Lemon Cream cheese Tart

1. Prepare the Tart Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk: Mix in the egg yolk until combined.
4. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water; the dough should be just moist enough to hold together.
5. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Tart Shell

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
3. Blind Bake: Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.

3. Prepare the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

1. Blend Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar: Mix in the granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Add Sour Cream and Lemon: Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Bake the Tart

1. Pour Filling: Pour the lemon cream cheese filling into the pre-baked tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
3. Cool: Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the tart pan.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish: Once the tart is fully cooled, garnish with whipped cream, extra lemon zest, and fresh berries if desired.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the tart into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking during baking.
• Smooth Filling: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth and lump-free filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the filling ingredients just until combined to avoid adding excess air.

Variations

• Berry Twist: Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the filling before baking.
• Ginger Crust: Substitute the tart crust with a ginger snap crust for a spicy twist.
• Lemon Curd: For an extra lemony flavor, spread a layer of lemon curd over the cream cheese filling before baking.

Conclusion

This Lemon Cream Cheese Tart is a perfect blend of tangy lemon and creamy richness, set in a buttery tart crust. It’s an elegant and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and smooth texture of this delightful tart!