30-Min Lemon Curd Tart with Torched Meringue
Crispy store-bought tart shell filled with silky lemon curd, topped with torched Italian meringue that's glossy and caramelized. Showstopper dessert in under 30 minutes, no classical pastry skills needed.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 285
- Protein
- 3g
Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Spread lemon curd evenly into the pre-baked tart shell, filling to about 1/4 inch from the top.
Step 2
In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg whites, cream of tartar, and sugar together over simmering water, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F (71°C), ~7 minutes.
Step 3
Remove from heat and whip with an electric mixer on high until stiff, glossy peaks form, ~4 minutes.
Step 4
Fold in vanilla extract and lemon zest gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
Step 5
Spoon or pipe meringue onto the lemon curd, creating peaks and swirls across the surface.
Step 6
Hold a kitchen torch 2 inches from the meringue and rotate the tart slowly, torching until peaks are golden brown and caramelized, ~2 minutes.
Step 7
Let cool for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tools you’ll need
- 9-inch pre-baked tart shell
- heatproof mixing bowl
- saucepan (for water bath)
- candy/instant-read thermometer
- electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- rubber spatula
- kitchen torch
- piping bag with large round tip (optional)
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