20-Min Glossy Lemon Curd Tart with Torched Meringue
No-bake lemon tart with shop-bought shortbread base, silky lemon curd, and a quick meringue toasted with a kitchen torch. Served with whipped cream for richness.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 4g

Ingredients
7 items — tap to check off
Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.
Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Spread lemon curd evenly into the shortbread shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 2
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, ~2 minutes.
Step 3
Add sugar 1 tbsp at a time, beating between additions, until stiff glossy peaks form, ~3 minutes total.
Step 4
Fold lemon zest into meringue gently with a spatula until just combined.
Step 5
Pile meringue onto the tart, using the back of a spoon to create peaks and valleys.
Step 6
Use a kitchen torch to toast meringue until golden brown, moving constantly to avoid burning.
Step 7
Whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks and serve dolloped alongside each slice while tart cools 5 minutes.
Tools you’ll need
- 9-inch tart pan with shortbread shell
- electric mixer or whisk
- rubber spatula
- kitchen torch (culinary)
- serving knife or offset spatula
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
Custrd is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.



