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πŸ‹ Tartelette au Citron β€” French Lemon Tartlets

Delicate tart shells filled with a silky, tangy lemon cream and finished with a touch of candied zest. A simple and elegant French classic that’s always in season.
Whether you’re baking to take a break from work or seeking that citrusy spark on a winter day, these lemon tartlets are a bright and satisfying treat. Quick to prepare and impossible to resist.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

πŸ‹ Lemon Cream

  • 100 g lemon juice
  • 90 g sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 eggs
  • 200 g unsalted butter cubed

πŸ₯§ Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

  • 90 g powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla paste
  • 120 g unsalted butter
  • 1 egg M
  • 280 g all-purpose flour type 405

🍫 Coating & Decoration

  • 30 g white chocolate
  • Candied lemon peel for garnish

Instructions
 

Lemon Cream (Make Ahead)

  • In a saucepan, bring lemon juice, sugar, and lemon zest to a boil.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Gradually temper them with the hot lemon mixture.
  • Return to the saucepan and cook while stirring until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Add cubed butter and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  • Pour into a bowl and chill overnight.

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

  • Cream together butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla paste.
  • Mix in the egg.
  • Add flour and knead until fully combined.
  • Roll between two sheets of parchment and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Cut 6 long strips for tartlet edges and 6 circles for the base.
  • Line tart rings (8 cm) with dough, pressing gently to connect edges and base. Trim excess.
  • Chill again for 30 minutes.
  • Tip: No need for pie weights β€” the chilled dough holds shape during baking.

Baking the Tartlets

  • Preheat oven to 160Β°C (fan).
  • Prick tartlet bases with a fork.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.

Coating

  • Melt white chocolate (microwave or double boiler).
  • Brush a thin layer inside each tartlet shell to seal and prevent sogginess.

Filling & Decoration

  • Spoon chilled lemon cream into tart shells and smooth the surface.
  • Cut small discs or shapes from candied lemon peel and place them on top for garnish.

πŸ•° Serving & Storage:

  • Store in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days. Best served chilled or at room temperature.