Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe

If you have a passion for bright, tangy desserts that burst with vibrant color and fresh fruit flavors, then this Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining the zesty punch of key lime with the sweet, refreshingly tart notes of ripe kiwi, this tart is a true celebration of summer in every bite. The crisp, buttery crust perfectly balances the smooth, creamy filling and juicy kiwis on top, making it a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something that elevates your dessert game, this tart brings a playful twist to a classic favorite and invites you to savor every luscious mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe is a breeze, thanks to its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building a flaky crust to creating a tangy, silky filling, and finishing with fresh kiwi that adds a pop of color and vibrant flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for your buttery, crumbly tart crust that holds everything together beautifully.
• Powdered sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to the dough without graininess, keeping the crust tender.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Cold unsalted butter: Crucial for that flaky texture in the crust, make sure it’s chilled for best results.
• Egg yolk: Binds the dough and adds richness.
• Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter, preserving flakiness.
• Key lime juice: Brings the tart and tangy kick that defines this Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe.
• Lime zest: Concentrates the citrus aroma and adds freshness to the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lime filling just enough to balance the zesty flavors.
• Large egg yolks: Provide structure and richness to the creamy tart filling.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and smoothness, making the filling luxuriously creamy.
• Ripe kiwis: Peeled and sliced, they provide a juicy, slightly tart topping with stunning green hues.
• Honey (optional): A light drizzle that adds a subtle floral sweetness to the finished tart.

How to Make Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. This ensures your tart will come out perfectly formed, making the whole presentation smoother when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Whip Up the Crust

In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt – this mixture creates the perfect base that balances sweetness and a touch of saltiness in your crust. Next, add the cold cubes of butter and pulse until you see coarse crumbs forming; this step is key to a flaky texture. Drop in the egg yolk and pulse just a few times. Now, carefully add ice water one tablespoon at a time to help the dough come together without melting the butter.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Press the dough evenly into your tart pan, covering the bottom and sides. A chilled dough is easier to work with and helps the crust keep its shape during baking, so pop it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Blind Bake the Crust

Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans; this stops the dough from puffing up. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges start turning golden, then remove the weights and paper and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden all over. Let it cool completely before adding the filling — patience here really pays off.

Step 5: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

Whisk together key lime juice, lime zest, sugar, and egg yolks until smooth and bright. Then stir in the sweetened condensed milk, which melts effortlessly into the mixture, transforming it into a silky, tangy custard that will set beautifully once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Filling

Pour the luscious filling into your cooled crust and bake again for 10 to 12 minutes. The filling should be set but still jiggle a little in the center — that perfect wiggly firmness means it will be creamy and soft once chilled. Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before moving on.

Step 7: Arrange the Kiwi Topping

Once the tart is cool, it’s time to add the pièce de résistance — beautifully sliced kiwis arranged in a decorative, eye-catching pattern across the top. Their bright green color contrasts wonderfully with the pale filling, making this dessert a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Step 8: Optional Honey Drizzle and Chill

If you like a hint of extra sweetness and shine, drizzle the tart with honey over the kiwi slices. Then chill your tart in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors meld together and the filling to firm up perfectly before serving.

How to Serve Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar elevates the tart’s presentation and adds an aromatic herbaceous touch. Thin slices of lime can also frame the kiwi nicely and enhance the citrusy vibe.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add creaminess that balances the tartness. A light, refreshing green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also complements this dessert well if you’re serving it after a heavier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini individual tarts using smaller tart pans, so guests can enjoy personalized portions. You can also set up a “tart bar” with various fresh fruits like berries, passion fruit, or pomegranate seeds for added texture and color, making it an interactive and festive dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe slices can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tart chilled maintains the creamy texture and ensures the kiwi topping stays fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

While you can freeze the tart, it’s best to freeze just the baked crust and key lime filling before adding the kiwi topping. Wrap the tart securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh kiwi slices just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since this tart is served chilled, reheating is typically not necessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, allow slices to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, which softens the filling gently without compromising the kiwi’s fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular lime juice works as a substitute, although key limes have a slightly more floral and intense flavor. The tart will still be deliciously tangy and refreshing.

How do I know when the filling is properly set?

The filling should look firm around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. It should not be liquidy but still retain a bit of softness.

Can I prepare the tart the day before serving?

Absolutely! The tart actually benefits from chilling overnight as the flavors blend together beautifully. Just add the kiwi topping shortly before serving to keep it fresh.

What if I can’t find sweetened condensed milk?

You can make your own by simmering sweetened evaporated milk or use a blend of heavy cream and sugar, but the sweetened condensed milk gives the filling its characteristic richness and sweetness.

Are there gluten-free options for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure the mixture can hold together well to form the tart crust without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe is a vibrant, delicious way to bring excitement to your dessert table and impress friends and family alike. Its bright flavors and stunning presentation make it perfect for any occasion or a simple sweet treat to enjoy at home. Give it a try and let the lively combination of zesty lime and fresh kiwi brighten your day.

Key Lime Kiwi Tart Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This refreshing Key Lime Kiwi Tart combines a buttery, crisp pastry crust with a tangy key lime filling and a vibrant kiwi topping. Perfect for a light dessert, this tart balances citrusy tartness with sweet tropical kiwi accents, making it a delightful treat for gatherings or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

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For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping

• 4–5 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1–2 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom to prepare for the crust.
2. Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and pulse a few more times. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
3. Form the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the prepared tart pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough.
4. Bake the Crust: After chilling, line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent rising. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is fully golden and crisp. Allow the crust to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the key lime juice, lime zest, granulated sugar, and egg yolks until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully blended.
6. Bake the Filling: Pour the key lime filling into the cooled tart crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Kiwi Topping: Once the tart has cooled, arrange the sliced kiwi in a decorative pattern over the set lime filling.
8. Optional Honey Drizzle: If desired, drizzle honey over the kiwi slices to add a touch of sweetness.
9. Chill the Tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the tart firm up further.

Notes

• Using a tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to release the tart without damaging the edges.
• Pie weights or dried beans prevent the crust from puffing up during blind baking.
• Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust for a flaky texture.
• Key lime juice can be substituted with regular lime juice, but key lime provides a more authentic flavor.
• Chilling the tart after assembly helps the filling to set properly for clean slicing.
• You can add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for extra richness when serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American