Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart Recipe

Bright, zesty, and elegantly simple—Gordon Ramsay’s lemon tart is a dessert that brings a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Featuring a crisp, buttery pastry shell and a smooth lemon custard filling, this classic French-style tart is ideal for spring gatherings, dinner parties, or anytime you want a light yet indulgent dessert.

What is Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart?

Gordon Ramsay’s lemon tart is a French-inspired dessert made with a sweet shortcrust pastry base and a rich lemon custard filling. The tart shell is blind-baked until golden, then filled with a silky lemon mixture and gently baked again until just set. The result is a crisp base and a smooth, tangy center that melts in your mouth.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Crepes
• Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Tart
• Gordon Ramsay Eggy Bread with Apples

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Bright and refreshing flavor
  Perfect for those who love citrus-based desserts.
• Elegant and visually appealing
  A smooth, golden custard in a crisp tart shell.
• Make-ahead dessert
  Ideal for prepping in advance and chilling until ready to serve.
• Balanced sweetness
  Tart enough to be refreshing, sweet enough to satisfy.
• Simple ingredients, stunning result
  You likely have everything you need in your kitchen.
• Customizable toppings
  Add berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

For the tart shell:

• 1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water

For the lemon filling:

• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

Optional for garnish:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Thin lemon slices or zest curls

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Make the pastry dough: In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough just comes together.
• Chill the dough: Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes.
• Roll and line the tart tin: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart tin. Press it into the tin, trim the edges, and prick the base with a fork.
• Blind bake the shell: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the tart with parchment paper and baking weights. Bake for 12 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 5–8 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
• Make the lemon filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add lemon juice, zest, and cream, whisking until smooth.
• Pour into the tart shell: Carefully pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart shell.
• Bake until set: Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the tart for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is just set with a slight wobble in the center.
• Cool and chill: Let the tart cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to fully set before serving.
• Decorate and serve: Dust with powdered sugar or top with berries and cream before slicing.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Raspberries or blueberries – Their tartness enhances the lemon flavor.
• Whipped cream or crème fraîche – Balances the acidity with a creamy finish.
• Mint leaves – Adds a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.
• Almond tuile or biscotti – For extra crunch on the side.
• Earl Grey tea or coffee – Complements the citrus notes.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Use fresh lemons only – Bottled juice doesn’t deliver the same brightness.
• Strain the filling if needed – For a perfectly smooth custard.
• Don’t overbake – The center should have a slight wobble; it will set as it cools.
• Chill before slicing – Ensures clean, firm slices.
• Pre-bake the shell thoroughly – Prevents a soggy base.
• Add zest to the crust for extra flavor – A citrus touch in the pastry is delicious.
• Garnish just before serving – Keeps berries and herbs fresh.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Add orange or lime zest – For a citrus twist.
• Top with a thin brûlée crust – Torch sugar on top for a crisp finish.
• Mix in a hint of lavender or rosemary – Pairs surprisingly well with lemon.
• Serve in mini tart shells – Great for individual portions or parties.
• Add a raspberry coulis drizzle – For visual and flavor contrast.
• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Refrigerate immediately after cooling – Keeps it fresh for up to 3 days.
• Cover with foil or wrap – Prevents drying out or absorbing other odors.
• Do not freeze – The custard texture may change after thawing.
• Store toppings separately – Add fresh berries or cream just before serving.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Lemon Tart

• Best served cold or room temperature – Reheating is not recommended.
• Let rest at room temp for 10 minutes before serving – Softens slightly for a better bite.
• Avoid microwave use – It may ruin the smooth custard texture.

Nutrition Value (per slice, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 65mg

FAQs

Why is my lemon tart filling runny?

Lemon tart filling may turn out runny if it was underbaked or not chilled long enough. The custard should be just set with a slight wobble in the center when removed from the oven and then fully firm up after chilling for at least 2 hours.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended. It provides brighter flavor and better aroma, which are key to an authentic lemon tart.

How do I know when a lemon tart is fully baked?

A lemon tart is fully baked when the edges are set and the center still has a gentle wobble. It will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracks or a rubbery texture.

Can I make Gordon Ramsay’s lemon tart in advance?

Yes, lemon tart is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add any toppings like berries or cream right before serving.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s lemon tart is a refined dessert with a refreshing zing, a flaky crust, and a custard that’s smooth and full of bright citrus flavor.

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