We've been having beautiful, just-the-right-kind-of-warm sunny days and chilly autumn nights here in the Midwest. An Indian summer of sorts. Maybe not in the truest sense of the definition, but if I can describe what we're having as some type of summer, then I'll go with it. Did anyone ever see that Big Chill-esque early 90's movie, Indian Summer? Don't. Or do. Ok, it's one of those strange guilty pleasure movies of mine.
But on to the tartlets! These lemon tartlets are bright and sweet, with a hint of thyme. The pairing is perfect. Both the lemon curd and tartlet crust use coconut oil, keeping them dairy-free in addition to the gluten-free goodness. Make the lemon curd the night before for easy assembly.
Lemon Tartlets With Thyme Crust (gluten-free + dairy-free)
These Lemon Tartlets with Thyme Crust are bright and sweet with a hint of savory thyme. Make ahead of time for easy assembly. Sweetened only with maple syrup, they are also gluten-free and dairy-free!
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Servings: 12 tarts
Calories: 261kcal
Ingredients
Tartlet crusts:
- 2 cups almond meal/flour packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Lemon curd filling:
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice about 3 medium lemons
- 6 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or place paper liners in a muffin tin (paper liners make this super simple!).
- Start with the lemon curd, as it will need time to chill (this can be done the night before). In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and sea salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- With a fine sieve, strain into a bowl. Whisk in melted coconut oil.
- Cover with plastic wrap, making sure wrap touches surface so a film does not form, and chill for at least an hour.
- For the tartlet crust, in a medium bowl, whisk together almond meal, baking soda, and salt. Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to mixture using a fork. Fold in thyme until evenly distributed.
- Divide crust dough evenly in muffin tins, pressing firmly on bottom and up the sides about midway. Bake for 15 minutes or until crust starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool in tin on rack for at least 10 minutes, then remove from tin and cool on rack for the remainder. If not assembling tartlets immediately, cover and place in fridge until you are ready.
- To assemble tartlets, scoop lemon curd into crusts and garnish with thyme. Will keep in an airtight container in fridge for up to two days, but best served fresh.
Notes
Lemon curd recipe slightly adapted from Against All Grain.
Nutrition
Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg
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Kristen @ The Endless Meal
I love the lemon/thyme combo. It looks and sounds incredible!
Tessa
Thanks so much, Kristen!!
Alissa
Love me some lemon curd. I really like the savory addition of thyme too!
Tessa
Thanks, A! I'm pretty smitten with this combo. :)
jaime // the briny
I have a strange obsession with lemon curd despite never having tasted it. I just really like the idea of it and I imagine it tastes amazing.
these tartlets are so lovely! I like the simple combination of flavors you employed here: subtly sweet almond flour in the crust, beautiful rich lemon, and sharply fragrant thyme. you're making me wish I had tart pans (or muffin tins). do you think this would bake up decently in a standard pie dish?
Tessa
Hahaha, that is awesome and understandable. Lemon curd is pretty great!
Thank you! I do think the crust would bake up okay in a standard pie dish. If you press the dough about halfway up the sides, it should work and fill like a big tart!