Larry’s Zesty Mojito Cake

Indulge in the Refreshing Simplicity of Larry’s Mojito Cake: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe If you’ve been searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer—light, zesty, and utterly refreshing—then you’ve stumbled upon a true culinary gem: Larry’s Mojito Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s an extraordinary creation from the innovative kitchen … Read more

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches

Shirley Corriher’s ‘In Between’ Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Crispy Edges and Soft Centers from Cookwise As the holiday season approaches, with the initial flurry of make-ahead Thanksgiving dishes meticulously completed and safely stored, a particular kind of culinary calm often descends upon the kitchen. This period, affectionately dubbed “Thanksgiving purgatory,” is that … Read more

Rich Dark Morello Cherry Pie Filling

Homemade Dark Morello Cherry Pie Filling: A Versatile & Delicious Recipe As cherry season approaches, the thought of fresh, juicy cherries fills many kitchens with anticipation. But what if you crave that delightful cherry flavor right now, or have a jar of those wonderfully tart Dark Morello Cherries tucked away in your pantry? Look no … Read more

Pecan Perfection Day

The Beloved Pecan: A Texan’s Ode to National Pecan Day It’s National Pecan Day, and what a glorious day it is! As a proud Texan, I simply must declare my unwavering devotion: pecans are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite nut. While I certainly don’t wish to spark any nut-related rivalries, I’m confident that our … Read more

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls: Your Guide to Stress-Free Mornings Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, without the early morning rush and extensive prep work. Make-Ahead Cinnamon Rolls are the dream solution for anyone who loves a warm, gooey breakfast treat but doesn’t enjoy waking up at dawn to … Read more

Decadent Peanut Butter Volcano Cake

Decadent Peanut Butter Molten Lava Cakes: The Ultimate Recipe for a Gooey, Irresistible Dessert Prepare for an explosion of flavor and a truly unforgettable dessert experience with our perfected recipe for Peanut Butter Molten Lava Cakes. Imagine cutting into a warm, rich peanut butter cake, only for a luscious, gooey peanut butter “lava” to flow … Read more

No-Bake Maria Cookie Icebox Cake

Easy No-Bake Maria Cookie Icebox Cake: A Nostalgic Dessert Reinvented As we transition through the “Blahliday Season,” which often extends from early January into March, there’s a special comfort in indulging in desserts that are both simple to make and evoke a sense of cherished nostalgia. These are the sweet treats that bring warmth and … Read more

Velvet Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies

Irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Guide As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin baking. If you’ve ever found yourself with half a can of pumpkin puree after making a delicious autumn treat, you know the quest for a new … Read more

Sunshine Citrus Cake

The Ultimate Pig Pickin’ Cake Recipe: A Southern Mandarin Orange Delight The very name, Pig Pickin’ Cake, evokes images of sunny Southern gatherings, lively barbecues, and the kind of relaxed hospitality that North Carolina is famous for. While the “Pig Pickin’” itself refers to a traditional hog roast where guests literally “pick” meat from the … Read more

Trader Joe’s Zesty Lemon Curd Tart

Effortlessly Elegant: The Ultimate Lemon Curd Tart with Trader Joe’s Curd and a Flaky Olive Oil Crust

There’s something truly special about a homemade dessert, but sometimes, even the most dedicated bakers appreciate a little help from the store. My recent culinary adventure began with a delightful surprise in my stocking: a jar of Trader Joe’s lemon curd. While I often find myself whisking up a batch from scratch, making lemon curd isn’t exactly my favorite kitchen task. So, the opportunity to try a store-bought version for this Lemon Curd Tart was a welcome change, promising to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Upon tasting the Trader Joe’s lemon curd, I was pleasantly surprised. It proved to be noticeably richer and thicker than my usual homemade batches, and just a touch sweeter, which beautifully complemented the tartness of the lemon. Overall, it was a fantastic find and absolutely perfect for crafting this exquisite Lemon Curd Tart. This ready-made ingredient drastically cut down on prep time, making a sophisticated dessert surprisingly accessible.

The Secret to a Perfect Crust: Olive Oil and Butter

This particular tart recipe draws its inspiration from a wonderful creation by Bon Appetit. For those who enjoy the process, the original recipe even includes instructions for making your own lemon curd. However, the true star of this dessert, beyond the vibrant lemon filling, is its remarkable crust. Unlike traditional all-butter pastry, this recipe ingeniously combines both olive oil and butter. This unique duo results in a pastry that is wonderfully rich, incredibly crumbly, and bakes to a soft, almost cookie-like texture. The olive oil imparts a subtle depth of flavor and contributes to an unbelievably tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth.

Using olive oil in a dessert crust might seem unconventional to some, but it’s a technique that’s been embraced by many pastry chefs for its ability to create a delicate and distinctive texture. The combination with butter ensures that classic rich flavor while the olive oil prevents the crust from becoming overly heavy or dense. It’s a game-changer for tart crusts, offering a delightful contrast to the bright, tangy lemon curd.