If you love vibrant, tangy desserts that are both luscious and surprisingly simple, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe. This delightful tart bursts with fresh lemon flavor while offering a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, all without the fuss of making a crust. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it combines just a handful of everyday ingredients into a sophisticated dessert that feels fresh and light. Trust me, once you try this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a key role to create a perfectly balanced dessert. From the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest to the richness provided by melted butter and eggs, these essentials come together to deliver incredible flavor and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart and balances the lemon’s natural tartness perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Provides bright, tangy citrus flavor—the star of the show.
- Large eggs: Help set the tart, giving it structure and a silky smooth finish.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and smoothness without overpowering the lemon.
- Lemon zest: Gives an intense lemon aroma and subtle texture in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm undertone that beautifully complements the citrus notes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for a light dusting to add visual appeal and extra sweetness at serving.
How to Make Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, give your 9-inch tart pan or pie dish a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. This helps the tart release easily once baked, ensuring your presentation stays flawless.
Step 2: Whisk the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture becomes smooth. This step is crucial for incorporating air and blending flavors uniformly, making the filling silky and light.
Step 3: Add the Rich Flavors
Pour in the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until the batter is fully combined and consistent. These ingredients deepen the flavor, while the salt sharpens the sweetness and lemon punch.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Carefully pour your lemon mixture into the greased tart pan. Use a spatula to level the top, ensuring an even bake and that beautiful smooth surface you want in a tart.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tart is set and has a delicate golden hue edging the sides. The center might jiggle a bit—that’s perfectly okay! It will firm up nicely as it cools, so resist the urge to overbake.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step intensifies the flavors and helps the tart fully set, making it easier to cut perfect slices later.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
When chilled, you can dust your tart lightly with powdered sugar if you like, adding a pretty finishing touch. Then, slice it up and prepare to enjoy a luscious, citrusy delight that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor of your tart with fresh garnishes. Thin lemon zest curls, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a few fresh mint leaves add beautiful color and a fresh aroma that complements the tart’s brightness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience. Fresh berries also make a delightful side, adding a burst of natural sweetness and vivid color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual tart slices on pretty dessert plates with edible flowers or a drizzle of raspberry coulis. For a party, consider cutting the tart into small squares for bite-sized treats. These little touches elevate the presentation and make your Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lemon tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains its creamy texture and fresh citrus flavor, making it easy to enjoy later without losing any of its original charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to retain its luscious texture.
Reheating
Since this tart is best enjoyed chilled, avoid reheating it. If you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving instead of using heat, to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best bright, natural flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no additives to keep the tart tasting fresh and authentic.
Why is the tart center still jiggly after baking?
The slight jiggle in the center means the tart is perfectly baked and will firm up as it cools. If you bake until fully firm, the texture can become dense rather than silky, so this gentle wobble is a good sign.
Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes! Since the tart is crustless, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with gluten sensitivities who still wants a delicious lemon dessert.
How long does the tart need to chill before serving?
Chilling the tart for at least 2 hours is ideal to let it firm up and develop its flavor. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour helps, but longer chilling yields the best texture and taste.
Can I add other flavors to this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding a touch of ginger, lavender, or even a splash of liqueur like limoncello for a unique twist. Just be sure not to overpower the fresh lemon essence that makes this recipe shine.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe is truly a gem for those times when you crave a fresh, tangy dessert without the hassle of making a crust. Its straightforward ingredients, simple steps, and stunning results make it a perfect go-to treat for both everyday moments and special occasions. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s like a little sunshine slice that brightens any day and leaves you smiling after every bite.
Print
Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Crustless Lemon Tart is a simple, refreshing dessert featuring a smooth and tangy lemon custard baked to perfection without a crust. Perfect for lemon lovers, it offers a light, clean flavor with a silky texture, making it a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
For the Tart
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish thoroughly using cooking spray or butter to ensure the tart doesn’t stick.
- Combine base ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add flavorings and butter: Stir in the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the lemon and egg mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a uniform batter.
- Pour and smooth: Pour the lemon mixture evenly into the prepared tart pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface for even baking.
- Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tart is set and the edges turn lightly golden. Note that the center may still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and chill: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until the tart is firm and fully set.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally dust the tart with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and decoration. Slice and enjoy the citrusy, smooth lemon tart!
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best, most vibrant flavor.
- The tart will continue to firm up as it chills, so slight jiggle when hot is normal.
- Ensure the tart pan is well greased to avoid sticking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- For a twist, garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves.
