Mary Berry Lemon Tartlets Recipe

Dive into the world of baking with Mary Berry's Lemon Tartlets, a recipe that promises to add a zesty twist to your dessert collection. This dish is a beautiful blend of tangy lemon filling encased in a buttery pastry, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Mary Berry Lemon Tartlets Recipe

Brief Description of the Recipe

Mary Berry's Lemon Tartlets are an exquisite dessert that features a crisp, shortcrust pastry filled with a smooth, citrusy lemon cream. It's a recipe that balances sweetness and tanginess beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Cultural or Historical Context

This recipe is often associated with British cuisine and Mary Berry, a renowned figure in the world of baking. Known for her role as a judge on "The Great British Bake Off," Berry has introduced this and many other delightful recipes to the public, making them household favorites.

Ingredients List

For the pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 150g cold butter, cut into cubes
• 25g icing sugar
• One large egg, beaten
• Two tablespoons water

For the lemon filling:

• 9 large eggs
• 300ml double cream
• 350g caster sugar
• The zest and juice of 6 large lemons

You will also need a 28cm deep loose-bottomed tart tin.

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the pastry using a food processor, combining flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Then, add the beaten egg and water to form a dough.
2. Roll out the pastry and line a tart tin with it, trimming the excess. Chill for 30 minutes, then blind bake with baking beans.
3. For the filling, whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, and lemon zest and juice until smooth. Pour into the baked pastry case and bake until set.
4. Allow to cool before serving, optionally dusting with icing sugar.

Storage and Reheating

Lemon tartlets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, enjoy them cold or at room temperature rather than reheating.

Nutritional Information

This dessert is rich in flavors and, as such, is on the higher side of calories, mainly due to the butter and cream. It's a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the tartlets in advance? Yes, the pastry cases can be prepared ahead of time and filled when ready to serve.
• Can I use store-bought lemon curd for the filling? While homemade filling is recommended for the best flavor, store-bought lemon curd can be used in a pinch.

Final Thoughts or Serving Suggestions

Serve Mary Berry's Lemon Tartlets with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special touch. This dessert is not only a delight to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Original recipe by Mary Berry, a staple in British baking known for her simple yet delicious dessert creations​​​​​​.