Description
A zesty citrus tart with a buttery crust, topped with silky Italian meringue and beautifully arranged slices of grapefruit, lime, orange, and kumquat. Finished with mint leaves and candied zest, this tart is a vibrant celebration of winter fruit and refined pastry artistry.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tbsp cold water
- Pinch of salt
- For the Citrus Curd Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings:
- Sliced grapefruit, lime, orange, and kumquats
- Candied orange and lemon peel
- Fresh mint leaves
- Edible flower petals (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Add yolk and water, pulsing just until dough forms.
- Press into tart pan and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), prick crust with a fork, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare citrus curd: In a saucepan, whisk juices, zest, sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 6–8 minutes).
- Off heat, stir in butter until smooth. Cool slightly, then pour into crust and chill 2 hours until set.
- Make meringue: Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy stiff peaks form. Add vanilla.
- Pipe meringue over tart in decorative peaks. Toast with a kitchen torch if desired.
- Decorate: Garnish with slices of citrus, candied peel, mint leaves, and edible flowers. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a blowtorch to toast meringue for added flavor and texture.
- Ensure citrus curd is fully cooled before adding meringue to avoid melting.
- Crust can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- For extra shine, brush citrus slices with simple syrup before topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
