Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets

From Kitchen Nightmare to Dream Dessert Mini Lemon Tartlets
By Mia Westlake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared at your small galley kitchen and dreamed of something sweet? These Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets are the answer! They're tiny bursts of sunshine, perfect for brightening up even the smallest space.

Brief Overview

Lemon meringue tartlets are a classic dessert. Their origin, like most good things, is a bit hazy but probably French or British.

These tartlets are beginner friendly and take about an hour. You will end up with twelve little treats.

Main Benefits

One bite and you are transported! They are packed with vitamin C from the lemon. Serve them at a summer picnic or a fancy afternoon tea.

These little individual dessert recipe gems are special because they prove that even a teeny kitchen can produce something amazing!

Ready to transform your baking game? Let's dive into the ingredients you will need to recreate this awesome recipe, and if you are struggling with the baking space, maybe it is time to have a Small Galley Kitchen Remodel .

Before & After: A Teeny Kitchen, Lemon Tartlets Bloom!

My kitchen is, shall we say, "cosy." Okay, it's tiny! Think small apartment kitchen . So, I get the struggle of limited space.

Honestly, these Easy Lemon Tartlet Recipe saved my sanity. They're proof you don't need a mansion to bake masterpieces.

Ingredients: Your Sweet Arsenal for Success

Let's gather our bits. You will need flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and lemons obvious, innit? Don't skimp on the good butter.

Seriously, it makes all the difference to this small kitchen baking ideas .

Making the Shortbread Base: A Crumbly Foundation

This shortbread is dead easy . Pulse your dry ingredients. Whizz in the butter. Add ice water. Chill. I know it sounds boring but it will take you less than 5 minutes.

This step is crucial and separates men from boys, like the one you see in a Basement Kitchen .

Lemon Curd: Zesty Goodness in Minutes

Alright, time for the lemon curd! This is where the magic happens. You know, a little tang to cut through all the sweetness.

The lemon is the heart of this lemon meringue tutorial . Trust me, it's easier than you think!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Secret Weapon!

Alright, listen up! We're tackling these Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets . Don't freak out, it's easier than it looks! Especially now when you have access to some Small kitchen baking ideas .

The key is having your stuff organized.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real

  • Shortbread Crust:

    • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour the basic stuff.
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed. Seriously, cold butter.
    • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar sweetness!
    • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) salt trust me, it balances things.
    • 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water. Key for the dough.

    For the butter, get the good stuff! You want a nice creamy flavour. You know? That's important.

  • Lemon Curd:

    • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, cubed.
    • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar.
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice. Squeeze it yourself! Don't be lazy. This is an Easy lemon tartlet recipe !
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon zest. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
    • 4 large egg yolks. From proper fresh eggs.
  • Meringue:

    • 4 large egg whites. Save those yolks for something else!
    • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
    • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) cream of tartar. This helps the meringue hold its shape.
    • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract. Adds a lovely flavour.

Before & After: A Teeny kitchen can still whip up amazing treats. I swear, a Small Galley Kitchen Remodel isn't always needed!

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boosters

Lemon zest is crucial. Don't skip it! The zest is where the magic happens! Vanilla in the meringue gives it that extra oomph.

Trust me on this one. No extra space in Small Apartment Kitchen ? You can still do it.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

  • 12 mini tartlet tins . You can find these anywhere!
  • Food processor (optional). Makes the crust a breeze.
  • Rolling pin . Or a bottle, honestly.
  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer . Meringue needs some power.
  • Saucepan . For the lemon curd.
  • Whisk . You'll be whisking a lot!
  • Rubber spatula . Get every last bit of that curd.
  • Kitchen Torch (optional). For that professional meringue look.

Honestly, Small Galley Kitchen or not, you probably have most of this already. You don't need a fancy Basement Kitchen to make these! My Budget Kitchen Remodel definitely didn't include a kitchen torch! Use the broiler if you don't have one.

Don't stress it. These will still look gorgeous with this Lemon meringue tutorial.

It is all about turning humble ingredients into the perfect Individual dessert recipe .

Okay, you wanna bake some sunshine? Let's make some Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets ! I'm telling you, these little guys are seriously impressive, and trust me, easier than they look.

Honestly...we all have those days when things are messy or not going according to plan, and that’s okay! Before & After: A Teeny bit of prep, and you’ll have something beautiful!

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic

First, mise en place ! Sounds fancy, doesn't it? It just means "everything in its place." Get all your ingredients measured out.

Chill that butter for the crust seriously cold butter is KEY. It helps create those lovely flaky layers. I always think of my grandma when I make pastry.

She always used cold butter.

Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets: step-by-step Guide

Alright, time to get your bake on! Think about transforming your Small Galley Kitchen or even Small Apartment Kitchen into a dessert haven with these easy steps!

  1. Crust Time: Pulse flour, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Or, rub the cold butter into the flour if you're feeling old-school. Slowly add ice water until it forms a dough. Chill for 30 minutes .
  2. Roll It Out: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles and press them into your mini tartlet tins. Prick the bottoms with a fork no soggy bottoms allowed!
  3. Blind Bake, Baby! Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15 minutes with baking beans, then 5 minutes without. Keep an eye on the edges, you don't want to burn them!
  4. Lemon Curd Creation: Combine butter, sugar, lemon juice, and zest in a saucepan. Cook on medium, stirring like crazy. Then, whisk egg yolks and slowly add a bit of the hot mixture to them. This is called tempering, don't skip it!
  5. Thicken Up: Pour the yolk mixture into the saucepan and cook on low, stirring constantly , until it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon. Don't boil it!
  6. Meringue Magic: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks. Fold in vanilla.
  7. Assemble & Toast: Fill the tartlets with lemon curd, top with meringue, and then use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue! Or, broil for a few seconds, watch it like a hawk!
  8. Chill, eat and enjoy: Allow to chill in the fridge. Take it easy and relax

Pro Tips for Tartlet Triumph

Wanna take these from good to amazing ? I find I have less time in Small Kitchen Baking Ideas , so doing them in stages helps.

Blind bake the crusts a day ahead, that is it!

  • Chill Out: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. It stops the crusts from shrinking.
  • Clean Bowls: For meringue, make sure your bowl and whisk are spotless . Any grease = meringue disaster.
  • Don't Overbake: Overbaked lemon curd tastes eggy. Keep that heat low and stir, stir, stir!

And honestly, whether you're in a Budget Kitchen Remodel situation or dreaming of a Basement Kitchen revamp, these Individual Dessert Recipe s are perfect!

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Code to Citrus Perfection

So, you're ready to whip up these Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets ? Ace! Here's a few bits and bobs, nitty gritty to ensure your baking sesh goes smoother than a baby's bum.

Before & After: A Teeny bit of advice and you'll be a lemon tartlet legend.

Serving Suggestions: Posh Plating, Sorted

Fancy pants plating isn't essential, mind you, but it does add a certain je ne sais quoi . Think dusting the plate with a bit of icing sugar.

Or, if you are feeling extra, arranging a few fresh raspberries alongside. They look proper gorgeous, don't they? As for drinks, a wee glass of chilled prosecco is a lovely shout.

A cup of English Breakfast tea works a treat, too. You know, nice and classic. A Small Galley Kitchen or not, it's all about making it special.

Storage Tips: Keep 'em Fresh, Mate!

These little beauties are best scoffed on the day, honestly. But, if you've got willpower of steel (unlike yours truly!), you can pop them in the fridge for a couple of days.

Just whack 'em in an airtight container, like. The meringue might lose a bit of its oomph, but they'll still taste great.

Freezing? Not recommended, the meringue goes a bit weird. And nobody wants weird meringue. Reheating ? Nah, serve 'em cold.

Think of it as a refreshing treat. Perfect for a Small Apartment Kitchen .

Variations: Go Wild (Or Not)

Feeling adventurous? Swap the lemon for lime for a tartlet recipe with a slightly different zing. Or, you could swirl a bit of raspberry jam into the lemon curd before you top it with meringue.

Lush! If you're catering for a dietary restriction , try a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. It works a charm! I once tried making them vegan, subbing out the egg white and use Agar Agar as egg white replacement.

You could even sneak some extra zest on top - or adapt a Basement Kitchen with extra bright flavours. Easy lemon tartlet recipe hacks ahoy!

Nutrition Basics: A Wee Bit of What's What

Each tartlet clocks in at around 250 calories. Not exactly health food, is it? But, hey, everything in moderation! They do have a bit of protein, some fat, and loads of sugary goodness.

Consider it a treat. Perfect for small spaces and a Budget Kitchen Remodel or Small Galley Kitchen Remodel . Baking Small Kitchen Baking Ideas and enjoy.

So there you have it. With a teeny bit of know how, you can create mini meringue magic. Now, go forth and bake some Individual dessert recipe .

You've got this! Don't overthink it, have a laugh, and enjoy the Lemon meringue tutorial . Oh, and be sure to give yourself a pat on the back when they turn out spiffing.

You deserve it!

Frequently Asked Questions

My lemon curd isn't thickening. What am I doing wrong?

Don't panic! Curd thickening can be a bit of a slow burner, a bit like waiting for the kettle to boil for a cuppa. Make sure you're cooking it over low heat and stirring constantly to prevent scrambling the egg yolks.

If it's still not thickening after what feels like ages, increase the heat slightly, but keep stirring like your life depends on it. Just keep at it, you'll get there in the end!

Can I make these Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets: From Kitchen Nightmare to Citrus Dream ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely do some prep in advance, a bit like getting your ducks in a row before a big event. The shortbread crusts can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The lemon curd can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

However, it's best to assemble and meringue the tartlets closer to serving time to prevent the meringue from weeping, and nobody wants a soggy bottom!

Help! My meringue is weeping. What can I do to prevent this?

A weeping meringue is a common baking woe, a bit like a rainy day at Wimbledon! Make sure your bowl and whisk are squeaky clean any grease can prevent proper meringue formation. Beat the egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks, incorporating the sugar gradually. Also, avoid making meringue on a humid day.

If all else fails, a quick blast with a kitchen torch can sometimes help stabilize it.

I'm not a huge fan of lemon. Can I use a different citrus fruit in these "Before & After: A Teeny" treats?

Absolutely! Think of it as putting your own twist on a classic. Lime is a fantastic substitute for lemon in the curd, giving you a bright and zesty lime meringue tartlet. You could even try orange or grapefruit for a slightly different flavour profile.

Just adjust the zest and juice amounts to match the lemon quantities in the recipe.

How should I store leftover Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets?

Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They're best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the meringue tends to soften over time. While they're still delicious, the meringue won't have that perfectly crisp texture after a couple of days, a bit like a biscuit left out in the rain.

Can I freeze these tartlets?

Freezing isn't ideal for the finished tartlets, mainly because the meringue doesn't freeze well and tends to become soggy. However, you can freeze the baked tartlet crusts on their own. Just wrap them tightly in cling film and then in a freezer bag. Thaw them completely before filling with the lemon curd and meringue.

Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets

From Kitchen Nightmare to Dream Dessert Mini Lemon Tartlets Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:45 Mins
Cooking time:20 Mins
Servings:12 Mini Tartlets

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories250 calories
Fat15g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryDessert
CuisineBritish

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