Description
These Key Lime Tarts feature crisp puff pastry shells filled with a tangy, creamy key lime custard. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of condensed milk and the bright zest of fresh limes, these tarts are a refreshing and elegant dessert that comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 (10-oz) package Puff Pastry Shells
Key Lime Filling
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…“ cup key lime juice
- 2 limes, zested
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF to prepare for baking the puff pastry shells.
- Prepare Pastry Shells: Separate the puff pastry shells at their perforations and place them on a baking sheet with the tops facing up.
- Bake Pastry Shells: Bake the shells for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Prepare Shells: Allow the baked shells to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the tops and the inner pastry to create hollow tart shells.
- Adjust Oven Temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 350ºF to prepare for filling the tarts.
- Make Key Lime Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, key lime juice, and lime zest until well combined and smooth.
- Fill Tart Shells: Pour the key lime custard evenly into the prepared puff pastry shells.
- Bake Filled Tarts: Bake the filled tarts at 350ºF for 15 minutes, allowing the custard to set but remain creamy.
- Cool and Chill: Let the tarts cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then refrigerate before serving to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the egg yolks are fresh and properly incorporated to prevent curdling.
- Using fresh key lime juice and zest enhances the authentic flavor of the filling.
- Allow the tarts to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best taste and texture.
- Handle the puff pastry shells gently to prevent breaking the delicate pastry.
- These tarts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
