Print

Zesty Grapefruit Curd Tart Recipe

4.9 from 132 reviews

This Zesty Grapefruit Curd Tart features a buttery, tender crust filled with a bright and tangy grapefruit curd. The tart balances sweet and citrus flavors beautifully, making it a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather or any time you want a vibrant, fruity treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tart Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup ice cold water

For the Grapefruit Curd Filling

  • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 23 grapefruits)
  • Zest of 1 grapefruit
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Mix in the egg yolk and ice-cold water gradually until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a tart pan. Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Grapefruit Curd: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, granulated sugar, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the pieces of unsalted butter until the curd is smooth and glossy.
  4. Fill the Tart: Pour the prepared grapefruit curd into the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly. Place the tart in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the curd to set firmly.
  5. Serve: Once set, slice the tart and serve chilled. Optionally garnish with additional grapefruit zest or whipped cream for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh grapefruit juice and zest for the best bright and natural flavor.
  • Make sure to chill the crust before blind baking to prevent shrinking.
  • Continue stirring the curd mixture constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  • This tart is best served well chilled and stored in the refrigerator.
  • For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the crust or topping with fresh segments of grapefruit.

Keywords: grapefruit curd tart, citrus tart, grapefruit dessert, tart recipe, baked tart, citrus curd