Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts

Introduction

Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts are the ultimate treat for anyone seeking a balance of tangy citrus flavor and buttery, flaky pastry. Each tart is filled with silky-smooth lemon curd that bursts with refreshing zest—a perfect antidote to overly sweet desserts and an ideal crowd-pleaser for brunches or special celebrations. This recipe captures stunning simplicity and elegance in every bite, making it a go-to when you need an impressive treat without excessive effort.

The Irresistible Charm of Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts

The magic of these tarts lies in their contrast: crisp, golden layers of puff pastry envelop a bright, creamy lemon curd center. They’re effortlessly elegant and truly versatile—equally suited for an afternoon tea or as the standout at a dessert table.

Choosing and Preparing Puff Pastry

Frozen puff pastry is the busy baker’s best friend, delivering a bakery-quality flakiness with no rolling and folding required. For the perfect bake, thaw your pastry just until pliable; over-thawed pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with. To ensure your pastries bake evenly and lift beautifully, line your baking sheet with a strip of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, which helps prevent sticking and facilitates easy cleanup.

The Secret to Silky Lemon Curd Filling

A great lemon curd should be glossy, velvety, and pack a puckery punch of real lemon flavor. While store-bought will do in a pinch, homemade lemon curd elevates these tarts to something truly memorable. If you decide to make your own curd, achieving the right consistency is simple if you stir it over gentle heat, ideally using a heat-resistant utensil like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black to keep things smooth and lump-free.

Assembling and Baking the Tarts

Once your pastry is prepped and your curd is ready, assembly takes just minutes. To get consistent, clean cuts of pastry, use a sharp blade from a reliable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Simply cut the pastry into evenly sized rectangles or circles, making sure each one will hold a generous dollop of lemon curd.

After assembling, transfer the pastries to your lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and puffed, then cool just enough so the lemon curd doesn’t run when you take a bite.

Serving, Storing, and Presentation Tips

For showstopping results, dust the tarts with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries or a twist of lemon zest before serving. To keep leftovers crisp, store them in a single layer in an airtight container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, which keeps moisture out so your pastries stay flaky.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 8 individual tarts. Each tart contains roughly 210–250 calories, depending on the amount of lemon curd used and any additional garnishes. They’re a light, satisfying finish to any meal or a luxe pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee.

Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts (Recap)

These Lemon Curd Puff Pastry Tarts combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon curd with the unbeatable texture of perfectly baked puff pastry. They’re quick to make, visually stunning, and universally loved—a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless release and cleanup.
2. Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper or a sharp knife to cut the sheets into 8 equal rectangles or circles.
3. Transfer pastry pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart. With a knife, gently score a ½-inch border around the edge of each piece, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Briefly whisk the egg and water together, then brush the edges of each pastry with the mixture for a glossy, golden finish.
5. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of lemon curd into the center of each tart, spreading evenly within the scored border. Bake 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden around the edges.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes—use KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for safe handling of hot trays.
7. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and, if desired, top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flair.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

These tarts are a breeze to whip up, and their elegant appearance belies their simple preparation—making them a must-have addition to your dessert repertoire!