If you’re looking for ideas for afternoon tea food, these Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets are the perfect sweet treat. With a buttery, crisp pastry shell filled with luscious homemade lemon curd, they are a delightful addition to any easy tea party food sweet treats menu. Their tangy-sweet flavor and elegant appearance make them ideal for afternoon tea baking, Easter pastries ideas, or even dessert recipes for Mother’s Day.
These mini lemon flower tarts are not only delicious but also easy to make. They require just a handful of ingredients and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great choice for easy Easter party food or food Easter ideas. Whether you’re serving them at a spring gathering, a bridal shower, or as part of an elegant tea spread, these tea pastry recipes will surely impress your guests.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets
✔ Bright and Refreshing Flavor – The perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
✔ Elegant and Beautiful – A stunning addition to any afternoon tea baking table.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
✔ Light and Buttery Pastry – Crisp tart shells that pair beautifully with the smooth lemon curd.
✔ Versatile for Any Occasion – Great for Easter pastries ideas, tea parties, or a fancy brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tartlet Shells:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Curd:
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cubed
For Decoration (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries)
- Edible flowers or mint leaves
Kitchen Equipment Required
✔ Mini tart pans or muffin tin – To shape the tartlets.
✔ Mixing bowls – For preparing the pastry dough and lemon curd.
✔ Whisk – Essential for smooth lemon curd.
✔ Rolling pin – To roll out the pastry.
✔ Saucepan – For cooking the lemon curd.
How to Make Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cold water, then mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Tartlet Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut circles slightly larger than your tartlet molds and gently press the dough into each mold. Prick the bottoms with a fork, then bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Curd
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook while stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Let cool slightly before filling the tart shells.
Step 4: Fill the Tartlets and Chill
Spoon or pipe the lemon curd into the cooled tartlet shells. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the curd to set.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries or edible flowers, and serve these beautiful mini lemon flower tarts at your next gathering!
Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets
✔ Chill the Dough – Keeps the pastry flaky and prevents shrinkage during baking.
✔ Whisk Constantly When Making Lemon Curd – Prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
✔ Use Fresh Lemons – For the best, zesty flavor in your curd.
✔ Cool the Tart Shells Completely – Warm shells can make the filling runny.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overworking the Dough – Can make the pastry tough. Handle it gently.
🚫 Not Cooking the Lemon Curd Long Enough – It should be thick enough to coat a spoon before removing from heat.
🚫 Skipping the Straining Step – If you see small lumps in your curd, strain it for a silky smooth finish.
Variations and Substitutions
✔ Berry Lemon Tartlets – Add a thin layer of raspberry or blueberry jam beneath the lemon curd.
✔ Meringue Topped Tartlets – Pipe meringue on top and lightly torch for a mini lemon meringue tart.
✔ Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
✔ Vegan Option – Make a dairy-free lemon curd with coconut milk and use a plant-based pastry crust.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The lemon curd can be made 3-4 days in advance and stored separately.
Freezing:
- The baked tartlet shells can be frozen for 1 month in an airtight container.
- Avoid freezing the assembled tartlets, as the lemon curd texture may change.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
🌸 Arrange on a Tiered Dessert Stand – Perfect for an elegant afternoon tea baking setup.
🍋 Pair with Earl Grey or Chamomile Tea – Complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
🍓 Serve with Fresh Berries – Adds a pop of color and extra sweetness.
🎀 Wrap in a Gift Box – A lovely homemade gift for Mother’s Day or Easter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought lemon curd works well.
2. Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes! The tart shells and lemon curd can be made in advance and assembled just before serving.
3. Can I make these in a standard muffin tin?
Absolutely! Just use cupcake liners or grease the tin well for easy removal.
4. What’s the best way to get a glossy finish on the lemon curd?
A small dab of clear apricot jam brushed on top adds a beautiful shine.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets are the perfect easy tea party food sweet treats for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for Easter pastries ideas, dessert recipes for Mother’s Day, or a charming afternoon tea baking spread, they are sure to impress! Their flaky crust, smooth lemon filling, and bright flavor make them a must-have for your next gathering.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe for more tea pastry recipes and elegant sweet treats!
PrintMini Lemon Curd Tartlets : A Zesty Treat
If you’re looking for ideas for afternoon tea food, these Mini Lemon Curd Tartlets are the perfect sweet treat
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Curd:
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cubed
For Decoration (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries)
- Edible flowers or mint leaves
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cold water, then mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut circles slightly larger than your tartlet molds and gently press the dough into each mold. Prick the bottoms with a fork, then bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook while stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Let cool slightly before filling the tart shells.
Spoon or pipe the lemon curd into the cooled tartlet shells. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the curd to set.
Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries or edible flowers, and serve these beautiful mini lemon flower tarts at your next gathering!
Notes
✔ Chill the Dough – Keeps the pastry flaky and prevents shrinkage during baking.
✔ Whisk Constantly When Making Lemon Curd – Prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
✔ Use Fresh Lemons – For the best, zesty flavor in your curd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Keywords: Ideas For Afternoon Tea Food