Prep Time: 30 min
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 25 min
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: Affordable
The perfect balance between tangy lemon and sweet, fluffy meringue, the lemon meringue tart is a timeless gem in French pastry. With its crisp shortcrust base, smooth lemon curd, and airy meringue topping, this dessert is as beautiful as it is irresistible.
Ready to bake a lemon meringue tart that’s as good as your favorite French patisserie? This step-by-step recipe will walk you through every stage for a guaranteed delicious result.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add diced butter and rub with your fingertips until crumbly.
Add the egg and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough and line a tart pan. Prick the base and pre-bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch.
Add the lemon juice and zest, then cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
Pour the lemon curd into the pre-baked tart shell and let cool completely.
Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar while beating until you get a glossy, stiff meringue.
Spread or pipe the meringue over the lemon filling.
Brown the meringue using a kitchen torch or place under a broiler for 5 minutes, watching carefully.
Serve your lemon meringue tart chilled, paired with tea or coffee.
For an extra gourmet touch, try adding a hint of vanilla to the lemon curd or make the crust with almond flour for added depth.
You now have an excellent lemon tart recipe to try at home.
But if you want to elevate it with professional techniques and a stunning finish, VoilaChef is the place to learn!
On the platform, acclaimed pastry chef Julien Dugourd shares his signature version of the tart—featuring a reverse meringue and elegant plating for a refined result.
With detailed video classes accessible to all levels, you'll learn how to master every detail—from the perfect curd texture to precision piping.
→ Try VoilaChef for free and start baking world-class French desserts with guidance from top chefs.
Ready to level up your lemon meringue tart? Let’s get baking!
