Indulge in our Key Lime Shortbread Tart, where a crisp crust made from store-bought cookies meets a creamy, coconut-kissed custard filling.
This tart combines the tangy flavor of limes with the sweetness of a coconut-infused whipped cream topping, creating a refreshing and irresistible dessert.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance that’s sure to impress your guests.
Servings: 10
Equipment
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Grater or microplane
- Citrus juicer
- Electric mixer
- Offset spatula or rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 26 shortbread cookies like Lorna Doone, from 10 oz. package
- 4 Tbs. sugar
- 4 Tbs. butter melted
- 5-6 limes
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp. coconut extract
- Lime zest curls optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom using cooking spray.
- Use a food processor to finely grind the cookies. Transfer the cookie crumbs to a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar and the melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is set. Allow it to cool completely.
- Grate 1 teaspoon of lime zest and squeeze out ½ cup of lime juice. In a large bowl, combine the zest and juice with the condensed milk and egg yolks. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until the filling is set. Let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and coconut extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the tart filling using an offset spatula or rubber spatula, creating decorative swirls. Cover and chill the tart until you are ready to serve. Just before serving, you may garnish with curls of lime zest if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips & Tricks
- Cookie Crust Perfection: Ensure your cookies are finely ground in the food processor for a uniform crust. Press firmly into the tart pan to avoid crumbling.
- Zest and Juice: Use fresh key limes for the best flavor. If key limes are unavailable, regular limes can be a good substitute.
- Even Baking: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking times and prevent over-baking.
- Whipped Cream Tips: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream to help achieve perfect peaks.
- Decorative Swirls: Use an offset spatula to create elegant swirls in the whipped cream, adding a touch of professional finesse to your tart.
- Serving and Storing: This tart is best served chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.