Delight in the timeless charm of Maids of Honour Tarts, a sweet pastry filled with a delectable lemon-cream mixture.
Prep
30 min
Cook
25 min
Total
85 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium
Instructions
Prepare the pastry
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and rub in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Ensure the butter is very cold for a flaky crust.
Roll out the pastry
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out the chilled dough to 0.5 cm thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out 12 circles using a 7.5 cm (3 inch) cutter and line a muffin tin with the pastry circles.
Pro tip: Chill the lined muffin tin while preparing the filling to prevent the dough from shrinking.
Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, beaten eggs, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Fill the tarts
Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pastry shells, filling each about 2/3 full.
Pro tip: Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.
Bake the tarts
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
Pro tip: The filling should be slightly wobbly in the centre when done.
Cool and serve
Allow the tarts to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro tip: Dust with icing sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very cold butter for the flakiest pastry.
- Chill the dough before rolling to prevent shrinking.
- Brush the tarts with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Maids of Honour Tarts?
Maids of Honour Tarts are a traditional English pastry filled with a lemon-cream mixture, encased in a flaky crust.
How many calories are in a Maid of Honour Tart?
Each Maid of Honour Tart contains approximately 210 calories.
Can I make Maids of Honour Tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and store them in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
What is the origin of Maids of Honour Tarts?
These tarts are believed to date back to the time of King Henry VIII and have a rich history as a traditional English dessert.
What can I serve with Maids of Honour Tarts?
They pair well with a cup of tea, such as Earl Grey, and can be dusted with icing sugar for serving.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
210
Calories
3g
Protein
13g
Fat
22g
Carbs
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