Lemon Berry Tart Recipe
Sweet, tangy, and bursting with color, this Lemon Berry Tart Recipe is truly summer on a plate. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust, a bright lemony filling, and a cascade of glistening fresh berries on top—it’s as gorgeous as it is delicious! This is the kind of treat that draws a collective “wow!” when you walk it to the table, yet it’s simple enough for a weekend baking adventure. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a show-stopping dessert, the Lemon Berry Tart Recipe has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Berry Tart Recipe is that every ingredient plays a key role, from the flaky crust to the velvety filling and juicy berries. Gather these simple staples, and you’ll be amazed at how they create a stunning dessert together!
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for both your crust and filling, offering structure without heaviness.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Chilled butter is essential for a tender, flaky tart crust with rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the crust a delicate sweetness and super-fine crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the buttery and sweet notes in the crust.
- Ice water: Only a touch needed to bind the dough for a perfectly crisp base.
- Fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons): The vibrant, tangy heart of the filling—use freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor.
- Lemon zest: Adds an aromatic zing and intensifies the citrus punch.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemons for a smooth, sweet filling.
- Large eggs: Helps set the filling into a silky, custard-like texture.
- Heavy cream: Lends luxurious richness and softens the citrus tang.
- Mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): The finishing touch—choose your favorites or whatever’s in season for bursts of color and juiciness.
- Apricot jam (optional, for glaze): Warmed and brushed over the berries for that elegant, glossy finish.
How to Make Lemon Berry Tart Recipe
Step 1: Make the Tart Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt until well mixed. Add in the cold, cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs—the key to a tender crust. Next, drizzle in the ice water one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just starts to come together. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of your 9-inch tart pan and prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15 minutes, just until the crust is lightly golden and wonderfully fragrant. Let it cool slightly while you move on to the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and flour until you have a smooth, sunny yellow mixture. Pour this luscious filling into the pre-baked crust, smoothing it out so it spreads evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes more, until the center is just set and has a gentle wobble that means it’s perfectly creamy. Resist the urge to cut in—you’ll want it fully cooled before serving!
Step 3: Chill and Top with Berries
Once the tart is out of the oven, let it cool completely at room temperature, then pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This sets the filling and makes it easier to slice. When you’re ready to serve, pile on a generous crown of fresh berries. If you’re feeling extra fancy, gently warm the apricot jam and brush it over the fruit for a glossy, bakery-worthy finish. This step takes your Lemon Berry Tart Recipe from homemade to patisserie-perfect!
How to Serve Lemon Berry Tart Recipe

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always lovely, but you can also add a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of green and extra fragrance. Thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest look beautiful alongside the berries, highlighting the fresh citrus flavors of the Lemon Berry Tart Recipe. Don’t forget that apricot glaze—it creates a stunning sheen!
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a full-on brunch or afternoon tea experience, serve it alongside a crisp, green salad or delicate finger sandwiches. Coffee and herbal tea are also perfect partners, balancing the zesty and sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Lemon Berry Tart Recipe shine at the center of your dessert table, or try slicing it into dainty bars for picnics and parties. Arrange the berries in fun patterns—think concentric circles or ombré gradients—to play up the visual drama. For individual servings, use mini tart pans and let everyone personalize their berry toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Berry Tart Recipe can be tucked into an airtight container and refrigerated, where it stays fresh for up to three days. The crust holds up beautifully, and the filling remains creamy. Just add a fresh layer of berries before serving if you want that just-made look.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the tart, do it before adding the berries for best results. Wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then top with fresh berries when you’re ready to impress!
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat—the Lemon Berry Tart Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature to keep the filling silky and refreshing. If you prefer a slightly warmer crust, you can set individual slices on the counter for 15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh berries aren’t available, thaw frozen berries and pat them dry before topping the tart. Just keep in mind, fresh berries hold their shape and color a bit better for the picture-perfect finish.
What can I use if I don’t have a tart pan?
No tart pan? No problem! A standard 9-inch pie plate works in a pinch, though the edges may not have that classic fluted look. You can also try mini muffin tins for adorable, bite-sized treats.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, the crust for the Lemon Berry Tart Recipe can be made a day ahead! Just cool it completely, then store tightly wrapped at room temperature until you’re ready to fill and bake.
Why is my lemon filling runny?
Runny filling usually means it was underbaked or didn’t fully cool. Be sure to bake until the center is just set and then chill for at least an hour before slicing for neat, creamy pieces.
Can I use another citrus fruit instead of lemon?
Definitely! Try substituting lime, orange, or even grapefruit juice and zest for a fun twist. The Lemon Berry Tart Recipe is adaptable and delicious with any citrus you love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Lemon Berry Tart Recipe with friends and family—it tastes like a sunshine-filled celebration every time. I hope you’ll give this irresistible tart a try and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!
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Lemon Berry Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet berries with this delightful Lemon Berry Tart. A buttery crust, luscious lemon filling, and fresh mixed berries come together to create a refreshing and visually appealing dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons ice water
For the lemon filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough into a tart pan, prick with a fork, and bake until golden.
- Make the lemon filling: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, cream, and flour until smooth. Pour into the pre-baked crust and bake until set.
- Add the topping: Chill the tart, then top with fresh berries. Optionally, glaze with warmed apricot jam.
Notes
- Use any combination of berries you prefer.
- The tart can be made a day ahead and topped with berries just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg