A press-in crust is ideal for any level baker because no rolling is required. Using Meyer lemons adds sweetness to the tangy curd in this sunny dessert.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 10 hr 35 min |
| Active: | 1 hr 10 min |
| Yield: | 8 servings |
Ingredients
- 5 Meyer lemons (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, diced
- Nonstick cooking spray, for the tart pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook’s note)
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, diced and cold
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- For the candied lemon peels: Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Use a vegetable peeler to peel 1/2-inch strips from 3 of the lemons; reserve. Juice all 5 lemons (you should have about 1/2 cup); cover and refrigerate the juice. Put the reserved strips of peel into a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the peels and repeat the process 2 more times. Pat the peels completely dry.
- Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the peels and cook until they start to turn translucent, 6 to 7 minutes. Use tongs to remove them from the saucepan and lie them flat on the prepared rack. Let dry at room temperature, 6 hours and up to overnight. Toss the peels with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- For the shortbread crust: Position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch tart pan with cooking spray.
- Add the flour, butter and confectioners’ sugar to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces. Add the egg and pulse until the dough comes together. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tart pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly on a rack, about 30 minutes.
- For the lemon curd: Meanwhile, whisk the reserved lemon juice, eggs, yolks, milk and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until well combined. Add the butter and stir continuously until the mixture is thick and coats the back of a spoon, 10 to 12 minutes. Strain the curd if any lumps form, then pour into the crust and smooth with a spatula.
- Bake until the curd is set, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool slightly on a rack, about 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to cool completely, about 1 hour more. Decorate with the candied peels and serve cold.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 8 servings |
| Calories | 536 |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 200 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
Reviews
I made this today instead of the candied lemon peel I topped it with Meyer Lemon cookie wafers. I also added vanilla to the crust ans added 1/4 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors. Just wish I could add a photo!
Wonderfully delicious…I will make this pie again
Well to begin with I didn’t use Meyer lemons so the fact that the curd was too tart was my bad and I didn’t deduct stars for that. I don’t understand the crust at all. I made it following the directions and ended up
With enough dough to completely fill the tart pan. I used half of it. I found it difficult to get the dough in evenly and ended up with some thick areas that were difficult to cut when eating. I didn’t find the candied lemon peel added anything to the meal and also made it difficult to cut the dessert the peel really didn’t have much flavor. I will not make this again. I love lemon curd and have a number of good recipes-this just isn’t one of them.
With enough dough to completely fill the tart pan. I used half of it. I found it difficult to get the dough in evenly and ended up with some thick areas that were difficult to cut when eating. I didn’t find the candied lemon peel added anything to the meal and also made it difficult to cut the dessert the peel really didn’t have much flavor. I will not make this again. I love lemon curd and have a number of good recipes-this just isn’t one of them.
Quick fast and delicious just what I like
This recipe is perfect! So good and easy!
This was magic! I don’t have a tart on so made it in a pie plate – next time would use a little less crust for that, but that’s my own issue. Directions for the curd were PERFECT and the candied peels were great. I will def make again.