step 2: Combine Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and lightly frothy. This helps incorporate air, giving your tart that lovely lightness while ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved, which is key for an even texture.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice, Zest, and Dry Ingredients
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest—they bring the star citrus flavor that makes this recipe shine. Then, mix in the flour and salt to help thicken and stabilize the custard, ensuring your tart sets perfectly without a crust.
Step 4: Stir in Butter and Vanilla
Carefully whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The butter adds richness and a silky texture, while the vanilla softens the bright lemon flavor, creating a beautifully balanced custard.
Step 5: Bake Until Set and Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared tart pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a center that’s set but still slightly tender. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle—it should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Chill for Best Results
Let your tart cool to room temperature right in the pan, then pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential; it allows the custard to firm up fully, making each slice smooth and luscious.
How to Serve Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, adding a gentle sweetness and a beautiful snowy finish. For an extra touch, fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a pop of color and tartness that complements the lemon beautifully. A dollop of lightly whipped cream turns every bite into a silky dream.
Side Dishes
This tart is lovely as a stand-alone dessert, but it pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling water infused with lemon or mint. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to keep the meal feeling bright and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual tart slices with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey for a delicate, artisan presentation. You can also spoon a bit of lemon curd on the plate before placing the slice on top for a layered burst of citrus. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe, simply cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, maintaining that creamy texture and bright flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this tart ahead or have extra to save, freezing is an option. Wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve its custard-like consistency.
Reheating
This tart is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, place slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating, which can affect the texture and cause the custard to become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest truly make all the difference in flavor and brightness for the Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe. I highly recommend using fresh lemons for the best taste.
Is this tart gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment by substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
What makes this tart crustless?
The tart’s custard is enriched with eggs and flour, allowing it to set firmly enough on its own without any pastry crust. This results in a light, custard-like dessert that’s both simple and delicious.
Can I make this tart vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and butter, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet as written. To create a vegan version, you would need to replace these ingredients with plant-based alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and taste will be quite different.
How long does it take to chill before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, chill the tart for at least one hour in the refrigerator. This waiting time helps the custard firm up and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a dessert that combines simplicity with elegance, and this Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s bright, creamy, and fresh with just the right hint of sweetness, making it perfect for any time you want to impress with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with the ease and deliciousness of a crust-free lemon tart that feels like a little slice of sunshine on your plate.
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Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crustless Lemon Tart is a delightful, light dessert featuring a smooth, custardy lemon filling without the need for a traditional crust. Perfectly tangy and sweet, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for those looking for a simple yet elegant treat. With a balanced sweetness and fresh lemon zest, this tart is best enjoyed chilled and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the tart once baked.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy to incorporate air for a light texture.
- Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients: Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, all-purpose flour, salt, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Whisk all ingredients together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased tart pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has a light golden color. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to allow it to set completely and develop the best texture.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top of the tart with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Optionally, serve with whipped cream or fresh berries to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This tart has a delicate, custard-like consistency, making it different from traditional tarts with a crust.
- Chilling the tart helps improve its texture and flavor.
- For extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
- Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely when mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
