Valentines Treats Mini Lemon Tarts

Name: Valentines Treats Mini Lemon Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 tarts
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1-2 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; ½ cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 2 lemons; ¼ cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Festive Planning

I absolutely adore making mini lemon tarts for special occasions, and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to whip them up. The refreshing burst of lemon paired with a buttery crust creates a delightful treat that always impresses. These tarts are not just cute; they're incredibly easy to make, allowing me to put my personal touch on each one. Whether enjoyed solo or shared with loved ones, they bring a touch of sunshine to any dessert table, making Valentine's Day even sweeter.

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:01:34.651Z

When I first tried making mini lemon tarts, I was amazed at how quickly they became a favorite in my home. The combination of the sweet, flaky crust with the zesty lemon filling is simply irresistible. I experimented a lot with the filling, adjusting the sweetness and tartness until I found the perfect balance. In the end, I realized that using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled really enhances the flavor.

One of the best tips I learned during my baking journey is to let the filling cool slightly before pouring it into the crust. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and allows it to maintain its crisp texture. Trust me, perfecting the crust is key to achieving the ultimate mini tart!

Why You Will Love These Tarts
Perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness that dances on your palate
Delicate and flaky crust that crumbles deliciously with every bite
Ideal for serving at gatherings or as a charming homemade gift

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect mini lemon tarts lies in understanding the role of each ingredient. For the crust, using cold butter is crucial; it helps create that flaky texture we all love. Cold butter should be cut into the flour and sugar until you achieve pea-sized crumbles, which will melt during baking and form air pockets, giving the crust its delicate structure. Using powdered sugar rather than granulated sugar will also enhance the tenderness of the crust, making it crumble beautifully with each bite.

For the filling, using fresh lemon juice and zest is essential. The zest not only adds a vibrant flavor but also enhances the overall aroma of the tarts, making them irresistible. When whisking together the sugar, flour, and eggs, it's important to ensure there are no lumps for a smooth filling. The heavy cream adds richness, balancing the tartness of the lemon, so don’t skip it! If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, which maintains creaminess while reducing calories.

Baking Tips for Success

When pre-baking your crusts, keep a close eye on them—overbaking can lead to a tough texture. You want to pull them out of the oven when they’re lightly golden around the edges, typically after 10-12 minutes. Use a fork to prick the bottoms before baking to prevent bubbles, but if you do see any bubbles emerge, simply poke them after baking to release the steam without compromising your tart's integrity.

After filling the tarts, baking them until they're just slightly jiggly in the center helps achieve that perfect custard-like consistency. An excellent method to check is to gently shake the pan and look for slight movement in the filling. Once you remove the tarts from the oven, allowing them to cool completely is vital; this helps the filling set and enhances the flavors. If you're making these for a gathering, they can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an easy yet impressive dessert option.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delightful mini lemon tarts:

For the Crust

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
½ cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve the perfect mini lemon tarts:

Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar together, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolk and cold water. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Press the dough into mini tart pans and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Pre-Bake the Crusts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, prick the bottoms of the tart shells with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and zest followed by the heavy cream. Mix until well combined.

Fill the Tarts

Once the crusts are cool, pour the lemon filling evenly into each tart. Bake in the oven for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove and let cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips

For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled tarts with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices or fresh berries. Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Mini lemon tarts can be served as a refreshing palate cleanser or a delightful after-dinner treat. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint to add color and contrast against the bright lemon filling. Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can provide an elegant finish, making the tarts look as delightful as they taste.

For a playful twist, you might also consider customizing your lemon tarts with flavored whipped cream. Whip some cream with a touch of vanilla or almond extract to elevate the flavor profile. Pipe the flavored cream atop the cooled tarts just before serving to add a luscious creaminess that beautifully complements the tartness.

Storage and Variations

These mini lemon tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, if you’re making them ahead of time, consider leaving the meringue or whipped topping off until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. If you have leftover filling, it can be used for other desserts like a lemon pudding or as a cake filling.

If you'd like to try a different flavor, you can easily swap out the lemon for other citrus fruits like lime or orange. Just be aware that each fruit has a different level of acidity and sweetness, so you may need to adjust the sugar accordingly. For a more unique twist, consider adding a touch of coconut cream to the filling for a tropical flair, which pairs beautifully with the zest!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, using a store-bought crust can save time, but homemade crust adds a fresher and flakier texture.

→ How do I store leftover tarts?

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, but it's best to fill the crusts just before baking for optimal freshness.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk for a lighter version, though it may alter the texture slightly.