Mary Berry Lemon Posset Tart Recipe

Mary Berry Lemon Posset Tart Recipe

Mary Berry's Lemon Posset Tart is a sumptuous dessert that perfectly balances tanginess and creaminess, embodying the comfort and simplicity Mary Berry is known for. This recipe, featured in her BBC2 series "Simple Comforts," showcases her ability to create indulgent treats with straightforward techniques and accessible ingredients. Let's dive into how you can recreate this delightful tart at home.

Mary Berry's Lemon Posset Tart: A Brief Overview

This tart combines a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry with a smooth, citrusy lemon filling, topped off with fresh raspberries for an additional burst of flavor. It's an ideal dessert for any occasion, effortlessly marrying the zesty freshness of lemon with the richness of cream.

Ingredients for the Lemon Posset Tart

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

  • Plain flour: 175g (6oz), plus extra for dusting
  • Cold butter: 75g (3oz), cubed
  • Icing sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Egg: 1, beaten

For the Lemon Filling:

  • Double cream: 600ml (1 pint)
  • Caster sugar: 150g (5oz)
  • Finely grated zest and juice of 3 lemons

To Serve:

  • Autumn Bliss raspberries: 250g
  • Icing sugar, for dusting

Preparation Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry: Begin by blending flour, butter, and icing sugar in a food processor until it resembles breadcrumbs. Incorporate the beaten egg until the mixture binds together. After kneading it lightly, roll it out and line a 20cm (8in) deep, loose-bottomed sandwich tin. Chill after pricking the base with a fork.
  2. Bake Blind: Line the pastry with baking paper and beans, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6 for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper, then bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Heat cream, sugar, and lemon zest until just boiling. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then stir in lemon juice. The mixture should thicken slightly upon cooling.
  4. Assemble the Tart: Spoon the cooled filling into the pastry case and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Serve: Decorate with fresh raspberries and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Storage and Reheating

This tart is best enjoyed fresh but can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Decorate with raspberries and dust with icing sugar just before serving. It is not recommended to freeze the tart as the filling may not maintain its texture upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

The Lemon Posset Tart is rich in dairy and contains sugar, making it a high-calorie dessert. For specific dietary needs or restrictions, consider substituting ingredients accordingly.

FAQ about the Lemon Posset Tart

  • Can I make the tart ahead of time? Yes, the tart can be prepared up to a day in advance. Add the raspberry decoration and icing sugar just before serving.
  • Is it possible to use a different fruit topping? Absolutely! While raspberries complement the lemon flavor beautifully, feel free to experiment with other berries or fruit of your choice.

This Lemon Posset Tart is a testament to Mary Berry's philosophy of creating delicious, comforting desserts that bring joy with every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this tart promises to delight and impress.

Original recipe by Mary Berry from "Simple Comforts"​​​​.

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