This Lemon Blueberry Tart is the perfect balance of bright citrus, sweet berries, and buttery crust — all in one irresistible bite. With a smooth and creamy lemon filling nestled inside a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust and swirled with homemade blueberry sauce, this tart is a fresh, showstopping dessert. Whether you’re celebrating spring, summer, or just craving a fruity treat, this easy tart recipe is as delicious as it is beautiful.
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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Tart
This lemon blueberry tart isn’t just eye-catching — it’s a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dessert that checks all the boxes for taste, texture, and simplicity. The shortbread crust delivers a flaky, buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy lemon filling. It’s tangy, sweet, and fresh — just like sunshine on a plate.
What sets this tart apart is the homemade blueberry swirl that brings fruity complexity and a gorgeous marbled appearance. It’s elegant enough for holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter, yet simple enough for casual gatherings or a weekend treat.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
Each component in this lemon blueberry tart plays a key role in making it truly unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and what they contribute:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and binds the crust with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the blueberry sauce
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the crust’s flavor with warm undertones
- Salt: Balances and sharpens the flavors in the crust
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of the shortbread crust
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates the silky, creamy lemon filling with added sweetness
- Lemon Juice: Delivers the bright, zesty tartness at the heart of this dessert
- Lemon Zest: Enhances the citrus aroma and boosts lemon flavor intensity
- Egg Yolk: Gently sets the filling without making it firm or rubbery
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen): Provides natural sweetness and juiciness for the swirl
- Cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry sauce to the perfect swirling consistency
- Optional Garnishes: Whipped cream, lemon slices, or extra blueberry sauce for extra flair
Ingredient Swaps and Smart Alternatives
- Lime Juice & Zest: Use instead of lemon for a lime blueberry tart
- Strawberries or Raspberries: Replace blueberries for a new flavor profile
- Graham Cracker Crust: Try this only in lemon blueberry cheesecake bars — it won’t hold up well in this tart
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk and an egg yolk alternative, though the texture may vary
How to Make a Lemon Blueberry Tart – Step-by-Step
This lemon blueberry tart recipe is broken into three main parts: the crust, the filling, and the swirl. Here’s how to bring it all together.
- Make the Blueberry Sauce
In a small bowl, stir 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp lemon juice until smooth. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup blueberries with 2 tsp sugar over medium heat. Stir and mash for 3 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Set aside. - Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). - Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Mix 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 1 cup flour and stir until thick. Press into a 9-inch tart pan evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Remove and poke a few holes in the warm crust with a fork. - Make the Lemon Filling
Whisk together 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 6 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 egg yolk. Pour into the warm crust. - Add and Swirl the Blueberry Sauce
Stir the blueberry sauce. Drop spoonfuls onto the filling and swirl gently with a knife or toothpick. Shake the pan lightly to settle. - Bake the Tart
Bake for 17–19 minutes until the center no longer jiggles. Let cool at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 1 day). - Garnish and Serve
Remove from tart pan, slice, and serve with whipped cream, lemon slices, or extra blueberry sauce.
Tips for a Perfect Tart
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
- Avoid overbaking — the center should be slightly soft and will firm in the fridge
- Make ahead — flavor improves after a day of chilling
- Strain the blueberry sauce if you prefer a smooth swirl
- Mini tart version — bake crusts for 8 minutes, fill, then bake again for 9–10 minutes
Creative Variations and Pairing Ideas
This tart is endlessly versatile and pairs well with other dishes or custom twists:
- Serve with: Whipped cream, lemon sorbet, or vanilla bean ice cream
- Add crunch: Top with toasted almonds or pistachios
- Fruit swap: Use raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for the swirl
- Zesty spin: Try lime juice for a tropical flavor
- Mini tarts: Make individual versions using mini tart pans — great for parties
Sunshine on a Plate: The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Lemon blueberry tart is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday menu, or just treating yourself midweek, this tart delivers satisfaction in every slice.
With its luscious lemon filling, buttery crust, and berry-studded swirl, this Lemon Blueberry Tart is the kind of recipe that becomes a signature dessert — simple, stunning, and unforgettable.
Bright, Tangy, and Simply Irresistible
From its buttery shortbread base to its creamy lemon filling and jewel-toned blueberry swirl, this lemon blueberry tart is the perfect dessert to impress without stress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something bright and refreshing, this tart delivers both beauty and bold flavor. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum impact, it’s destined to become a repeat favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Blueberry Tart
Can I make lemon blueberry tart ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this tart is even better when made ahead. You can bake and chill it up to 1 day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to fully set. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
Can I freeze lemon blueberry tart?
Absolutely. Once fully baked and cooled, this tart can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that fresh garnishes like whipped cream or fruit should be added after thawing.
Can I use frozen blueberries in the swirl?
Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly in the sauce — and there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They break down easily on the stove and produce a beautifully thick sauce for swirling.
What can I use instead of a tart pan?
A 9-inch pie dish is a great alternative if you don’t have a tart pan. Just keep in mind that slices may not be as neat when cutting. Avoid springform pans, as the crust may leak, and muffin tins are not recommended for minis in this specific recipe
More Relevant Recipes
- Cherry Danish with Puff Pastry: A delightful pastry with sweet cherry filling and golden puff pastry that mirrors the fruity brightness of the lemon blueberry tart, offering a similarly elegant and seasonal dessert option.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry: This dessert highlights the same fresh blueberry flavor found in the lemon blueberry tart, combined with creamy cheese and flaky layers for a rich and visually stunning treat.
- Meyer Lemon Pie: Featuring the bright, citrusy flavor of lemons in a creamy filling, this easy pie shares the tart’s fresh tang and smooth texture, making it a perfect alternative or companion recipe.
Lemon Blueberry Tart
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 1 tart (8–10 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Blueberry Tart features a creamy lemon filling nestled in a buttery shortbread crust, swirled with a homemade blueberry sauce. It’s a bright, tangy, and elegant dessert perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for blueberry sauce)
- 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for blueberry sauce)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 (14 oz / 396g) can full-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 6 tablespoons (90ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg yolk
- Optional: lemon slices, blueberries, whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tsp lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries and 2 tsp sugar. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, mashing berries. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- For the crust, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add flour and stir until a thick dough forms.
- Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and poke a few holes in the crust with a fork.
- In a bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, zest, and egg yolk until smooth. Pour into warm crust.
- Spoon half the blueberry sauce over filling and swirl with a toothpick or knife. Gently shake the pan to settle.
- Bake for 17–19 minutes until center no longer jiggles. Cool at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream, lemon slices, or leftover blueberry sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The tart sets best when chilled for several hours or overnight.
- Frozen blueberries work well and do not need to be thawed before use.
- Do not substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk.
- A pie dish may be used instead of a tart pan, though slicing may be less neat.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg