Lemon Cream Cheese Tart
Tangy lemon flavour and creamy, rich cheese filling in a buttery, crumbly crust make a lemon cream cheese pie wonderful. Beautiful and full of fresh flavors, this dish is delicious. Make this delicious tart at home with this thorough recipe.
Ingredients
For Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs (10-12 whole crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
For Filling
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 big eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla
- For Lemon Glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (2–3 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Two teaspoons cornflour
- 1/4 cup water
- Two teaspoons unsalted butter
- Optional garnish
- Whipping cream
- Slices of lemon
- New mint leaves
Instructions
First, make the crust
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium basin. Mix until crumbs are evenly covered and mixture resembles wet sand.
- The mixture should be firmly pressed into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a detachable bottom.
- The crust should be softly browned after 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool fully on a wire rack after removing from the oven.
Second, make the filling
- Softened cream cheese and sugar should be beaten until smooth and creamy in a large bowl.
- Beat thoroughly after adding each egg.
- Sour Cream, Lemon Juice, Zest, and Vanilla: Mix the sour cream, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla essence until smooth.
Step 3: Bake Tart
- Pour Filling into Crust: Spread cream cheese filling evenly into the chilled crust.
- Bake: Bake the tart for 25–30 minutes in the preheated oven until the center is set and the borders are slightly puffed. The center should wiggle slightly.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until cooled, at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Make Lemon Glaze
- Whisk lemon juice, sugar, corn flour, and water in a small pot until smooth.
- Cook until thickened: Stir continually over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir butter into the glaze after removing it from heat until smooth.
- Cool slightly: After a few minutes, pour the glaze over the chilled tart and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- Refrigerate the tart for another 1-2 hours to set the glaze and chill it.
- If preferred, decorate with whipped cream, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves before serving.
Best Lemon Cream Cheese Tart Tips
- To avoid lumps in the filling, properly soften the cream cheese.
- The finest flavour comes from fresh lemon juice. A bottled lemon juice may taste different.
- For optimal texture and flavour, let the tart cool fully and chill in the fridge.
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy, buttery crust and creamy, acidic lemon filling make a fantastic pairing. Lemon glaze gives a glossy appearance and additional citrus flavour. Its taste and beauty make this tart a perfect treat for any occasion.
Variations to Try
- Berry Lemon Tart: Pile fresh berries over the lemon filling before glazing.
- To make a lime cream cheese tart, use lime juice and zest for the lemon.
- For decoration, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the glaze.
Serving Ideas
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fruit salad or berries.
- For a delicious afternoon treat, serve with coffee or tea.
- This pie impresses at parties and special occasions.
in summary
Enjoy creating and eating this Lemon Cream Cheese Tart, a delicacy with a wonderful flavour balance and stunning presentation!