Mini Frozen Lemon Tarts

Mini Frozen Lemon Tarts, adapted from Martha Stewart

 (can be shared with kids 12+ mos)*

 makes 12 tarts

 

1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs (about 12 homemade or HFCS-free crackers, as from a local bakery)

 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

 3 egg yolks

 1/2 c lemon juice

 1 can sweetened condensed milk

 zest of 2 lemons

 1 c cold heavy cream

 3 Tbsp sugar

 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cracker crumbs and butter in a bowl until all of the crumbs are moist. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Divide crumbs evenly among the liners. Press crumbs evenly in each liner, creating a crust. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove muffin tin from oven and allow crusts to cool completely. 

2. In the meantime, whisk together the yolks and lemon juice in a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is foamy and begins to thicken, about 4-6 minutes. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you want the mixture to register 160 degrees. (If the mixture begins to curdle, take it off the heat immediately, no matter how long it’s been on… and don’t worry. Keep whisking quickly and the texture should begin to even out. It will continue to even out through the next step.)

 

3. Remove the bowl from heat and whisk in condensed milk and zest until well combined. Pour the mixture into the cooled tart shells, diving among them equally, and smooth tops with a rubber spatula. Freeze until firm, 3 hours. 

4. When ready to serve, make the whipped cream topping: Beat the heavy cream and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and continue beating until firm peaks form. Dollop whipped cream on top of each tart and serve. To make these extra pretty, garnish each with a twisted, very thin, half-moon shaped slice of lemon.

 

*Note: I recommend sharing this with kids 12+ mos due to the relatively high sugar content. If you decide to share this with little ones, be sure to serve age appropriate portions. Half of a tart is a satisfying treat to very little eaters!

From the Hungry Mama