Close-up shot of a vibrant lemon and pistachio tart with a glistening lemon curd filling and chopped pistachios sprinkled on top

Lemon desserts

lemon and pistachio tart

By Alice Nightingale

Published: 28 Mar 2025

This Lemon & Pistachio Tart is a symphony of sunshine and nuts—a vibrant, refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Imagine: a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tart shell cradling a luxuriously smooth lemon curd, generously studded with crunchy pistachios. The bright, tangy lemon perfectly complements the rich, nutty pistachios, creating a flavor combination that's both elegant and satisfying. It's a beautiful tart, and looks seriously impressive. I often take it to parties and people are always amazed.
A beautifully styled lemon and pistachio tart on a marble surface with fresh lemons and pistachios scattered around it
This recipe isn't just for experienced bakers; even beginners can confidently tackle it. I've broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, with helpful tips and tricks along the way. From making the tart crust (which, honestly, is super simple) to the creamy lemon curd, each stage is designed to guide you toward success. Don’t worry about perfection; this dessert is all about delicious imperfection. Plus, the slightly rustic look of a homemade tart just screams “homemade love”!
Step-by-step photos showing the process of making the lemon and pistachio tart, from making the dough to assembling the final product

Required Equipments

  • 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Baking sheet

Lemon-and-Pistachio-Tart

A bright, zesty lemon tart swirled with the nutty crunch of pistachios. This elegant dessert is easier to make than you think!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 34 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure that rack is positioned in the center.
  2. Prepare the tart shell: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Cut in ½ cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add an egg yolk: Gently stir in 1 large egg yolk until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix, or the crust will be tough. Gently form dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough.
  5. Blind bake the crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork all over. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
  6. Remove weights and bake further: Remove the parchment paper and pie weights. Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Make the lemon curd: In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and the zest of 2 lemons. Whisk in 4 large eggs and beat well to avoid lumps! I sometimes skip the zest part; I know, so lazy!
  8. Cook the curd: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the curd thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces. Then, stir in ½ cup of shelled pistachios, roughly chopped. Yum!
  9. Cool the curd: Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps or bits of zest. Press it through a sieve with the back of a spoon; this is super important to get the smoothest lemon curd. Let it cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
  10. Assemble the tart: Once the lemon curd is cooled, spread it evenly over the cooled tart shell. Sprinkle the top with roughly chopped pistachios for garnish. If you're feeling fancy, maybe drizzle a little extra lemon juice before serving.
  11. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the curd to set completely. Serve chilled and enjoy! This tart is seriously addictive, so be warned.

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter.
  • Make sure your lemon curd is completely cool before filling the tart shell, or it could make the crust soggy.
  • If you want a sweeter tart, you can add up to ¼ cup more of sugar to the lemon curd. Taste as you go!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 40 g

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 100 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

"The joy of cooking is the ability to create something beautiful and delicious from simple ingredients." - Alice Nightingale

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