SUMMER TART

Raspberry Lemon Tart

A crisp sweet pastry shell with lemon-mascarpone cream and a full layer of fresh raspberries.

Raspberry Lemon Tart pairs a crisp sweet pastry shell with lemon-mascarpone cream and a full layer of fresh raspberries. The buttery crust, smooth filling, sharp citrus, and delicate fruit each stay distinct.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time3 hrs 50 mins
Servings10
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Lemon Cream

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mascarpone, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup cold heavy cream

For the Topping

  • 3 cups fresh raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed, optional
  • Powdered sugar

Substitutions

  • In Raspberry Lemon Tart, use a firm dairy-free cream cheese; soft tub-style spreads may not set as firmly.
  • In Raspberry Lemon Tart, a firm plant-based butter can replace dairy butter; use the same amount and expect a slightly different flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust

Pulse flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until crumbly. Add yolk and enough ice water for the dough to hold together.

Step 2: Chill and shape

Press into a disk, chill 30 minutes, then roll and fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Freeze 15 minutes.

Step 3: Bake

Heat the oven to 375°F. Prick the crust, line with parchment and weights, and bake 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake 4 to 6 minutes more; cool completely.

Bake for Raspberry Lemon Tart

Step 4: Make the filling

Beat cream cheese, mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla smooth. Whip cream to firm peaks and fold it in.

Make the filling for Raspberry Lemon Tart

Step 5: Assemble and chill

Spread filling in the crust, arrange raspberries on top, brush lightly with jam if using, and chill at least 2 hours.

Assemble and chill for Raspberry Lemon Tart
Finished Raspberry Lemon Tart ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cover Raspberry Lemon Tart without pressing wrap onto the fruit and refrigerate it. For the crispest shell, serve within 2 days; the filling remains safe longer, but moisture gradually softens the pastry.

Serving Leftovers

Serve Raspberry Lemon Tart chilled or let a slice stand for 10 minutes before eating. Do not heat it, because warmth softens the cream and fresh raspberries.

Serving Ideas

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Coffee or tea
  • A dessert platter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding too much water to the dough and making the crust tough.
  • Filling the shell before it is fully cool.
  • Using wet raspberries, which release moisture over the cream.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 410
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fat 27g
Sugar 22g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the tart shell be made ahead?

Yes. Bake and cool the shell, then keep it airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill it on the day you plan to serve the tart.

How do I prevent a soggy tart crust?

Blind-bake until the base looks dry, cool it completely, use dry raspberries, and avoid assembling the tart too far ahead.

Can I replace mascarpone?

Use additional block-style cream cheese mixed with one or two tablespoons of heavy cream. The filling will be tangier and slightly firmer.

How do I know the tart is ready to slice?

After at least 2 hours of chilling, the lemon cream should hold a clean cut and the berries should remain in place.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

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