This Ruth’s Chris–style lemon tart is a refined dessert that balances bright citrus flavor with rich, creamy elegance. It features a buttery, tender crust filled with a silky lemon custard and finished with a delicate layer of lightly sweetened cream. The result is a dessert that feels light, luxurious, and perfectly suited for a special occasion.
The lemon filling is smooth and vibrant without being overly sharp. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a clean, refreshing acidity, while cream and eggs soften the flavor into a custard-like texture that melts on the palate. Each bite is balanced, never too sweet, and deeply satisfying.
What truly elevates this tart is the sweet cream finish. Instead of overwhelming the lemon, the softly whipped cream adds a gentle sweetness and a plush contrast to the citrus filling. It mirrors the refined presentation and flavor balance found in classic steakhouse desserts.
This tart is ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or anytime you want a dessert that looks impressive but is still approachable to make at home. Served chilled and sliced cleanly, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with timeless appeal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Servings and timing:
Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water, as needed
Lemon Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Sweet Cream Finish
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
See Next Page =>
