summer lemon tart

Phoenix, AZ
Updated on Mar 19, 2026

I make this pie every year for my husband on his birthday. He also requests it for Father's Day and our anniversary. He never gets tired of it!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This lemon tart recipe is a very simple and delicious spring and summertime dessert. Simple and buttery, the crust is almost like a shortbread. On top, the creamy filling has just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Homemade whipped cream on top is a wonderful final touch. A simple and impressive dessert for lemon lovers.

prep time 2 Hr 30 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Bake
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • CRUST
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • LEMON FILLING
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

How To Make summer lemon tart

  • Spray a tart pan while the oven preheats.
    Step 1
    Crust: Butter or lightly spray a pie or tart pan with a nonstick vegetable cooking spray. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and cut in until the butter is the size of peas.
    Step 2
    Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and cut in until the butter is the size of peas.
  • Add cold water to bring the dough together.
    Step 3
    Add cold water to bring the dough together.
  • Place the pastry in the prepared pan. Poke with a fork.
    Step 4
    Place the pastry in the prepared pan. Using your fingertips, evenly press the pastry onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Dock the bottom of the crust with the tines of a fork. Cover and put the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
  • Once the pastry is chilled, place the pie pan on a baking sheet and bake.
    Step 5
    Once the pastry is chilled, place the pie pan on a baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 13 - 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
  • Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and process until incorporated. Add the eggs and process until thoroughly combined.
    Step 6
    Lemon Filling: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. In a food processor or stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and process until incorporated. Add the eggs and process until thoroughly combined.
  • Add the lemon juice and zest.
    Step 7
    Add the lemon juice and zest and process until well blended and smooth.
  • Pour filling into pre-baked tart shell.
    Step 8
    Pour filling into pre-baked tart shell.
  • Bake for approximately 25 - 30 minutes or until filling is set.
    Step 9
    Bake for approximately 25 - 30 minutes or until filling is set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  • Then cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about two hours.
    Step 10
    Then cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about two hours.
  • Beat whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
    Step 11
    Topping: Beat whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the filling.
    Step 12
    Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the filling. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 491kcal, carbohydrates: 38g, cholesterol: 149mg, fat: 1g, fiber: 1g, protein: 6g, saturated fat: 22g, sodium: 104mg, sugar: 24g, unsaturated fat: 14g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Pies
Keyword: #Cream
Keyword: #lemon
Keyword: #cheese
Keyword: #tart
Collection: Lovable Lemon
Collection: Summer Desserts!
Ingredient: Dairy
Method: Bake
Culture: American

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