Description
This Zesty Grapefruit Curd Tart is a vibrant and refreshing dessert featuring a crisp, buttery crust filled with luscious, tangy grapefruit curd. It perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, offering a smooth and creamy citrus filling ideal for special occasions or as a delightful treat any time. The bright, sunny colors and elegant presentation make it a standout dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup ice cold water
Grapefruit Curd Filling
- 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 2–3 grapefruits)
- Zest of 1 grapefruit
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Mix in the egg yolk and ice cold water just until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Grapefruit Curd: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh grapefruit juice, zest, sugar, and eggs, stirring constantly. Cook gently until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the butter pieces until fully melted and the curd is smooth and glossy.
- Fill the Tart: Pour the warm grapefruit curd into the cooled baked crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set firm.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the tart and serve cold. Garnish with extra grapefruit zest, fresh grapefruit slices, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired for added elegance and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality grapefruits for the best flavor in the curd.
- Blind baking the crust prevents it from getting soggy once filled with the wet curd.
- Constant stirring during curd cooking is vital to avoid scrambling the eggs and to achieve a smooth texture.
- The tart should be refrigerated until well set to ensure clean slices and a firm filling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure crust ingredients comply accordingly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grapefruit curd tart, citrus dessert, tart recipe, grapefruit curd, dessert tart, citrus curd, buttery tart crust, refreshing dessert
