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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Lemon-Orange Tart

Makes one 9-inch tart

1 hour 40 minutes 25 minutes active, plus cooling

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A classic lemon tart requires making a stovetop curd, and too often its flavor winds up harsh and puckery. We found an easier, better way—no stovetop stirring required. We temper the brassiness of lemon with sweeter, gentler orange and simply combine sugar, zest, juice and eggs in a bowl. A little heavy cream softens the sharpness of the citrus. We pour the mixture into a warm prebaked tart shell, then bake it for about 30 minutes. Added to a warm pastry shell, the filling sets more quickly, which helps prevent the crust from becoming soft and soggy. The flavors are boldest if the tart is served at room temperature, but the dessert is more refreshing when lightly chilled. Either way, lightly sweetened whipped cream is a perfect accompaniment.

Makes one

9-inch tart

Tip

Don’t use bottled citrus juice. Freshly squeezed juices are essential for bright, bracing flavor. Be sure to strain the juices, too, to remove any seeds and bits of pulp. When making the filling, whisk gently, not vigorously, to avoid aeration. If a lot of air is incorporated, bubbles will rise to the surface during baking, giving the tart a pockmarked appearance.

1 hour 40 minutes

25 minutes active, plus cooling

Ingredients

  • 161

    grams (¾ cup) white sugar

  • 2

    tablespoons grated lemon zest, plus ½ cup lemon juice

Directions

Reviews
Rebecca C.
February 22, 2026
Delicious
I made this with the almond tart shell and it was perfect. I added in a few native lemony flavoured herbs with the zests, to add a different flavour. Worked out great!
Laura F.
February 14, 2025
Fantastic!
Made it with the whole wheat flour tart shell and it was outstanding. Didn't change a thing and will make it again.
John M.
January 13, 2025
Divine Flavor
This was one of the easiest pie/tart recipes I've ever made, and it tasted delightful. The lemon to orange ratio was perfect. Note that at a high altitude with a calibrated oven, it took 45 minutes to bake completely. Thanks again, Milk Street team!
ANNA G.
March 15, 2026
Made this twice - too much liquid for the tart shell
Next I make this, I will hold back a 1/4 cup of the filling as it has overflowed both times. It’s impossible to move the tart into the oven without spillage. Maybe I’ll add add less juice.
Jennifer B.
April 3, 2025
Fabulous!
For citrus lovers, fantastic crust and amazing flavor. Better than any lemon meringue.

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