Seasonal Berry Tart with Zesty Lemon Cream and Coconut Crust: A Refreshing Dessert Delight
Embrace the vibrant flavors of the season with this exquisite berry tart, a dessert that elegantly highlights the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh berries. Imagine a golden, fragrant coconut crust cradling a silky, bright lemon cream, all crowned with a generous medley of your favorite seasonal berries. This recipe is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for any gathering or a delightful personal indulgence. What makes this tart even more appealing is its reliance on readily available pantry staples for most of its components. While you might need to make a quick trip for the star ingredient – a glorious seven cups of fresh berries – the delightful coconut crust and the luscious lemon custard can be whipped up using ingredients you likely already have on hand. This means you can get a head start on assembling this culinary masterpiece, then effortlessly gather the freshest berries from your local grocery store or a bustling farmer’s market to complete your masterpiece. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate peak berry season and impress your loved ones with a stunning, homemade dessert.
One of the many appealing aspects of this berry tart recipe is its remarkable versatility, particularly when it comes to serving size. The full recipe is designed to fit a standard 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, making it ideal for larger family meals or entertaining guests. However, if you’re baking for a smaller crowd, or perhaps just treating yourself, the recipe can be effortlessly halved. I’ve personally found it incredibly easy to adapt the recipe, successfully filling two charming 4-inch removable bottom tart pans. This flexibility allows you to tailor your baking to your specific needs, preventing waste and ensuring perfectly portioned desserts. Should you possess an assortment of mini tart pans, you can certainly create an array of individual, bite-sized tarts. These smaller versions are not only adorable but also perfect for parties or as elegant petit fours. Just remember, when opting for mini tarts or smaller pans, it’s crucial to significantly reduce the baking time, as smaller pastries cook much faster to prevent over-browning and maintain their delicate texture. Always keep a close eye on them to achieve that ideal golden finish.
Regarding the accompanying photograph, I must apologize for its presentation; it was taken before the tart was fully removed from its pan. However, I can confidently assure you that the removable side of the tart pan came off with absolute ease, revealing a beautifully formed crust. The coconut crust, a delightful foundation for this tart, possesses a wonderfully solid and stable structure, capable of holding the rich lemon cream and abundant berries without any compromise. Its robust nature ensures that each slice, once presented, will maintain its elegant form and delightful texture, promising a perfect bite every time.
Recipe

Lemon Cream and Berry Tart with Coconut Crust
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup shredded sweetened flaked coconut
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter softened**
- 1 egg yolk
Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest — or more to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups raspberries
- 2 cups blueberries
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your tart pan(s) by lightly greasing a 10-inch removable bottom tart pan with shortening or butter. If you’re opting for individual servings, grease four 4-inch tart pans instead. Proper greasing ensures the crust releases easily after baking.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded sweetened flaked coconut, and sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together until well blended. Next, add the softened salted butter and the single egg yolk. Mix everything thoroughly, either with a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a fork, until the mixture is crumbly and just comes together. Evenly press this crumbly mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared tart pan (or pans), forming a compact crust. Place the tart pan(s) on a baking sheet to catch any drips and for easier handling. Lightly press a sheet of aluminum foil loosely into the pan, covering the coconut crust mixture to prevent it from browning too quickly. Bake the covered crust for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and firm. This two-stage baking process helps create a perfectly crisp and flavorful base.
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While the crust is baking, take this opportunity to prepare the vibrant and zesty lemon filling. This simultaneous preparation helps streamline the overall process, ensuring both components are ready around the same time.
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In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the four large egg yolks until they are uniformly combined and slightly lighter in color. Set this bowl aside, conveniently close to your stove, as you’ll need it quickly for the next step.
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In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and room temperature salted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and begin whisking constantly. It’s crucial to whisk continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking as the mixture heats up and begins to boil. Once it starts boiling and thickens slightly, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully and slowly pour a small amount (about a quarter cup) of the hot mixture into the whisked egg yolks, whisking the egg yolks constantly and vigorously. This process, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks, preventing them from scrambling. Once tempered, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot mixture, continuing to whisk constantly over medium-low heat. Keep whisking and stirring until the mixture visibly thickens and is able to coat the back of a spoon. If, despite your best efforts, you notice any small lumps of egg (which can sometimes happen), simply strain the entire lemon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl for a perfectly smooth consistency. If there are no lumps, directly pour the creamy lemon mixture into a clean bowl. Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice; add more lemon juice to your taste preference if you desire a brighter, tangier flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the lemon filling in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until it’s fully cooled and set. This chilling step is essential for the filling to achieve its ideal texture and flavor.
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Once the lemon filling is thoroughly chilled and the crust has cooled completely, you’re ready for assembly. In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks begin to form. This means the cream will hold its shape when the whisk is lifted. Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared lemon mixture until it’s light, airy, and evenly combined, creating a luxurious lemon cream. Spread this velvety lemon cream evenly into the cooled coconut tart crust, creating a smooth and inviting bed for the berries.
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Finally, the moment for artistic expression! Decoratively arrange the fresh raspberries and blueberries over the smooth lemon cream. You can create concentric circles, a random scattering, or any pattern that pleases your eye. The contrast of the vibrant berries against the pale yellow cream is simply stunning. Serve immediately or chill briefly until ready to serve for the most refreshing experience.
Notes
When it comes to the berries, this recipe calls for a generous combination of raspberries and blueberries, which offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, along with contrasting colors and textures. However, don’t limit yourself! This tart is incredibly adaptable to other seasonal fruits. Consider using sliced strawberries, blackberries, or even thinly sliced peaches or kiwi for a different twist. A mixed berry medley is always a crowd-pleaser. For an extra touch of elegance and shine, you can lightly brush the berries with a warm apricot jam or a simple sugar glaze before serving.
For those who prefer a different crust profile or have dietary restrictions, the coconut crust can be substituted with a classic shortbread crust or even a gluten-free cookie crust, adjusted to your liking. Just ensure the alternative crust provides a sturdy base to hold the rich filling.
To make this tart even easier to prepare, the crust can be baked and cooled a day in advance. The lemon cream filling can also be made and chilled up to 24 hours ahead of time. This allows for quick assembly just before serving, making it an excellent option for entertaining. Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though it’s always best when enjoyed fresh, as the berries are at their peak.