Indulge in Bliss: Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart Recipe

Published: February 13, 2026

by Clare

Why is this Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart irresistible?

Delightful flavors: Experience the refreshing combination of creamy mascarpone and zesty fresh lemon that captures the essence of spring.
Effortless preparation: With simple steps and widely available ingredients, this tart is as easy as pie—perfect for novice bakers and experienced chefs alike!
Versatile variations: Customize to your heart’s content with gluten-free or vegan options, ensuring everyone can indulge in this delightful treat.
Stunning presentation: The golden crust and smooth filling make for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering, sure to impress your guests.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s an Easter brunch or a casual weeknight treat, this tart elevates any dessert table effortlessly!
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance to save time on busy days, making it the perfect solution for planned festivities. Enjoy and savor every bite!

Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart Ingredients

For the Pastry

Sour Cream – Adds richness and moisture to the pastry; substitute with Greek yogurt if desired.
Plain (All-Purpose) Flour – Provides structure for the tart pastry; no substitutions unless making gluten-free.
Cold Butter (cubed) – Essential for a flaky pastry texture; opt for unsalted for better taste control.

For the Filling

Fresh Ricotta Cheese – Contributes creaminess to the filling; cottage cheese can work in a pinch.
Mascarpone Cheese – Adds rich flavor and luxurious creaminess; no substitutes recommended for this Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart.
Sugar – Sweetens the filling; consider a suitable sugar alternative, but texture may vary.
Whole Eggs – Act as a binding agent; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
Large Egg Yolks – Enrich the filling; no substitutions recommended.
Finely Grated Lemon Rind – Offers aromatic zest; use lime rind for a different citrus flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Balances sweetness with tartness; lime juice can be an effective substitute.

Optional Garnish

Lemon (thinly sliced) – Enhances presentation and flavor when candied; optional for garnish.
Castor Sugar – Used for candying lemon slices; regular sugar may substitute but requires more cook time.
Water – Essential in the candied lemon process.

How to Make Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart

Prepare Pastry: In a food processor, blend cold butter and flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add sour cream and blend until a ball forms. Chill the dough for 20 minutes.
Roll Out Dough: Shape the chilled dough into a disk and roll it out to fit a 25 cm tart tin. Chill for an additional hour to ensure it holds its shape.
Blind Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line the pastry with foil, fill with sugar, and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Make Filling: Blend the ricotta and mascarpone until smooth, then mix in sugar, whole eggs, yolks, lemon rind, and juice until fluffy and well-combined.
Bake Tart: Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (340°F). Pour the filling into the baked pastry and bake for 30 minutes, allowing a slight wobble in the center for the perfect texture. Cool before refrigerating to let it set.
Prepare Candied Lemons (Optional): In a saucepan, cook water and castor sugar until golden, then add lemon slices until coated; allow to cool for sweet, decorative topping.
Finish Tart: Once cooled, carefully remove the tart from the tin. If you made candied lemons, layer them on top for a beautiful and flavorful garnish, then serve chilled.

Optional: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart?

Indulging in a slice of this delightful tart calls for the perfect companions to elevate your dessert experience.

Fresh Berries: The natural sweetness and tartness of fresh berries complement the creamy filling, adding layers of flavor and color to each bite.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the tart perfectly, making each mouthful heavenly.
Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves introduces a refreshing note that enhances the citrusy flavors, creating a vibrant visual and taste contrast.
Citrus Sorbet: A scoop of lemon or lime sorbet offers a chilly, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate, making for a delightful, gourmet experience.
Italian Coffee: The robust flavors of a classic Italian espresso provide a bold finish to your meal, cutting through the sweetness and harmonizing beautifully with the dessert.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of rich dark chocolate over the tart adds an unexpected depth that pairs wonderfully with the lemon, creating a stunning visual effect.

Serve up these delightful accompaniments as you present your Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart, ensuring a charming dessert spread that will warm hearts and satisfy appetites.

Expert Tips for Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart

Chill the Dough: Prevent shrinking by ensuring that your pastry dough is well-chilled before and after rolling it out.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the tart as it bakes; overcooking can lead to a dry filling. A slight wobble is your best friend for the perfect texture!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, fresh lemons and mascarpone to elevate the flavors in your Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart.
Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Blind baking the crust helps ensure it stays crispy. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Garnish Wisely: Adding candied lemons not only enhances the tart’s beauty but also deepens the flavor. Consider this delightful touch for presentation.

Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart Variations

Feel inspired to personalize your tart with these delightful twists that will awaken your taste buds!

Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon for lime for a refreshing twist on flavor. The bright, tangy lime will give an exciting new taste profile to your tart.
Berry Delight: Top with an assortment of fresh berries for a burst of sweetness and vibrant color. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the pastry for a gluten-sensitive option. It allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the tart without sacrificing taste.
Nutty Crust: Blend in ground almonds or hazelnuts into the pastry for added crunch and a nutty flavor. This twist enhances the tart’s texture and brings a delightful depth to each bite.
Chocolate Twist: Whisk in cocoa powder into the filling for an unexpected chocolatey flavor. The combination of chocolate and lemon creates a decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will adore.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an unexpected warmth. This small addition takes the tart to a whole new level, creating a delightful balance of sweet and spicy.
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or mint into the filling for a refreshing herbal note. These unique flavors complement the lemon beautifully, adding an aromatic twist that surprises the palate.
Caramel Drizzle: Finish your tart with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. The sweet, buttery caramel pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon, making every slice irresistible!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart

Fridge: Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and preserves its creamy texture.

Freezer: If you want to keep the tart longer, freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen tart to the fridge for several hours or overnight to thaw gently.

Reheating: For serving, bring the tart to room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy this delightful Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart chilled!

Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best lemons for the tart?
Absolutely! When choosing lemons, look for those that are firm and heavy for their size; this indicates they are juicier. Avoid lemons with dark spots all over or those that feel too soft, as they might be past their prime. Freshly squeezed juice will truly elevate the flavor of your tart!

What is the best way to store the Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart?
You’ll want to store your tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This method keeps it fresh and maintains that delicious creamy texture. If you have any leftovers, make sure they are sealed tightly to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Can I freeze the Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart?
Yes, it’s very possible to freeze this delightful tart! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep fresh for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw gently for the best flavor and texture.

What if my tart filling doesn’t set properly?
No worries! If your filling doesn’t seem to set, it might be due to underbaking. Always ensure that the tart has a slight wobble in the center when you take it out of the oven; it will continue to set as it cools. If you find yourself needing to thicken the filling further next time, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture before baking.

Can this recipe accommodate dietary restrictions?
Very much so! For a gluten-free option, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. If you need a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). Both adaptations will allow everyone to relish this delectable Lemon Mascarpone Easter Tart!