Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
Embark on a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds with the bright and zesty flavors of citrus—our Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts. These delightful tarts are a symphony of tangy lemon and lime curd nestled within a flaky, buttery crust. What’s even more remarkable is that this dessert is entirely plant-based, making it a perfect treat for vegans and anyone who appreciates a burst of citrusy goodness. Join us as we explore the art of creating these exquisite tarts that are sure to leave you craving another slice.
Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty, tangy flavors of citrus with a sweet and creamy filling, all in a crispy, buttery crust. These tarts are inspired by classic lemon tarts, which have been a favorite in the world of pastry for centuries. The fusion of lemon and lime in this vegan version adds a refreshing twist to this timeless dessert.
- Historical Roots: Lemon tarts, a traditional French dessert, have been enjoyed for generations. This vegan adaptation pays homage to the rich history of citrus-based pastries.
- Vegan Innovation: Vegan baking is an ever-growing trend, and this recipe is an example of how you can achieve the same delicious results without using animal products.
- Lively Citrus: The choice of lemon and lime brings a burst of vibrant, tropical flavors to the tarts, making them perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts
Lemon and lime are the dynamic duo of the citrus world, known for their refreshing and zesty qualities. Our Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts harness the vibrant essence of these fruits, creating a dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The heart of these tarts is a luscious citrus curd made from freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, sweetened with maple syrup or agave nectar, and thickened with a secret plant-based ingredient.
What truly sets these tarts apart is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The smooth and creamy citrus curd contrasts beautifully with the crisp and flaky pastry crust. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will brighten your palate.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls (various sizes): Buy On Amazon
- Whisk: Buy On Amazon
- Rolling pin: Buy On Amazon
- Tart pans or mini tart pans: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Parchment paper: Buy On Amazon
- Citrus juicer: Buy On Amazon
- Zester or microplane: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Saucepan: Buy On Amazon
- Fine-mesh strainer: Buy On Amazon
- Silicone spatula: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
For the Citrus Curd:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Tart Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry ingredients.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be cautious not to overwork the dough.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pans.
Carefully line each tart pan with the rolled-out dough, trimming any excess. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
Line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans.
Blind bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are set and slightly golden. Remove the parchment paper and weights for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Allow the tart crusts to cool completely before filling.
Preparing the Citrus Curd:
In a saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, maple syrup or agave nectar, lemon zest, lime zest, almond milk or coconut milk, cornstarch, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk the mixture over medium-low heat until it thickens and becomes smooth. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Pour the citrus curd into the baked tart crusts.
Refrigerate the tarts for at least 2 hours, or until the curd has set.
Garnish the tarts with additional lemon and lime zest before serving.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 327.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11.75g19%
- Saturated Fat 2.31g12%
- Cholesterol 0.19mg1%
- Sodium 243.06mg11%
- Potassium 150.47mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 54.11g19%
- Dietary Fiber 1.25g5%
- Sugars 25.14g
- Protein 3.08g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios on top of the tarts before serving.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the citrus curd by adding more or less maple syrup or agave nectar to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a smoother curd, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer before pouring it into the tart crusts.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits, to create unique flavor combinations.
- To make the tarts even more visually appealing, use mini tart pans for individual servings.
Serving Suggestions:
- Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Serve them as a refreshing finish to a summer meal, as part of a brunch spread, or for a special occasion.
Allergen Information:
For those with dietary restrictions and allergies, consider the following potential allergens in this recipe:
Nuts: The crust in this recipe often contains nuts, so be cautious if you or your guests have nut allergies. You can use alternative crust recipes that exclude nuts.
Gluten: Traditional tart crusts are made with flour, which contains gluten. To accommodate gluten allergies or sensitivities, choose gluten-free flour or alternative crust options.
Soy: Some vegan cream cheese substitutes and tofu-based fillings may contain soy. If soy is a concern, select soy-free or alternative products.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
When serving Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts, consider these drink options to enhance the overall dining experience:
Iced Herbal Tea: A refreshing and citrusy herbal tea, such as lemon verbena or mint, complements the zesty flavors of the tarts.
Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime provides a crisp and palate-cleansing contrast to the richness of the tarts.
Storage and Leftovers:
To preserve the quality of your Vegan Lemon and Lime Tarts or manage leftovers:
Refrigeration: Store any remaining tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will keep the filling firm.
Consume Promptly: These tarts are best enjoyed within a few days to maintain their freshness. The crust may become less crisp over time.
Freezing: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider freezing the tarts. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator several hours before serving.
Cover Well: To prevent the tarts from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator, ensure they are well covered or sealed.
