Description
Creamy lemon tart promises zesty sunshine on a plate, delivering tangy elegance without baking. Cool graham cracker crust cradles silky lemon filling, inviting you to savor each refreshing, luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand-like consistency.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch tart pan, ensuring compact and uniform base. Chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes to solidify.
- Whisk sweetened condensed milk with freshly squeezed lemon juice, incorporating zesty lemon zest and aromatic vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated.
- Gently fold whipped heavy cream into the lemon mixture, creating a light and creamy texture without deflating the volume.
- Transfer the silky lemon filling into the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
- Refrigerate the tart for 4-5 hours, allowing the filling to set completely and develop a firm, slice-able consistency.
- Before serving, optionally decorate with delicate dollops of whipped cream, thin lemon slice garnishes, or sprinkled fresh mint leaves to enhance visual appeal and provide complementary flavors.
- Slice chilled tart with a sharp knife and serve immediately for maximum freshness and creamy texture.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia in the crust and filling for a low-carb option.
- Enhance zesty flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or using Meyer lemons for a more complex citrus profile.
- Stabilize whipped cream by chilling the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, ensuring a firmer and more voluminous texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg