Elegant Strawberry Lemon Curd Tart with Glazed Berries

Strawberry Lemon Curd Tart

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours

This elegant Strawberry Lemon Curd Tart, with its delightful cookie-like crust and luscious lemon curd filling, is the epitome of sophisticated dessert-making. The tart is adorned with beautifully glazed strawberries, adding both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor. Prepare the curd and dough a day or two ahead of time to simplify the process and ensure that this treat is as fresh as it is exquisite.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Curd:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• Zest of 1 1/2 lemons

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 large egg yolk

For the Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as apricot or strawberry)

Instructions

1. Make the Lemon Curd:

   1. In a heavy small saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until well combined.
   2. Add the butter and lemon zest to the mixture.
   3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the curd thickens to a pudding-like consistency, which should take about 8 minutes.
   4. Transfer the curd to a small bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days in advance.

2. Prepare the Crust:

   1. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse briefly to blend.
   2. Add the cold butter and pulse in short bursts until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
   3. Add the 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and egg yolk. Continue to pulse until the dough forms moist clumps, adding more cream if necessary, a teaspoon at a time, if the dough seems too dry.
   4. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days in advance.

3. Assemble the Tart:

   1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 13-inch round.
   3. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch diameter tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold the overhang in and press it firmly to form double-thick sides.
   4. Use a fork to pierce the bottom and sides of the crust to prevent bubbling. Refrigerate the crust for 1 hour.
   5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. If the crust bubbles, press it down with the back of a fork. Cool the crust completely on a wire rack.

4. Finish the Tart:

   1. Spread the chilled lemon curd evenly into the cooled crust.
   2. Arrange the fresh strawberries in a decorative pattern on top of the curd.
   3. In a small saucepan, warm the fruit preserves or jam briefly to thin it out. Brush the warm jam over the strawberries to create a glossy glaze.
   4. Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours to allow the glaze to set.

5. Serve:

   1. Carefully release the tart from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
   2. Slice and enjoy this delightful, elegant dessert with a perfect balance of tangy lemon curd and sweet, glossy strawberries.

Yields: 10 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 364.2
Fat: 16.8 g
Saturated Fat: 9.9 g
Cholesterol: 104 mg
Sodium: 84.3 mg
Carbohydrates: 50.5 g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Sugar: 28.7 g
Protein: 4.3 g

This tart, with its sophisticated flavors and beautiful presentation, is perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful treat to impress guests. Enjoy the blend of tangy lemon and sweet strawberries in each decadent bite! 🍓🍋🥧