Introduction
Hi, I’m Lina! As a busy mom, I love recipes that feel like a celebration but don’t demand an entire day in the kitchen. My Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is my go-to comfort meal on weeknights, and when I want something sweet and special, this Log Lemon Meringue Tart takes center stage.
It’s a bright twist on the classic lemon meringue pie, creamy lemon curd rolled in a buttery tart shell and topped with toasted meringue. Elegant enough for holidays, yet cozy enough for Sunday dinner, this dessert is pure sunshine on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zesty and refreshing – the perfect balance of tangy lemon curd and sweet meringue.
- Beautiful presentation – shaped like a log, it slices into picture-perfect servings.
- Make-ahead friendly – great for holidays or dinner parties.
- Family favorite – even picky eaters love the silky lemon center.
- No fancy tools – just a rolling pin, whisk, and a little patience.
- Versatile – serve chilled in summer or slightly warm in winter.
- Cozy aroma – baked pastry and toasted meringue fill the kitchen with love.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each part of this tart brings its own cozy charm and texture:
Tart Crust
A classic buttery shortcrust that stays crisp under the lemon filling. You can make it from scratch or use pre-made dough if you’re in a rush.
Lemon Curd Filling
Fresh lemon juice and zest create that bright, citrusy punch. Combine it with sugar, eggs, and butter for a silky, sunshine-yellow filling that’s perfectly tart.
Meringue Topping
Soft, fluffy, and lightly toasted, the meringue adds cloud-like sweetness to balance the tang.
Butter and Sugar
The backbone of every cozy dessert. Cream them well for a golden, flaky crust.
Cornstarch
Helps thicken the lemon curd without making it heavy.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to the meringue’s sweetness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prepare the Tart Dough
- Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Add one egg and a splash of cold water; knead gently until the dough comes together.
- Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Lemon Curd
- Whisk together sugar, lemon juice, zest, and eggs in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in butter for a glossy finish, then let it cool slightly.
3. Roll and Bake the Crust
- Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
- Line a parchment sheet and roll it into a “log” shape using your rolling pin as a guide.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Fill the Tart
- Once the crust is cool, spoon in the lemon curd evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
5. Make the Meringue
- Whip egg whites with sugar and vanilla until glossy peaks form.
- Spread or pipe meringue on top of the chilled tart log.
6. Toast the Meringue
- Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the meringue, or place under the oven broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
7. Serve and Slice
- Slice the tart into neat pieces, revealing layers of crisp crust, creamy lemon, and toasted meringue, a true showstopper!
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Mini logs: Make individual rolls for party servings.
- Add fruit: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries for color and freshness.
- Texture twist: Add crushed pistachios for crunch (try leftovers from your Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes).
- Dairy-free: Substitute coconut oil in the crust and skip butter in the curd.
- Holiday version: Add a hint of rosemary zest for a wintery touch.
- Make-ahead tip: Bake the crust and cook the curd a day early, assemble before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Log Lemon Meringue Tart pairs perfectly with cozy family favorites and seasonal comfort dishes from SoolFood:
- Serve after a warm bowl of Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder on a chilly night.
- Pair with Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Baked Potatoes for a cozy, homey dinner.
- Add it to your festive spread beside Christmas Cookie Cheesecake for Holidays for a dessert table everyone will remember.
- For a comforting everyday pairing, try it after my Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days, covered loosely with foil.
- Freezer: Freeze the crust and curd separately (the meringue doesn’t freeze well).
- To re-serve: Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing.
Helpful FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but bottled juice works if you add a bit of extra zest.
2. How do I prevent soggy crust?
Brush baked crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding the filling.
3. Can I make the meringue ahead?
It’s best made fresh, but you can whip it 30 minutes before serving and torch just before presentation.
4. What if I don’t have a torch?
Use your oven’s broiler, just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
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Log Lemon Meringue Tart – A Bright, Creamy Holiday Showstopper
- Total Time: 3 hrs
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and creamy log lemon meringue tart with buttery crust, zesty lemon curd, and toasted meringue topping.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter, cubed
⅓ cup sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp cold water
4 large eggs (for curd)
¾ cup sugar (for curd)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cornstarch
3 egg whites (for meringue)
½ cup sugar (for meringue)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Add egg and water; form dough and chill 30 minutes.
2. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in butter; cool.
3. Roll out dough into rectangle, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden.
4. Spread lemon curd on cooled crust, roll into log shape, chill 2 hours.
5. Whip egg whites, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue over tart log, toast lightly with torch or broiler.
7. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing crust and curd a day early.
Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter flavor.
Add berries for color or drizzle with extra lemon syrup.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Log Lemon Meringue Tart is sunshine you can slice, bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any dinner feel special without the stress. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as a weekend treat, this tart brings that perfect mix of comfort and wow-factor that everyone will remember.