These Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue are a charming and elegant dessert perfect for spring gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet, tart treat. A flaky, buttery tart shell holds a zesty lemon curd that’s balanced by a soft, lilac-tinted meringue topping. Toasted to perfection and optionally garnished with fresh mint, these tarts are as visually stunning as they are delicious—an ideal make-ahead option that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tart Shell:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk
Cold water (as needed to bring dough together)

For the Lemon Filling:

¼ cup lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lilac Meringue:

3 large egg whites
½ cup granulated sugar
A few drops lilac food coloring (optional)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh mint leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Tart Shell:
In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until crumbly. Add the egg yolk and just enough cold water to form a dough. Roll out, cut into rounds, and press into mini tart pans. Prick the bases with a fork and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Bake the Tart Shells:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake chilled tart shells for 15–20 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.

3. Make the Lemon Filling:
In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool slightly, then spoon into cooled tart shells.

4. Prepare the Meringue:
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in lilac food coloring if using.

5. Top with Meringue:
Pipe or spoon meringue over the lemon curd. Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the top, or broil briefly (watch carefully!).

6. Garnish and Serve:
Optionally top with mint leaves. Serve fresh for the best flavor and presentation.

Nutrients

Yield: 12 mini tarts

Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: ~15g
Fiber: <1g
Cholesterol: ~45mg
Sodium: ~50mg

A Perfect Springtime Dessert

There’s something inherently joyful about lemon desserts in the spring. Their bright citrusy flavor echoes the freshness of the season, and their sunny hue adds a touch of cheer to any table. These tarts take that classic spring flavor and elevate it with the addition of a soft, lilac-tinted meringue that brings an extra element of whimsy and charm.

While they’re beautiful enough for a special occasion, they’re simple enough in preparation to be made ahead of time—making them a smart choice for stress-free entertaining. Plus, their mini size allows guests to enjoy a decadent bite without overindulging, and they pair perfectly with tea, coffee, or even a sparkling glass of prosecco.

Flavor and Texture Profile

Every component of this dessert has been carefully crafted to deliver a distinct yet harmonious sensory experience. The tart shell is buttery, tender, and slightly crumbly—providing the perfect base and contrast to the creamy lemon filling. The lemon curd is bright, tangy, and smooth, with just enough sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.

Topping it all off is the lilac meringue: light, fluffy, and delicately sweet, with a crisp toasted exterior that gives way to a marshmallow-like center. The soft lilac color is optional, but it adds a stunning visual element that makes these tarts stand out. A final touch of fresh mint adds color and a hint of earthiness that plays beautifully against the citrus and sweetness.

Why These Tarts Work So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in its balance—both in flavor and texture. Lemon curd can sometimes be overly tart or overly sweet, but in this recipe, the proportions are carefully calibrated for a mellow yet bright citrus flavor. The tart crust provides structural integrity without overpowering the filling, and the meringue topping is whipped to perfection so that it doesn’t collapse or turn weepy.

Another reason this recipe is so effective is its versatility. Each component—shell, curd, and meringue—can be made separately and ahead of time, allowing you to assemble just before serving. This not only saves time but ensures your meringue remains airy and picture-perfect.

The method also uses basic ingredients that most bakers have on hand, yet the result is something that looks and tastes far more complex than it is to make.

Occasions and Presentation Ideas

These mini lemon tarts are ideal for a wide range of occasions. Their elegance makes them a hit at:

Spring and summer weddings
Bridal and baby showers
Easter or Mother’s Day brunches
Garden parties and tea gatherings
High-end dessert buffets
Because they’re individually portioned, they’re also perfect for plated desserts or as part of a dessert trio on tasting menus. You can dress them up with edible flowers, candied lemon peel, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a frosted effect. Serve them in pastel paper liners or on vintage china for an extra dose of charm.

Health and Nutrition Overview

While these tarts are a treat, they’re relatively light as far as desserts go. At around 180 calories per tart, they’re portion-controlled and satisfying. The lemon curd provides vitamin C, and the eggs offer a small amount of protein. The tart shell is rich in butter, but using mini tart pans limits the amount of fat per serving.

Since the sweetness is balanced by lemon and the meringue uses egg whites rather than heavy frosting or cream, this dessert feels light and airy rather than heavy or overly rich. If you’re looking for a spring dessert that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down, this is a perfect choice.

For a slightly healthier twist, you could experiment with whole wheat flour in the crust, reduce the sugar slightly, or use a sugar substitute in the meringue and curd.

Tips for Success

Chill your tart dough thoroughly before baking. This helps prevent shrinkage and keeps the crust flaky.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t deliver the same brightness.
Cook the lemon curd low and slow, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
When making the meringue, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry—any fat or moisture can prevent the whites from whipping properly.
Add the food coloring very sparingly—a drop or two is plenty to achieve that soft lilac hue.
If using a broiler to toast the meringue, watch closely to avoid burning. A kitchen torch offers more control and precision.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the great advantages of these mini tarts is that they can be prepped in stages. You can bake the tart shells and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The lemon curd can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Assemble and add the meringue topping the day you plan to serve for the best texture and presentation.

Once assembled with meringue, the tarts are best served fresh. However, if needed, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the meringue may soften slightly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue are not just a dessert—they’re an experience. They combine visual beauty with irresistible flavor, making them a standout at any event. The balance of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors is masterful, and the textures keep each bite interesting—from the crisp shell to the creamy curd to the soft, toasted meringue.

They’re easy enough for a confident home baker to pull off but impressive enough to rival anything from a bakery display case. And because they’re so customizable, you can make them your own with different garnishes or flavors.

Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to bring a little extra joy to your spring table, these tarts are a winning choice.

Conclusion

Mini Lemon Tarts with Lilac Meringue are a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors and colors of spring. With a buttery crust, tangy lemon curd, and whimsical lilac meringue topping, they offer a stunning combination of taste and presentation in every bite. These mini desserts strike the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, making them ideal for everything from bridal showers to Mother’s Day brunches.

Their make-ahead-friendly components, versatile presentation options, and balanced flavor profile ensure they’ll become a go-to recipe in your spring baking collection. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or as a dazzling finish to a special meal, these tarts are sure to impress and delight.