Mini fruit tart anyone? These lemon cream tarts with berries are creamy, dreamy and the perfect summertime treat! Homemade lemon curd is folded into whipped cream, poured into mini tart shells and topped with the season’s freshest berries!
Pretty exciting news! As you all probably know, Canada just had Victoria Day weekend and now the US have their upcoming Memorial Day weekend. So, basically, it’s the unofficial start of the summer season! A big yay to that!
These lemon cream tarts using store bought mini tart shells is an an easy summer dessert that’s a crowd pleaser!
Though Newfoundland blueberries are not in season just yet, they are simply the best, but I’m a little biased, of course!
Newfoundland has the sweetest, juiciest berries around. Growing up, there was a field alongside my home and they were so plentiful. You could just go out and grab them by the handful. How cool is that?
What Is Lemon Cream?
This particular lemon cream recipe is simply two ingredients: homemade lemon curd and whipped cream. You simply mix both together and it’s ready to use. Easy, huh?
It’s not quite a lemon mousse because it doesn’t have egg white and it’s not as airy as mousse. Rather, it’s richer/denser and so creamy dreamy.
How To Make Lemon Cream Tarts
Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- Bake store-bought mini tart shells and lay to one side.
- Make lemon curd. Let cool completely.
- Whip cream until nice and fluffy.
- Gently fold cooled lemon curd into whipped cream.
- Assemble! Portion lemon cream into mini tart shells and garnish with fresh berries and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Enjoy!
Can I Use Store Bought Lemon Curd Instead of Homemade?
Totally!
It will save time, especially in a pinch.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- As mentioned above, it is important to allow the lemon curd to cool completely before adding to cool whipped cream!
- Use whatever berries are fresh or whatever you have on hand! Strawberries or pitted cherries are also lovely additions.
- Brands or varieties of mini tart shells may vary in size. Therefore, the quantity you yield may vary.
- Try shaved white chocolate over top instead of melted white chocolate; both options are delicious!
- If you have any leftover lemon cream, just enjoy as is without the tarts, with your favourite slice of pie or even with ice cream! There’s no going wrong, if you ask me!
More Easy Summer Desserts
Hope you love these mini lemon tarts as much as we do!
If you make these mini fruit tarts, be sure to leave a comment below!
This lemon cream tart recipe was originally published in May 2016 but has been updated.
Lemon Cream Tarts With Berries
Ingredients
Lemon Curd
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 5 egg yolks, yolks only, not egg whites
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Garnishes and Other Tart Components
- 1.5 cup fresh blackberries
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ⅓ cup white chocolate chips, melted
- 24 mini pastry shells or tarts
Instructions
Lemon Curd and Tarts
- Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir in salt and sugar.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, and egg yolks.
- Place mixture back on heat, whisk and cook until mixture coats back of spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Don't boil.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg solids (this makes your lemon curd extra creamy). You can use a spoon or spatula to encourage the curd to go through the sieve, while leaving any solid bits.
- Pour the curd into a storage jar. Allow the curd to cool slightly before covering. Place the curd in the refrigerator to COOL COMPLETELY for a few hours before folding into the cream. Curd will thicken further as it cools. Note: You can make lemon curd a day ahead to save time the day you are making the tarts.
- Bake pastry shells according to package instructions and then let cool. Set aside.
Whipped Cream
- In a stand mixer, add heavy cream and sugar. Whisk on medium high for about 2 to 3 minutes or until you have stiff peaks.
To Assemble Tarts
- Slowly add curd to whipped cream. GENTLY fold in. Equally distribute lemon cream among tarts, top with a few berries and drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Quantity of tarts may vary slightly depending on the exact size of your mini tarts or shells. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Mae Ruth foster
Could I substitute bought lemon curd in a jar, and if so, how much?
I’ve been to Nova Scotia but not Newfoundland. How’s the weather?
Mae
Dawn | Girl Heart Food
Yes, you sure can! The weather is definitely getting colder now! Hope you enjoy the recipe!!
Maddy
Dawn! This is amazing. First of all, I don’t know much about Newfoundland and am happy to know just how much there is to do there! I’ve never been berry picking and would LOVE to try it out.
I always make lemon cheesecake squares with blueberries and they are super yummy. This recipe is right up my alley and perfect for summer! I’ll let you know how it goes when I make these. I have the perfect occasion coming up! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you so much, Maddy!! There’s certainly lots to do and see here 🙂 You can spend so much time berry picking and not even realize how much time has gone by. Very relaxing and lots of exercise too 😉 Especially good if it’s followed by baking, lol. Though, it’s also nice to eat the berries just as they are.
The lemon cheesecake squares with blueberries sound delicious…something I would love for sure! I’m so happy you like the recipe and excited to know that you’re gonna try it out! And, yes, I would love to hear how it works out for you!! Thanks so much for the lovely comment and have a great week!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
I haven’t tried making lemon curd yet.. But this looks AMAZING. Also for some reason I only recently tried making my own whipped cream.. I can never go back to canned!!! Lol (btw I keep signing up for your emails, but haven’t been getting them!)
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
Lol never mind I just got an email with the BBQ. Oops lol
Girl Heart Food
Oh, good to hear!! Have a great week, Sarah!
Girl Heart Food
Once you make your own, you’ll never buy premade again 🙂 So easy and so good! Thanks so much! Oh no! Is it going to your junk box?
[email protected]
Ohhhh….these tarts look absolutely wonderful – I’m a sucker for all things lemon! I’ve always wanted to visit Newfoundland & Cape Spear – definitely on my to see list. The highest north I’ve been on the East Coast is Maine, so I’m slowly working my way up 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Amanda! Me too; LOVE lemon! Well, I’m sure if you do visit, you will love it. Definitely try some fish-n-chips too! Thanks for the comments and have a great week, girl 🙂
Megan - The Emotional Baker
These tarts look perfect for summer! I love lemon treats, so I’ll probably devour the entire batch 😉
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Megan! I don’t blame ya! I think I could too 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Smitha
Looks rich and delicious. The pictures are perfectly taken and they wildly tempt me. I can see how creamy it is. Irresistible
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you Smitha! Hope you’re having a nice weekend 🙂
Kevin | Keviniscooking
No cod kissing for me but that Downtown St. John’s food scene sounds up my alley as does the fish and chips and whale watching. One day I must come visit and I know the perfect guide!
Love these lemony little guys – which means you can have several, right? All from fresh berries you get to pick, how cool is that. Great round up of recipes… time to go investigate! Cheers Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
It is pretty awesome, Kevin and I know that you would love it! Definitely have several of these tarts. After all, each one is practically just one bite 😉 Happy you like the recipe and the round-up. Thanks so much, Kevin. Happy Saturday!!
Rachel @ Bakerita
These little lemon tarts are SO cute and look absolutely delicious! Wish I could grab one off the screen 😉
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Rachel! Wouldn’t that be awesome? Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Lisa
I have never been to Newfoundland but I definitely want to go! It seems like such a great place from all the Newfoundlanders that I know. I did attend a screeching-in party hosted here in NS by a Newfoundland classmate of mine and I did kiss a cod. So there are pictures of that circulating out there somewhere! lol
Speaking of pictures, your lemon cream tarts are picture perfect cute! Love your recipe and I am going to check out all the other great recipes that are included in the round-up! Pinning for sure 🙂
Natanja
I love these cute tartelettes! They basically combine everything I love and they are gorgeous too.
But wait a minute…did you say “kiss a cod”? Haha I think all the rum in the world wouldn’t get me to do that, even if I had it BEFOREHAND 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Natanja! Yes, I did say ‘kiss a cod’. It’s a little thing first time visitors can do when they come to the province. Not necessary, of course, but just a little tradition. It’s a while process. I agree….kissing a cod is not something I would want to do either, lol 😀 Have a great weekend!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
I love these lemon cream tarts! These are a must have at any BBQ or cookout! and LOVE the line-up you have going on up there! WOW, what a fabulous list of recipes!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, Alice!! Hope you get a chance to try some 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction
I’ve been meaning to bake up some mini tarts, and these look perfect! They look so scrumptious!
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you, Marsha 🙂
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
Dawn! You have outdone yourself with this recipe! Your pics look so delicious and I love how easy the recipe is. So perfect for cookouts or cookins. BTW, when I could visit you we will go to all those places. Can’t wait! heeheehee 😉
Girl Heart Food
Oh my goodness, Karrie!! THANK-YOU so much!!! You’re the best! I really appreciate it, girl! Easy recipes are great, aren’t they? You can visit any time! I KNOW we’d have a blast!! Talk about fun, right?! Thanks for the sweet comments & have a wicked holiday weekend! xo
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss
Beautiful!! These are so adorable 🙂 I’m warming up to lemon desserts and these look like a nice way to ease into them. I love the addition of fresh berries too!
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you, Jessica! Hope you like ’em 🙂
marcie
I love mini desserts, and these tarts are just adorable! I love the lemon – berry combination!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Marcie!