Luscious Lemon Custard Hazelnut Tart: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with this Luscious Lemon Custard Hazelnut Tart. This exquisite dessert combines a buttery hazelnut crust with a silky lemon custard, creating a balance of sweet and tangy that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, this tart is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

Ingredients

For the Hazelnut Crust:

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cold water

For the Lemon Custard:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
3 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

Whipped cream
Lemon slices
Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnut Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar. Mix well.
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and blend until crumbly.
Stir in the egg yolk and salt. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan evenly, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Custard

In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl to eliminate any lumps.
Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon custard into the cooled hazelnut crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the tart for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Step 4: Serve

Once chilled, carefully remove the tart from the pan.
Garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Slice and serve to enjoy this delicious blend of flavors.

Cooking Tips for Success

Selecting Hazelnuts: Always choose fresh, high-quality hazelnuts for the best flavor. Toasting them enhances their nutty aroma, making your tart even more irresistible.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and flavor that freshly squeezed provides.
Straining the Custard: This step is crucial for a smooth texture. Skipping this may result in a grainy custard.
Chilling Time: Allowing the tart to chill not only enhances flavors but also helps firm up the custard for easier slicing.

Variations and Substitutions

Nut-Free Option: Substitute the hazelnuts with crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a nut-free crust.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and vegan butter for the crust to create a dairy-free version.
Flavor Twist: Add a splash of limoncello to the custard mixture for a delightful lemon liqueur flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

This Luscious Lemon Custard Hazelnut Tart pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a cup of herbal tea. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of the drink while enhancing the overall experience.

Luscious Lemon Custard Hazelnut Tart A Sweet Symphony of Flavors