Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Introduction

Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart is the ultimate combination of bright, citrusy flavors and rich indulgence. The tart is made with a buttery, flaky crust filled with smooth, tangy Meyer lemon custard, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Once baked, the brûlée topping is gently caramelized to create a delightful crunch, adding an irresistible contrast to the creamy filling.

I remember the first time I made this tart for a special dinner—it was a showstopper! The refreshing lemon flavor paired with the crispy, golden brûlée top had everyone asking for seconds. What’s wonderful about this dessert is its versatility—whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or an elegant dinner party, the Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart fits every occasion.

This dessert may seem fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a tart that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or wow your guests, this tart is a perfect way to end any meal!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Dinner parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Dessert lovers
• Citrus enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Here’s why Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart will become your go-to dessert:

• Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: The Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, making them ideal for a custard that’s both tangy and delicate.
• Decadent Brûlée Topping: The caramelized sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the smooth custard.
• Buttery, Flaky Crust: The tart’s buttery crust provides the ideal base for the lemon filling, enhancing the overall experience.
• Elegant and Impressive: With its beautiful golden brûlée finish, this tart makes an elegant statement at any gathering.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this tart is surprisingly simple to make and doesn’t require advanced baking skills.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon ice water (as needed)

Meyer Lemon Custard:

• 1 cup Meyer lemon juice (about 4-5 Meyer lemons)
• 2 teaspoons Meyer lemon zest
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Brûlée Topping:

• 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Ingredient Highlights

• Meyer Lemons: Known for their sweeter, less acidic taste, Meyer lemons lend a delicate and fragrant citrus flavor to the custard.
• Custard Base: A combination of egg yolks, cream, and milk creates a rich, velvety custard filling.
• Butter: The buttery, flaky crust is the perfect contrast to the creamy custard filling and brûlée topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the bright lemon flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart:

Prepare the Tart Crust:

1. Make the Crust Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse to combine. If the dough is too dry, add ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
2. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming off any excess dough.
4. Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.

Prepare the Meyer Lemon Custard:

5. Make the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the Meyer lemon juice, zest, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
6. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the warm lemon mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
7. Finish the Custard: Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let the custard boil.
8. Add Cream and Milk: Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow the custard to cool slightly.

Assemble and Bake the Tart:

9. Fill the Tart Crust: Pour the cooled custard into the prepared tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
10. Cool the Tart: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Brûlée the Top:

11. Caramelize the Sugar: Just before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the tart. Using a kitchen torch, gently caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden-brown, crispy layer. Alternatively, you can place the tart under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve the same effect.

How to Serve Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart is a stunning dessert that can be served in various ways:

• As a Showstopper: Serve this tart as the centerpiece of a special occasion dessert table.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish the tart with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an added pop of color and flavor.
• As a Light Dessert: The refreshing citrus flavor makes this tart an ideal light finish to a rich meal.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Additional Tips for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Here are some tips to ensure your Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart turns out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Meyer Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh Meyer lemons. Their sweetness and complexity set this tart apart from others.
• Avoid Overbaking the Custard: Keep an eye on the tart as it bakes. You want the custard to set without becoming overcooked or curdled.
• Chill the Tart Thoroughly: For the best texture, ensure the tart is completely chilled before adding the brûlée topping.
• Caramelize Just Before Serving: For the crispiest sugar topping, brûlée the tart just before serving so it stays crunchy.
• Use a Kitchen Torch: A kitchen torch gives the best control over the caramelization process. If you don’t have one, broiling is an acceptable alternative.
• Make Ahead: This tart can be made up to a day ahead, but be sure to add the brûlée topping just before serving for maximum effect.

Recipe Variations for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Here are 5 variations you can try for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart:

• Lemon-Lavender Brûlée Tart: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender to the lemon mixture for a floral twist.
• Berry Lemon Brûlée Tart: Add a layer of fresh berries between the crust and the lemon custard for a fruity variation.
• Ginger Lemon Brûlée Tart: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger into the lemon custard for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
• Coconut Lemon Brûlée Tart: Add ¼ cup of toasted shredded coconut to the custard for a tropical flavor.
• Blood Orange Brûlée Tart: Replace the Meyer lemon juice with blood orange juice for a visually striking tart with a slightly different citrus flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

• Freezing: This tart can be frozen before adding the brûlée topping. Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before caramelizing the topping.
• Storage: Store leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but can still be enjoyed for a few days after.

Special Equipment for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart easier:

• Food Processor: A food processor helps make quick work of the tart crust.
• Kitchen Torch: A kitchen torch is perfect for caramelizing the sugar topping to a golden crisp.
• Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for easy removal of the tart.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for smooth custard without lumps.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack helps the tart cool evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart

1. Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
   Yes, you can use regular lemons, but the flavor will be more tart. Adjust the sugar to balance the acidity.
2. Can I make this tart gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free tart crust for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
3. Can I prepare this tart ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the custard and bake the tart in advance. Just add the brûlée topping right before serving.
4. How do I prevent the custard from curdling?
   Be sure to whisk the egg yolks constantly when adding the warm lemon mixture, and cook the custard over low heat to prevent curdling.
5. Can I use a different citrus for this tart?
   Yes, other citrus fruits like lime, orange, or grapefruit can be used for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart is the perfect dessert to impress and delight, featuring a harmonious blend of tangy citrus and a sweet, crispy brûlée topping. The smooth, silky custard and buttery crust create a luxurious base, while the irresistible caramelized finish adds a satisfying crunch.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this elegant tart is sure to wow your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Its stunning presentation and balanced flavors make it a dessert everyone will adore.

I can’t wait to see your Meyer Lemon Brûlée Tart in action! Don’t forget to snap a picture, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!