--- title: "Tarte Au Citron" id: "1104" type: "recipe" slug: "tarte-au-citron" published_at: "2026-06-23T01:05:05+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-23T02:13:29+00:00" url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/" markdown_url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron.md" excerpt: "Tarte au Citron, or French lemon tart, represents the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in an elegant pastry shell. Dating back to the 17th century" taxonomy_category: - "Baking" - "Bistrot Cuisine" - "Courses" - "Cuisines" - "Dairy and Eggs" - "Desserts" - "French" - "Grains and Pasta" - "Ingredients" - "Leisurely (+ 60 min)" - "Meal Prep Friendly" - "Occasions" - "Seasonal Cooking" - "Special Occasions" - "Time to Table" - "Vegetables and Produce" --- Table of Contents - [• Recipe Overview](#recipe-overview) - [• Recipe Information](#recipe-metadata) - [• Time & Quantities](#recipe-time-quantities) - [• Method & Ingredients](#recipe-method) - [- Ingredients](#ingredients-section) - [- Instructions](#instructions-section) - [• Storage & Make-Ahead](#recipe-storage) - [• Nutritional & Dietary Information](#recipe-nutrition) - [• Serving & Variations](#recipe-serving) - [• Video to Share!](#recipe-video) # Tarte Au Citron Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) ★★★★☆(4.4/5 from 10 reviews) *[Click here](#image_policy) to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!* Tarte au Citron, or French lemon tart, represents the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in an elegant pastry shell. Dating back to the 17th century, this dessert embodies the French principle of simplicity executed to perfection. The smooth, silky lemon custard offers an intense citrus flavor that delivers both brightness and richness in each bite. Unlike heavily sweetened American lemon meringue pies, the French version focuses on the pure, clean citrus flavor complemented by buttery pastry. Its striking yellow filling and precise appearance have made it a staple of French patisseries and an enduring symbol of refined dessert craftsmanship. Difficulty:★★★★★(Hard) Budget: 💰💰💰 Seasonality: Year-round, Best in Spring, Summer ### Recipe Information [#](#) **Categories:** [Baking](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/baking/) [Bistrot Cuisine](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/bistrot-cuisine/) [Dairy and Eggs](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/dairy-and-eggs/) [Desserts](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/desserts/) [French](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/french/) [Grains and Pasta](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/grains-and-pasta/) [Leisurely (+ 60 min)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/leisurely-60-min/) [Meal Prep Friendly](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/meal-prep-friendly/) [Seasonal Cooking](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/seasonal-cooking/) [Special Occasions](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/special-occasions/) [Vegetables and Produce](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/vegetables-and-produce/) **Tags:** [Citrusy](https://beestrot.com/tags/citrusy/) [Creamy](https://beestrot.com/tags/creamy/) [Elegant](https://beestrot.com/tags/elegant/) [Gourmet](https://beestrot.com/tags/gourmet/) [Hand-Crafted](https://beestrot.com/tags/hand-crafted/) [Light](https://beestrot.com/tags/light/) [Special-Equipment](https://beestrot.com/tags/special-equipment/) [Sweet](https://beestrot.com/tags/sweet/) [Tangy](https://beestrot.com/tags/tangy/) [Traditional](https://beestrot.com/tags/traditional/) **Religious Considerations:** Contains dairy and eggs; not suitable for those with kosher restrictions requiring separation of meat and dairy meals **Recipe Source:** Classic French Pastry Recipe Print this Recipe --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Time & Quantities [#](#) **Preparation:** 35 mins **Cooking:** 40 mins **Total:** 75 mins **Serves:** 8 **Preparation-to-Cooking Ratio:** 0.88Equal time spent on preparation and cooking. ### Method & Ingredients [#](#) **Required Equipment:** 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom, parchment paper, pie weights or dried beans, rolling pin, fine-mesh sieve, zester or microplane, citrus juicer [Tart Pan, 9 Inch Tart Pans, Non-Stick Removable Loose Bottom](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRR8KWY/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRR8KWY/?tag=testtag-20) [Katbite 15in x 242ft Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74TKM85/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74TKM85/?tag=testtag-20) [Sukh Pie Weights for Baking](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6Q2P6QF/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6Q2P6QF/?tag=testtag-20) [Silicone Rolling Pin Non Stick Surface](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSSWSXK/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSSWSXK/?tag=testtag-20) [Cuisinart Mesh Strainers, 3 Count](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TUQF9O/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TUQF9O/?tag=testtag-20) [Microplane Classic Zester Grater](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S7V8/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S7V8/?tag=testtag-20) [Lime or Lemon Manual Squeezer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00164TKA0/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00164TKA0/?tag=testtag-20) **Cooking Method:** Baking #### Ingredients - For the pastry shell: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 large egg yolk - 2-3 tbsp ice water. For the lemon filling: 4 large eggs - 2 large egg yolks - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons) - 2 tbsp lemon zest - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces) - powdered sugar for dusting #### Instructions 1. For the pastry, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 2. Add egg yolk and 2 tbsp ice water. Pulse until dough begins to come together, adding more water if needed. 3. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 5. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing into corners. Trim excess. 6. Prick bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. 7. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment. Bake for another 5-7 minutes until light golden. Cool completely. 8. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). 9. For the filling, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a heatproof bowl until well combined. 10. Add lemon juice and zest, whisking to combine. 11. Set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), making sure the bottom doesn't touch the water. 12. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and reaches 170°F (77°C), about 10-12 minutes. Don't rush this step - slow and steady wins the race to perfect lemon curd! 13. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove zest and any cooked egg bits. 14. Whisk in butter, a few pieces at a time, until smooth and glossy. 15. Pour filling into cooled tart shell and smooth the top. 16. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until filling is just set but still has a slight wobble in the center. 17. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 18. Just before serving, dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired. ### Storage & Make-Ahead [#](#) **Storage Advice:** Refrigerate for up to 2 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap. Bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. **Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips:** The tart shell can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature. The assembled tart can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Not suitable for freezing. --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Nutritional & Dietary Information [#](#) **Nutritional Information:** - **Calories:** 380 - **Protein:** 5g - **Fat:** 24g (Saturated: 14g) - **Carbohydrates:** 39g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g) - **Vitamin A:** 15% DV - **Vitamin C:** 25% DV - **Calcium:** 2% DV - **Iron:** 8% DV **Allergen Information:** Contains dairy (butter), wheat (flour), eggs **Dietary Information:** Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs; not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with gluten, dairy, or egg allergies ### Serving & Variations [#](#) **Serving Suggestions:** Serve at room temperature with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a small scoop of crème fraîche. A few fresh berries or a thin slice of lemon make an elegant garnish. **Wine or Drink Pairing:** A glass of Sauternes beautifully balances the citrus acidity, while a Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise offers complementary sweetness without overwhelming the lemon flavors. **Possible Recipe Variations:** Add a thin layer of raspberry jam at the bottom of the tart shell before adding the lemon filling. Tarte au citron meringuée tops the tart with Italian meringue for a more dramatic presentation. Small individual tartlets are perfect for elegant dinner parties. **Additional Notes:** Use organic lemons if possible, as the zest is a key flavor component. Meyer lemons can be substituted for a more floral, less acidic flavor. Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) Disclosure: This recipe may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This applies to featured Amazon products or any other Beestrot's partners. Thank you for your support! Jean Louis. ## 15 thoughts on “Tarte Au Citron” 1. Ahmed N.[February 8, 2026 at 12:42 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-325) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) Bookmarking this for my wife’s birthday! She loves lemon desserts and this looks absolutely stunning. 2. 1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [February 9, 2026 at 7:13 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-330) You can already try it for Valentine! 😀 3. Marta[December 28, 2025 at 3:08 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-324) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this*👍* 0❤️ Good recipe but I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar slightly. The texture was great though. 4. Chen L.[November 15, 2025 at 9:33 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-323) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Simple but elegant. The recipe instructions were very clear. My crust came out perfectly flaky. 5. Ayaka M.[October 22, 2025 at 4:15 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-322) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ とても美味しそう！フランスで食べたタルトシトロンを思い出します。週末に挑戦してみます。レシピの説明がとても丁寧で助かります。 6. 1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [October 26, 2025 at 7:09 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-329) このような親切なメッセージを残してくれて本当に嬉しいです、アヤカさん、本当にありがとう！ 7. David[September 30, 2025 at 7:48 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-321) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Perfect balance of tangy and sweet. My wife said it’s better than the ones we had in Paris! The meringue topping is optional but really makes it special. 8. 1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [October 3, 2025 at 7:07 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-328) Oh my! thank you! 9. Alina I.[August 24, 2025 at 11:22 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-320) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Tried this for a dinner party and got so many compliments! The lemon curd was silky smooth. Make sure to blind bake the crust properly – that’s the key. 10. 1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [August 27, 2025 at 7:05 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-327) I agree, thank you very much for your comment. 11. Sophie[July 18, 2025 at 2:35 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-319) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Une tarte au citron comme chez ma grand-mère! La pâte sablée était parfaite et la crème onctueuse. J’ai ajouté un peu de zeste de citron vert pour une touche personnelle. 12. 1. [Jean Louis](https://beestrot.com/) [July 19, 2025 at 7:04 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-326) Merci beaucoup Sophie! 13. Isabella M.[May 3, 2025 at 7:27 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-86) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 2❤️ Qué maravilla de tarta! La preparé ayer y toda mi familia quedó encantada. El equilibrio entre dulce y ácido era perfecto. La masa quedó crujiente y la crema de limón muy suave. Mi técnica para el merengue necesita práctica, pero igual quedó deliciosa. Definitivamente la haré de nuevo. 14. Haruki T.[April 29, 2025 at 1:45 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-85) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 1 Since my travel in France last summer, I search everywhere for good lemon tart recipe. This one look very authentic with proper balance sweet and sour. The crust seem difficult but I will try for sunday dessert. 15. Luisa M.[March 20, 2025 at 11:38 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#comment-84) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) ★★★☆☆(3/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0 Love lemon desserts. ## Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](/recipe/tarte-au-citron/#respond) You must be [logged in](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Ftarte-au-citron%2F) to post a comment. ### Encore! More Delicious Reads Please... - [Apple Pie - Tarte Aux Pommes](https://beestrot.com/recipe/apple-pie/) - [Tarte Tatin](https://beestrot.com/recipe/tarte-tatin/) Loading tip... #### About Our Recipe Photography ▼ Some of the stunning food photography you see throughout our recipes could be created using advanced AI technology, producing high-end, Food & Wine magazine-style imagery with intricate details and beautiful textures. 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