Strawberry-Lemon Tart
A vibrant strawberry-lemon tart featuring a crisp pastry filled with lemon custard and topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for spring gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- pastry for a 10-inch tart pan ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries ⓘ
- 2 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 3/4 cup whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry for a 10-inch tart pan.
- Roll the pastry to a 12-inch circle and fit into the tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Prick the pastry with a fork and bake at 450°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Allow the pastry to cool before filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have fresh strawberries, frozen ones can work in a pinch; just make sure to thaw and drain them well. You can also substitute the flaked coconut with toasted almonds for a different texture. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Strawberry-Lemon Tart chilled, garnished with extra whipped cream and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade. Consider serving alongside a light salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. The crust may soften over time, so it's best to consume it fresh. If you need to reheat, place individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry-Lemon Tart contains roughly 1016 calories, with 17g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart crust a day ahead. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This will save time and allow you to focus on preparing the filling and assembly on the day you plan to serve it.
How can I make this tart dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of whipping cream. Be sure to check that your margarine is dairy-free as well. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert without any dairy concerns.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you're out of lemon juice, you can substitute with an equal amount of lime juice or even apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that using lime will lend a different taste, but it will still be delicious. Adjust the sweetness if necessary to balance the tartness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).