If you’re looking for a dessert that’s tangy, sweet, and unbelievably simple to make, then you’ve just found your new favorite treat! This easy crustless lemon tart is the perfect balance of zesty lemon flavor and creamy smoothness, all without the hassle of making or baking a crust. Imagine the sharp citrusy zing of fresh lemon blending seamlessly with a rich, velvety filling—every bite is like a burst of sunshine. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a celebration, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this tart is sure to impress. Seriously, it’s one of those desserts that looks and tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Easy Crustless Lemon Tart
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those little moments of sweetness in life. Whether you’re cooking for a casual evening or preparing a showstopper for a gathering, this tart is as versatile as it gets. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this tart comes together effortlessly. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Light and Refreshing: The bright lemon flavor is perfect for when you want something light but satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves you feeling happy and refreshed, not weighed down.
Elegant and Impressive: Despite its simplicity, this tart looks elegant enough to serve at any gathering. It’s the perfect dessert to wow guests, but it’s so easy you can make it on a whim.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the lemon filling to suit your preferences. Plus, you can top it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Ingredients
The beauty of this tart lies in how few ingredients you need—yet each one plays a role in making this dessert extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Eggs: The foundation of this creamy filling. Eggs provide structure while creating a smooth, velvety texture.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the star of this recipe, giving the tart its signature tangy flavor. It’s bright, zesty, and refreshing, just like a perfect spring day.
Lemon Zest: For an added punch of citrusy aroma, lemon zest infuses the tart with extra depth. It’s like the flavor of lemon, only richer and more aromatic.
Sugar: Balances out the tartness of the lemon, making the dessert perfectly sweet. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that smooth, silky filling that melts in your mouth.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavors, enhancing the citrus without overpowering it.
Salt: A pinch of salt is the secret ingredient that enhances the sweetness and balances the tanginess of the lemon.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now let’s get to the fun part: making this gorgeous tart! Here’s how to create this easy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot before you pop the tart in to bake.
Prepare the Tart Dish: Lightly grease your tart pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that your tart slides right out after baking, leaving you with a picture-perfect dessert.
Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Then, melt the butter and slowly whisk it into the egg mixture until everything is fully combined and the batter is smooth and glossy.
Pour into the Pan: Pour the lemon filling into the prepared tart pan. It will be slightly runny at this stage, but don’t worry—it’ll firm up beautifully in the oven.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the tart for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has just a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. Don’t overbake—this is what keeps the filling creamy and smooth.
Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you have the time). Chilling it makes the texture even more smooth and refreshing.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, remove the tart from the pan, slice it into wedges, and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a little extra something special.
How to Serve Easy Crustless Lemon Tart
This tart is perfect as a light dessert after any meal, but here are some ways to elevate your experience:
Fresh Berries: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and added sweetness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lemon, making every bite feel indulgent.
Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a burst of green and a subtle freshness that complements the citrus.
Ice Cream: For an extra special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cool creaminess and the tart filling is absolutely irresistible.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: This tart actually gets better the longer it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. Just store it in the fridge and serve chilled for the best texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. If you like your lemon desserts a bit more tangy, you can cut back on the sugar a little.
Lemon Variations: Try using a mix of lemon and lime juice for a zesty twist on the classic lemon tart flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dessert is so easy to make, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this tart without a tart pan?
A1: Yes, you can use any pie dish or even a regular cake pan. Just make sure it’s greased well to avoid sticking.
Q2: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A2: Yes! This tart is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry about substitutions.
Q3: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A3: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work. Just make sure it’s a high-quality brand.
Q4: Can I freeze this tart?
A4: It’s best to enjoy this tart fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Q5: How can I make the tart more creamy?
A5: For an even creamier filling, you can add a bit of sour cream or mascarpone cheese to the batter.
Q6: How do I get the perfect crustless tart texture?
A6: Make sure not to overbake the tart—check for a slight wobble in the center to ensure it’s just right.
Q7: Can I add a crust to this tart?
A7: Of course! If you want a crust, you can either make a traditional graham cracker crust or buy a pre-made one to keep it simple.
Q8: Can I use a different fruit for this tart?
A8: You can experiment with other citrus fruits, like lime or orange, for a fun twist on the classic lemon flavor.
Q9: Is this tart good for a crowd?
A9: Yes! It’s easy to make, and you can slice it into as many or as few pieces as you need. It’s a great choice for gatherings!
Q10: Can I add extra zest for more lemon flavor?
A10: Absolutely! If you love lemon, feel free to add more zest to the batter. It’ll enhance the lemony aroma and flavor.
Conclusion
This easy crustless lemon tart is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves bright, citrusy flavors with a smooth, creamy texture. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a slice by yourself, this tart will always hit the spot. Happy baking!
Easy Crustless Lemon Tart
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Crustless Lemon Tart is a simple, zesty dessert that bursts with fresh lemon flavor. Its creamy texture and golden-brown edges make it the perfect treat for any occasion, no crust needed!
Ingredients
- 3 whole large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain flour (all purpose)
- 1 cup castor sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 100g butter (3 1/2 ounces)
- Finely grated zest of 2 large lemons
- 125 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream (thickened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) on bake, not fan.
- Prepare pan: Melt the butter and lightly butter a 20 cm (8 inch) springform pan using some of the melted butter.
- Whisk eggs: Lightly whisk the eggs in a bowl. Add the flour and whisk for about a minute.
- Combine ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, melted butter, lemon zest and juice, cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Bake tart: Pour the batter into the buttered springform pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned around the edges. The tart will still be a little wobbly in the center.
- Rest the tart: Remove from the oven and let rest on a cake rack for 20 minutes.
- Release tart: Use a knife to loosen the edges of the tart inside the tin. Release it from the springform pan.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Serve: Remove the tart from the springform base using a spatula and transfer to a serving plate. Sift icing sugar over the tart and serve with cream and berries. Enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg