Lemon Blueberry Tart

There’s something irresistible about a dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy tart filling, and a sweet-tart swirl of fresh blueberries. This Lemon Blueberry Tart brings together all of these elements into one stunning dessert that’s perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or any special occasion. Its balance of tangy lemon, sweet blueberries, and a buttery, tender crust makes it a crowd favorite.

With careful attention to each component—the blueberry sauce, shortbread crust, and lemon filling—this tart delivers bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. And don’t worry if you’re not a professional baker: the recipe is straightforward, with detailed steps to ensure success.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Tart

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tangy lemon filling pairs beautifully with naturally sweet blueberries.
• Creamy, Soft Filling: Sweetened condensed milk gives the filling a smooth, velvety texture.
• Fresh Berry Goodness: Use fresh or frozen blueberries for a vibrant color and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked, cooled, and chilled in advance.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Looks elegant but requires only basic baking skills.
• Customizable Garnishes: Add lemon slices, extra blueberry sauce, or whipped cream for a show-stopping presentation.

Ingredients Breakdown

Blueberry Sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or water)
• 1 cup (140 g) fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

Filling

• 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat sweetened condensed milk
• 6 Tbsp (90 ml) lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (1 lemon)
• 1 large egg yolk

Optional Garnishes

• Lemon slices
• Blueberries
• Reserved blueberry sauce
• Whipped cream

Serving Size: Serves 8–10

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan for blueberry sauce
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• 9-inch tart pan (with or without removable sides)
• Fork for poking crust holes
• Toothpick or knife for swirling sauce
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional: fine mesh sieve (for smoother blueberry sauce), zester for lemon zest, silicone mat for easier crust handling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Blueberry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and lemon juice until the cornstarch dissolves.
2. Warm the blueberries and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Mash the blueberries gently against the pan to break them up.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken while mashing as needed.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool at room temperature.
5. This will yield about 1/2 – 2/3 cup of sauce; use half for the swirl and reserve the rest for garnish.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
2. Add flour and stir until the dough forms a thick, slightly greasy mixture.
3. Press the dough firmly into a 9-inch tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
   • Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crust if needed.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

• Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and poke a few holes with a fork in the warm crust (do not poke all the way through). This helps the filling adhere to the crust.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • Sweetened condensed milk
   • Lemon juice
   • Lemon zest
   • Egg yolk
2. Pour the filling into the warm crust immediately.

Step 6: Swirl in Blueberry Sauce

1. Stir the blueberry sauce briefly if it has thickened.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the sauce over the filling using about half of the sauce. Reserve the rest for serving.
3. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the blueberry sauce into the lemon filling.
4. Gently shimmy the tart pan back and forth to help the swirl settle into the filling.

Step 7: Bake the Tart

• Bake for 17–19 minutes, just until the center no longer jiggles when you tap the pan lightly.
• Avoid overbaking to prevent a rubbery texture.
• The top may still be slightly sticky, which is normal.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

1. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Chill in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day.
3. If chilling longer than 2 hours, cover to prevent drying.
4. If using a tart pan with removable sides, remove the sides before serving.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with leftover blueberry sauce, fresh blueberries, lemon slices, or whipped cream as desired.
• Slice carefully and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Blueberry Sauce

• For a smooth sauce, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins.
• If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw; this prevents the sauce from being too watery.

Lemon Filling

• Use fresh lemon juice for bright flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch but may be less vibrant.
• Make sure sweetened condensed milk is full-fat, not evaporated or fat-free, for proper setting.

Crust

• Press firmly for an even layer to prevent cracks.
• No need to grease the pan; melted butter ensures easy release.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Buttery, tender crust; creamy filling; soft blueberry swirls.
• Taste: Bright, tangy lemon, balanced by sweet blueberries and rich condensed milk.
• Pairing: Perfect for spring and summer brunches, baby showers, or afternoon tea.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
280	3 g	38 g	14 g	2 g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Vegetarian-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Prepare Sauce and Filling in Advance: Can refrigerate up to 1 day before assembling. Warm slightly before swirling into filling.
• Baked Tart Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Baked and cooled tart freezes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of berry?
Yes, raspberries or blackberries work well. Adjust sugar to taste.

2. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Pre-baking crust is preferred fresh for best adhesion to filling. You can prepare crust ingredients in advance.

3. Can I use low-fat sweetened condensed milk?
No, full-fat is necessary for proper set and creamy texture.

4. Can I make mini tarts?
Yes, bake in mini tart pans. Adjust baking time slightly, usually 12–15 minutes.

5. How do I prevent overbaking the tart?
The center should slightly jiggle; it will firm as it chills. Overbaking makes the filling rubbery.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Make blueberry sauce	10 minutes
Prepare crust	10 minutes
Bake crust	15 minutes
Make filling	5 minutes
Assemble and swirl	5 minutes
Bake tart	17–19 minutes
Cool and chill	2–3 hours

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for clean slices.
• Add whipped cream for an extra layer of richness.
• Decorate with lemon zest curls or extra blueberry sauce for presentation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Why it matters: Provides creamy, smooth texture and subtle sweetness.
• Tip: Do not substitute with evaporated milk or fat-free versions; tart will not set properly.

Fresh Lemons

• Why it matters: Gives bright, zesty flavor that balances sweetness.
• Tip: Always zest before juicing for maximum flavor.

Pro Baking Tips

• Warm the crust slightly before pouring filling to help it stick.
• Swirl blueberry sauce gently to create a marbled effect.
• Chill tart uncovered initially, then cover to prevent condensation.
• Use silicone spatula or fingers to press crust evenly.

Expanded Conclusion

This Lemon Blueberry Tart is a show-stopping dessert that looks elegant yet is surprisingly simple to make. The buttery shortbread crust, creamy lemon filling, and naturally sweet blueberry swirls make every bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a fresh and tangy dessert, this tart delivers on every level. Prepare the components carefully, swirl the sauce artistically, and chill the tart to perfection—you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.

With careful attention to details like proper chilling, correct filling consistency, and fresh ingredients, you can make a dessert worthy of any bakery, right in your own kitchen. Serve chilled, garnish thoughtfully, and enjoy a slice of lemony blueberry heaven.

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