Elderflower Lemon Tartlets

Name: Elderflower Lemon Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon cold water; 1 cup elderflower cordial; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Fresh edible flowers (optional); Lemon slices

Highlighted under: International Taste Journey

I’ve always been captivated by the delicate flavors of elderflower, and combining it with tangy lemon creates a refreshingly unique dessert. These Elderflower Lemon Tartlets have quickly become a favorite in my home. The buttery tart shell pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, and every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and zest. I often prepare them for gatherings as they are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a perfect treat to impress guests or simply enjoy on a sunny afternoon.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-05T16:41:27.689Z

When I first discovered elderflower cordial, I was surprised by its floral notes and subtle sweetness. I knew I wanted to highlight it in a dessert and decided on tartlets. The tartness of lemon cuts through the sweetness of the elderflower beautifully, resulting in a well-balanced treat. After trying various methods, I found that using a combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a more vibrant flavor.

The shell is crucial for these tartlets. A shortcrust pastry provides the flaky texture I desire, and blind-baking ensures that it holds its shape. The creamy filling is infused with both elderflower and lemon, resulting in a dessert that feels luxurious yet is simple to make.

Why You Will Love These Tartlets
A unique blend of floral elderflower and zesty lemon
A delightful crisp tart shell encasing creamy goodness
Perfect for tea parties or summer gatherings

Perfecting the Tart Shell

The tart shell is the foundation of these Elderflower Lemon Tartlets, and achieving the perfect texture is essential. When mixing the flour, powdered sugar, and salt, it's important to ensure the butter is truly cold, as this will create a flaky texture. If your hands are warm from handling the dough, consider using a pastry cutter or two forks to incorporate the butter more effectively. This hands-off technique helps maintain the cold temperature of the butter, leading to better results.

After rolling out the dough, it's crucial to not overstretch it when fitting into the tartlet pans. This can lead to shrinkage during baking. Pricking the base with a fork allows steam to escape, preventing bubbles. As you weight the shells with baking beads, ensure they are evenly distributed; this helps to maintain the shape without collapsing. Depending on your oven, keep an eye on the shells during the second baking phase, watching for golden edges that indicate they're ready.

Crafting the Filling

The filling for these tartlets is where the flavors truly shine. Use a high-quality elderflower cordial to ensure a pronounced floral taste, as the quality of this ingredient directly affects the tart’s overall flavor profile. When combining the ingredients for the filling, whisk continuously over medium heat to prevent the egg yolks from curdling; this is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture. It'll take about 5-7 minutes for the mixture to thicken to the desired consistency, so be patient and keep stirring.

After removing the saucepan from heat, adding the unsalted butter not only enriches the filling but also adds a glossy finish. Be sure to mix until completely melted and smooth. If you find your mixture is grainy or has lumps, a quick blitz with an immersion blender can help achieve that silky consistency before pouring it into the tart shells.

Ingredients

Tart Shell

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon cold water

Filling

1 cup elderflower cordial
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Garnish

Fresh edible flowers (optional)
Lemon slices

Instructions

Make the Tart Shell

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Blind Bake the Shells

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles to fit your tartlet pans. Line the pans with the dough, prick the bottoms with a fork, and place parchment paper on top filled with baking beads. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden.

Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan, combine the elderflower cordial, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.

Assemble the Tartlets

Once the tart shells are cooled, pour the filling into each shell, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Serve

Before serving, garnish with fresh edible flowers and lemon slices. Enjoy these delightful tartlets chilled!

Pro Tips

For a more intense flavor, you can steep some lemon verbena leaves in the filling while cooking. Don’t rush the chilling process
allowing them to set properly will ensure a beautiful presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Elderflower Lemon Tartlets can easily be made a day in advance, which makes them a great choice for parties or gatherings. After assembling, once cooled and set, they can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be cautious with any garnishes, as they can wilt; add them right before serving for the freshest presentation.

If you want to prepare the tart shells ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to use, simply thaw at room temperature before filling.

Serving Suggestions

These tartlets shine when accompanied by a light herbal tea or a glass of sparkling wine. Their floral notes pair beautifully with refreshing beverages, enhancing the overall experience. You might also consider serving them alongside fresh berries, which not only add a pop of color but also introduce a new layer of flavor that complements the tart's sweet and tart balance.

For a twist, you can personalize the filling by incorporating a touch of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, into the mixture. Adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fruit can elevate the taste, making your tartlets uniquely yours while still providing that delicious elderflower-lemon flavor combination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes, you can use store-bought tart shells to save time! Just fill them with the elderflower lemon filling.

→ How long can these tartlets be stored?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I make these tartlets gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

→ Is there a substitute for elderflower cordial?

If you can’t find elderflower cordial, you can use a similar floral syrup or even a lemon-lavender syrup for a different yet delightful flavor.