Meyer Lemon Tart
A Meyer lemon tart is a ray of sun on a winter day. This simple recipe uses the season’s Meyer lemons in this easy dessert.
A Meyer Lemon Tart is a simple way to find sunshine on a winter day. Try this easy recipe!
From the moment your child enters your life, you groom them towards a life without you. All those milestones – the first steps, the toddler bed, the first day of school – each of those moments are bittersweet because you are allowing them to move farther away from you, one small step at a time.
But I have learned something. I’ve come to realize that the older my children get, the more love they need. All those moments when I was an exhausted new mother of an infant, there was a tendency to think that things will get easier over time, but the truth is, the challenges of parenting simply change.
Diapers give way to cell phones, play dates to prom dates, and playground worries to driving worries.
My children need more love and hugs at 10 and 13 than they did at 1 and 4. And this somehow surprised me…and comforted me.
This epiphany came in the break of dawn, when I thought of how I still tuck them into their beds at night, not out of habit, but because they still want me. How they still want stories and cuddles, even when they can read on their own. How they feel comfortable enough to be themselves and feel immature around me after spending the day feeling almost grown up with their best friends. Even if that means mom and dad will get frustrated for not acting their age.
It’s sweet. It stings. It’s the sunshine that you find in the darkness of winter. The warmth you feel after being in the biting cold.
This little life lesson left me remembering not to begrudge their neediness and to hug them as much as they want or need. Because one day, they really will be all grown up, and may really not need me anymore.
But to make myself feel better, I found something we all needed. A little citrus sun. A friend of ours stopped by with Meyer lemons from her father’s tree. You know how much I adore Meyers, don’t you? How I want to bottle their scent and soak in their sweet rays in the depth of winter? This Meyer Lemon Tart was just the sweetness I was looking for, the crisp crust giving way to a silky custard that brought sunlight to our rainy week.
Things may change tomorrow, or next year, but I hope they know one thing. We can always find the sun. Sometimes we just have to make it.
RECIPES TO EAT SEASONAL IN JANUARY
Sunny citrus shines in this month’s delicious Eat Seasonal roundup, organized by Becky of Vintage Mixer. Join us and our friends as we share dishes that embrace eating seasonal! Check out the January Seasonal Produce Guide and these recipes for more #EatSeasonal inspiration.
Oatmeal and Citrus Smoothie by Floating Kitchen
Butternut Squash, Carrot and Orange Detox Soup by Vintage Mixer
Winter Minestrone Soup with Pancetta by Flavor the Moments
Broiled Grapefruit by Bless This Mess
Gluten Free Gingersnaps with Lemon Cream Filling by Cafe Johnsonia
Potato and Leek Soup with Kale by Mountain Mama Cooks
Grapefruit and Avocado Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette by Food for My Family
Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken Breasts by Foodie Crush
Blood Orange Brûlée Upside Down Cake by Suitcase Foodist
Maple-Cayenne Sausage, Brussels Sprouts and Potato Sheet Dish by Project Domestication
Pink Grapefruit with Burnt Honey Custard by Letty’s Kitchen
Yogurt Brûlée with Winter Fruit by Completely Delicious
Grapefruit Pound Cake with Ginger Marshmallow Icing by Climbing Grier Mountain
MORE MEYER LEMON RECIPES
Meyer Lemon Coconut Panna Cotta
Meyer Lemon and Honey Lassi
Meyer Lemon Ricotta Scones
Meyer Lemon Buttermilk Pudding
Meyer Lemon and Raspberry Pavlova
Meyer Lemon Jam Crumb Bars
Meyer Lemon Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust round homemade or store bought is fine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large whole eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice
- zest of 2 Meyer lemons
- powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Carefully drape the pie crust over a 9-inch tart pan, and gently press down and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough by rolling a rolling pin over the top of the tart pan. Use a fork to prick the dough on the bottom and up the sides of the crust. Place the tart pan into a refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a rack in the center of the oven.
- Place the tart pan on a baking sheet, lay a piece of parchment paper on top of the dough and place pie weights or beans on top. Bake for about 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden in color. Remove from oven and let it cool while you make the filling.
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F.
- Whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, Meyer lemon juice and Meyer lemon zest in a bowl until smooth. Pass the filling through a sieve, then carefully pour into the golden crust.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pie is set.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator. The tart can be served either at room temperature or chilled.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!
Very easy and I dressed it up w/coconut/almond whipping cream and fresh strawberries. Loved making it and perfect for a quick yummy tasting dessert!
Oh how lovely, Norma! I’m so glad you enjoyed it – the coconut-almond whipped cream sounds divine!
Liren, sometimes I think we as parents experience more growing pangs than our children experience. You are such a good Mommy, and because you are, there is one thing I can pretty much promise you, and I speak from experience. Even when they are all grown up, they will still need your hugs!
You have given us such a beautiful tart. My mouth is watering just thinking about the gentle tartness of Meyer lemons tucked into a tender golden crust. Love the presentation too!
Your words give me comfort, Mary! It’s true, I think we take these milestones to heart much more so than the kids do, and I find myself appreciating the whole experience more with each passing day. Hugs to you! xo
Such a lovely reminder on the seasons of change as a parent and child and how cyclical they are, coming back to comfort and care over and over. This tart is stunning.
Thank you, Shaina. With each passing year, I’m always amazed at how humbling parenting is – truly the hardest job there is. And most rewarding.
I love how you sliced the tart, definitely trying that next time! Looks amazing, and so so tasty.
Fun, right? Also, it’s great for people who to pick and choose between more crust (like me!) or more filling!
Such a sweet post…and a very sweet tart too… this looks like the perfect use for such fresh Meyer lemons :)
Thank you so much, June! This tart was a good reminder for me to find the sweetness in everything :)
Gorgeous tart, Liren! I so want a wedge of sunshine :).
Thank you, Laura! Those wedges of sunshine are like warm rays of goodness!
The more I hear about Meyer lemons the more curious I become but sadly they are not around in these parts of the world so I just have to guess what they smell and taste like. Your lemon tart sounds like the kind I would definitely enjoy though!
How I wish you could find Meyer lemons there! If there was a way to send you some, I would! They’re similar in flavor to a cross between a lemon and a tangerine, so if you really wanted, you could combine the juices, and I think the flavor would be pretty close.
This is an absolutely stunning tart!
Thank you so much, Meriem!
I am in love with Meyer lemons. AND i just found a new best way to slice a tart. I vote for the center piece!
Lovely recipe.
I’ll save the center piece for you :)
I love the elegant way you cut the tart. And there may not be a dessert as elegantly simple as a lemon tart!
Thank you, Letty! I love the generous pieces – no more worries about seconds ;)
And I couldn’t agree more – lemon tarts are so simple yet so elegant.
Well, I know that you know that I love this tart! Hooray for Meyer lemons – my absolute favorite. And maybe the best thing about January. Gorgeous tart, Liren. And such a heartwarming post as well. Cheers, friend!
We share the love for Meyer lemons, that’s for sure! Cheers for cheery citrus!
I have two boys ages 14 and 12, and I know that parenting doesn’t get easier as they get older — it’s full of new challenges! Meyer lemons are a favorite of mine and this sunny tart would cheer up even an unhappy teenager! haha I’m getting a truckload of Meyer lemons from a friend’s parents tree and this post is making me so excited. :)
So excited for all the Meyer lemons you have coming your way, Marcie! That will be a special delivery. And I’m sure your boys will be happy, too :)
Liren, you are simply amazing! I adore lemon tarts and these look positively delightful!
Aw, you’re too kind, Lauren! xo
Oh girl!! You and I both can obsess together over lemons all winter long. I can already tell you that this tart would be a favorite of mine. And as I read your post my heart exploded a little over the thought of my kids becoming teens one day… yikes! I will be talking notes from you.
I’ve decided I need more lemons in my life :) And yes on the little ones! I’m becoming one of those crazy people who want to stop people in the store and tell them to enjoy the toddler years (but I don’t). I still remember when we first met and you were expecting! I just love this journey of parenthood – so humbling, isn’t it?
this tart looks gorgeous, and I’m a total meyer lemon fiend. beautifully written post, as well!
Thank you so much, Mary!
This is SO stunning Liren. The way the light filters through the tart slices – I die.
Oh Alanna – you would understand – it was one of those dark rainy days when I shot these, it’s a wonder any light came through!
This is really stunning Liren!
Thank you so much, Jocelyn! xo
This looks fantastic, Liren! I adore lemon tarts and this one sounds amazing!
Thanks, Tori!!
That tart looks incredible and I’m just THE fan of lemon tarts. Plus I loved this post – so honest and warmhearted!
Thank you, Giada. I have to say, parenthood continues to teach me life lessons I never imagined. I’m constantly challenged and humbled. So glad this post resonated with you :)