🍋 Lemon Cream Cheese Tart

by

A beautiful tart with a buttery crust and velvety lemon cream filling—light, elegant, and effortlessly delightful.

Prep Time: 20 minutes · Bake Time: 35 minutes · Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 (8-inch tart)
Dietary Tags: Light Dessert · W-W Adaptable · Spring Favorite

✅ Ingredients Checklist

Dough / Tart Crust

  • 1 egg

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup (125 g) granulated sugar

  • 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder

  • 5 oz (140 g) butter, softened

  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Cream Filling

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ cup (125 g) granulated sugar

  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk

  • ⅓ cup (80 g) cream cheese, softened

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch

To Finish

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

  • Lemon slices, for garnish

🥄 Recipe Steps

  1. Make the Crust

    • Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C).

    • Beat egg with lemon zest and sugar.

    • Add flour and baking powder bit by bit; blend.

    • Mix in softened butter until a smooth dough forms.

    • Press dough into a lightly greased 8-inch tart mold (bottom + sides).

  2. Prepare the Filling

    • In a saucepan, whisk eggs and sugar until combined.

    • Stir in milk, cream cheese, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.

    • Remove from heat.

  3. Assemble the Tart

    • Pour filling into the crust-lined mold and smooth the top with a spatula.

  4. Bake

    • Bake for 35 minutes until crust edges are golden and the filling is set.

    • Cool completely in the mold on a wire rack.

  5. Finish & Serve

    • Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices.

    • Slice into wedges and serve. Ideal with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, alongside tea or coffee.

💡 Kristy’s Smart Tips

  • Zesty bright: Enhance the lemon flavor with a bit of lemon oil or extra zest in the filling.

  • Smooth finish: Strain filling before pouring to catch any lumps.

  • Grease it lightly: Prevent sticking (especially at the edges) by lightly greasing the tart mold.

  • No-crush option: Bake gently; jiggle in the center is fine—it sets while cooling.

I. Why This Tart Works

Elegant yet simple—this lemon tart offers silky cream tucked into a tender pastry, bursting with citrus joy. It’s eye-catching enough for gatherings, but easy enough for a refined everyday dessert.

II. Ingredient Spotlight & W-W Swaps

  • Butter: Use light buttery spread for fewer points.

  • Milk: Swap whole milk with 2% or unsweetened plant milk for a lighter option.

  • Cream cheese: Use light or whipped cream cheese without losing tang.

  • Sugar: Try monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar to ⅓ cup for sweeter cravings.

Smart swaps: Light butter + reduced-fat cream cheese + lower sugar = fewer W-W points, without compromising texture.

III. Serving & Pairing Suggestions

  • Elegant pairing: Fresh berries and a dollop of light whipped cream elevate this tart.

  • Morning treat: Enjoy it with Earl Grey or a bright green tea.

  • Brunch table: Goes beautifully with fruit salad or a citrusy brunch spread.

IV. Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in tart mold tightly covered for up to 4 days.

  • Make-Ahead: Bake, cool, cover, and refrigerate—dust and garnish just before serving.

  • Freezer: Not recommended (filling texture changes).

V. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, with light swaps)

  • Calories: ~280 kcal

  • Protein: 6 g

  • Carbs: 33 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • W-W Points: ~6–7 (depending on ingredient choices)

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes—choose a light butter or graham-based crust, and pour in the filling before baking.

Q: Can this be gluten-free?
Sub gluten-free flour for all-purpose and line with parchment before pressing in dough.

Q: Does it need refrigeration?
Yes—the creamy filling must stay refrigerated. It sets better when cool.

VII. Kristy’s Note

When I need a bright, elegant dessert without stress, this tart is my go-to. The lemon filling is glossy and smooth, while the buttery crust feels luxurious—but it’s one-bowl simple, which makes me—and my guests—so happy!

VIII. More Light & Lovely Desserts

  • W-W Lemon Mousse Parfaits

  • Almond Flour Citrus Tartlets

  • No-Bake Raspberry Cheesecake Cups

🌟 Try, Tag & Share!

Made this Lemon Cream Cheese Tart? Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram—I’d love to see your citrus masterpiece! Or comment with your favorite tea pairing below.

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