If you’re searching for a bright, fuss-free dessert that absolutely sings with citrusy goodness, let me introduce you to this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe. Imagine a silky, melt-in-your-mouth filling bursting with real lemon flavor, without the hassle of making or rolling out a crust! This French-inspired sweet is light yet decadent, perfect for all kinds of occasions—from casual weeknights to elegant gatherings. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again, and I promise, it’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about the Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe is its minimal ingredient list—each item truly shines. Every component is essential, contributing to that ultra-lemony flavor, a delicate crumb, and beautiful color. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips for getting the absolute best results.
- Eggs (4 large): These provide structure and give the tart its signature custardy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the lemons and gives the top a faintly crisp, caramelized edge.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/2 cup, about 2–3 lemons): Freshly squeezed makes all the difference for a punchy, vibrant citrus flavor.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip this! Zest adds a fragrant intensity that really sets off the lemon.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to bind and thicken—measure with care to keep the tart light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brings out all the other flavors and keeps the tart from being too sweet.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and a tender crumb; make sure it’s not too hot when mixing!
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash rounds out the lemon and gives a gentle undercurrent of warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional but highly recommended for a pretty finish and sweet contrast to the tartness.
How to Make Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish a good greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe lifts out perfectly, with those beautiful edges intact!
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar. You want the mixture to be well combined and slightly lighter in color—this helps dissolve the sugar and sets up a smooth filling.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice, Zest, Flour, and Salt
Now, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the bright lemon zest. Add the flour and salt as well. Give everything a good whisk until the batter is totally smooth and no lumps of flour remain. This is where that ultra-lemony aroma really starts to waft up!
Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter and Vanilla
Carefully stir in the melted (slightly cooled) butter and vanilla extract. Mixing the butter in last guarantees the mixture is lush and glossy, without scrambling the eggs. Your Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe batter is now ready!
Step 5: Bake!
Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Slide it onto the center rack of your oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The tart is done when the edges are lightly golden and the center barely jiggles—it will set up as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow your tart to cool completely in the pan—this makes slicing much easier and helps the tart set for that dreamily creamy texture. Right before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic bakery finish.
How to Serve Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
Garnishes
This sunshine-bright tart is wonderful as is, but a little garnish adds panache! A light snow of powdered sugar is classic, or top with twists of lemon peel, fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe as part of a larger spread, it plays beautifully with soft whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a berry compote on the side. For an elegant touch, pair it with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a refreshing iced herbal blend.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, cut the tart into wedges and present on dessert plates with artful drizzles of raspberry sauce. You can also serve smaller squares in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go picnic treat! If you’re hosting a brunch, place slices alongside seasonal fruit for a dazzling, colorful dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time and the texture remains moist—honestly, it’s just as good on day three as it is fresh!
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this tart for up to 1 month. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and finish with fresh powdered sugar to liven up the look.
Reheating
This tart is delicious chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it just a bit warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 12 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the texture can become a bit rubbery. Enjoy it whichever way you love best!
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe. Bottled juice lacks the vibrant, floral notes of freshly squeezed lemons and can make the dessert taste flat. If you’re in a pinch, you can use it—but for the best results, always go for fresh.
Why does my tart have a slightly cracked top?
A few cracks are completely normal and won’t affect the flavor at all! This usually happens if the tart is overbaked or cools too quickly. Next time, consider checking your tart a few minutes before the suggested bake time to keep it silky and smooth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The result will be just as delicious, with a dreamy texture that makes this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe perfect for gluten-free guests.
What if I don’t have a tart pan?
No tart pan? No problem! You can use any 9-inch pie dish, or even an 8-inch square pan for a slightly thicker tart. Just make sure to grease well and adjust the baking time if needed—it may take a few extra minutes in a deeper pan.
Do I serve this tart warm or cold?
That’s totally up to you! This tart tastes fantastic cold, taking on a thick, fudge-like consistency, but it’s also silky and fragrant at room temperature. Try both ways and see which you love more.
Final Thoughts
If you adore all things lemony and want a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe absolutely deserves a spot in your repertoire. Simple, bright, and impossibly satisfying, it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of pure sunshine!
Print
Easy Crustless Lemon Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful tangy sweetness of this Easy Crustless Lemon Tart. With a smooth, luscious texture and bright citrus flavor, this dessert is a perfect balance of simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
Lemon Zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered Sugar
- For dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until well combined. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden around the edges and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool in the pan, then dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This tart can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- For an extra lemony kick, add a splash of lemon extract.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
