Irresistible No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Tart with Passion Fruit
Craving a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to make? This creamy, sweet, and tangy Lemon Mascarpone Tart is your answer! Featuring a crisp sweet pastry shell filled with a luscious blend of smooth mascarpone cheese, bright lemon curd, and exotic passion fruit, then finished with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, it’s an absolute dream. This no-bake masterpiece is not only bursting with vibrant, tropical flavors but also comes together in just about 10 minutes of active prep time, making it the perfect fuss-free dessert for any occasion.
As the weather warms and days grow longer, this delightful tart emerges as an ideal spring and summer treat. Its light texture and captivating appearance make it a superb choice for casual family gatherings, festive BBQs, or elegant garden parties. Imagine the compliments as you serve this stunning dessert, promising a taste of sunshine in every bite.
“Absolutely delicious! The lemon and passion fruit go together perfectly in this not-too-sweet dessert…”★★★★★
– Ana
Just like our popular Raspberry Mascarpone Tart recipe, this version is designed for ultimate convenience, utilizing a readily available store-bought sweet pastry shell. This clever shortcut saves you significant preparation time and eliminates the need to even turn on your oven, allowing you to enjoy a homemade-tasting dessert with minimal effort. However, if you prefer the satisfaction of a truly from-scratch creation, you can certainly opt to bake your own tart shell. For those interested in mastering the art of homemade pastry, feel free to explore our recipe for Classic Lemon Meringue Pie, which includes instructions for a perfect tart crust.
Why You’ll Adore This Lemon Mascarpone Tart
Beyond its dazzling appearance and refreshing taste, there are countless reasons why this lemon mascarpone tart with passion fruit will become a staple in your dessert repertoire:
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its sophisticated look, this tart is surprisingly easy to assemble, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- No-Bake Wonder: Ideal for hot summer days or when you simply don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
- Tropical Flavor Fusion: The zesty lemon combined with the sweet-tart punch of passion fruit creates an unforgettable tropical symphony.
- Creamy & Crunchy Texture: The smooth mascarpone filling beautifully contrasts with the crunchy pistachios and passion fruit seeds.
- Quick Preparation: Ready to chill in just 10 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute dessert option.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various fruits and flavors to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for a special event or a simple yet satisfying treat, this tart delivers on all fronts.
Essential Ingredients for Your Tart
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You only need 6 core components to create this spectacular lemon mascarpone tart:
- Sweet Pastry Shell (Medium, 24 cm / 9-inch): For ultimate ease and time-saving, we highly recommend using a ready-made, shop-bought sweet tart case. These can typically be found in the baking aisle of most major supermarkets, saving you from the fuss of making pastry from scratch. Ensure it is fully baked and cooled.
- Mascarpone Cheese (Full Fat): This Italian cream cheese provides the unparalleled smooth, rich, and velvety texture that defines our tart. It is crucial that the mascarpone is **cold** when you begin, not at room temperature, to ensure proper whipping and stability.
- Double Cream (Heavy Cream): This ingredient is essential for stabilizing the mascarpone filling, preventing it from becoming too loose, and enhancing its richness and creamy consistency. Like the mascarpone, the double cream should be **cold** for best results.
- Lemon Curd: The star of the show, delivering that characteristic sweet and tangy lemon flavor. You can choose between a high-quality shop-bought lemon curd for convenience or a homemade version for an extra touch of artisanal flavor.
- Passion Fruit: These tropical gems add a delightful, tart, and fragrant dimension, along with a pleasant crunch from their edible seeds. They are key to the vibrant, tropical burst of flavor in this dessert.
- Pistachios (Unsalted, Raw): Chopped pistachios provide a wonderful textural contrast and a beautiful pop of green color, elevating the visual appeal and adding a subtle nutty flavor. Using unsalted pistachios ensures the dessert remains perfectly sweet.
A full list of ingredients and precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
While this Lemon Mascarpone Tart recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile, allowing for creative adjustments to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Lemon Curd Options: You have the flexibility to use either high-quality homemade or store-bought lemon curd. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own, our Homemade Lemon Curd recipe offers a fantastic guide. Homemade curd often provides an even fresher and more intense lemon flavor.
- Alternative Flavor Profiles: For a delightful twist, consider swapping the lemon curd entirely. Stem ginger preserve offers a warm, spicy counterpoint to the creamy mascarpone. Alternatively, a small amount of finely chopped stem ginger stirred into the mascarpone with a drizzle of clear honey can create a uniquely comforting flavor.
- Indulgent Chocolate Version: For chocolate lovers, a luxurious variation involves adding some cooled, melted white chocolate to the mascarpone mixture before folding in the double cream and lemon curd. This introduces a subtle sweetness and a richer texture. You could also take it a step further by pouring a thin layer of cooled melted chocolate into the bottom of the pastry case before adding the mascarpone filling, creating a hidden layer of chocolate delight.
- Dairy Swaps: If you’re looking for an alternative to double cream (heavy cream), full-fat Greek yogurt can be used. Be aware that while it will still taste delicious, the texture of the filling might not be as stable or firm as with heavy cream due to the difference in fat content. It will lean towards a lighter, tangier profile.
- Nutty Alternatives: The pistachios provide a fantastic crunch and color. However, you can easily swap them for other favorites. Chopped, toasted hazelnuts offer a deeper, more robust nutty flavor, or feel free to use any of your preferred nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a different textural experience.
- Utilizing Leftover Lemon Curd: If you find yourself with extra lemon curd after making this tart, don’t let it go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. Why not use it to whip up a delicious Lemon Curd Cake, spread it on toast, or swirl it into yogurt for a quick breakfast treat?
Simple Steps to Your Perfect Lemon Mascarpone Tart
Creating this stunning no-bake lemon mascarpone tart is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to assemble your vibrant dessert in no time:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the cold mascarpone cheese, cold double cream, and 4 tablespoons of the lemon curd. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, soft, and easily spreadable. Be careful not to overbeat. Next, halve one of the passion fruits, scoop out its seeds and juice, and carefully fold them into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. This infuses the filling with a lovely tropical aroma and texture.
Step 2: Fill the Tart Shell. Carefully transfer the prepared mascarpone and lemon mixture into your sweet pastry shell. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, creating an even and smooth layer across the base of the tart. Ensure the filling reaches all edges for a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Add the Toppings. Drizzle the remaining lemon curd over the mascarpone filling. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds another layer of tangy sweetness. Then, halve the second passion fruit and distribute its seeds and juice evenly over the tart, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill. Generously scatter the chopped pistachios over the top of the tart. The vibrant green nuts not only add a wonderful crunch but also a beautiful contrasting color. Once garnished, place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld beautifully. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the perfect set and sliceable texture.
Serving Suggestions for Your Lemon Mascarpone Tart
Once your lemon mascarpone tart is perfectly chilled, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed! For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider these serving suggestions:
- A Dusting of Sweetness: Lightly dust the finished tart with some icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar) just before serving. This adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful, ethereal finish.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Grate a little fresh lemon zest over each slice. The aromatic oils from the zest will enhance the lemon flavor and provide a lovely pop of bright yellow color.
- Berry Bliss: Serve individual slices with a handful of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. The tartness of the berries complements the creamy lemon filling wonderfully.
- Minty Fresh: A few fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing visual and aromatic touch to each serving.
Slice with a sharp knife for clean cuts and prepare for delighted smiles!
Storage Guidelines for Optimal Freshness
To ensure your lemon mascarpone tart remains as delicious and fresh as possible, proper storage is key. Given the delicate nature of mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, adherence to these guidelines is crucial for food safety and flavor integrity.
Refrigeration is Essential: Do not allow your lemon tart to sit at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially in warmer climates. Mascarpone and heavy cream are highly perishable ingredients and require consistent chilling to prevent spoilage.
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover slices of this delectable lemon mascarpone tart should be stored promptly in the refrigerator. For best results, place the tart in an airtight container. This not only keeps it fresh but also prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your fridge and helps maintain its creamy texture by preventing drying out.
When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your tart will remain wonderfully delicious for up to 2 days. While the flavors may deepen slightly, the texture should stay largely intact.
Not Suitable for Freezing: Unfortunately, this tart is not a good candidate for freezing. The high fat content and delicate structure of mascarpone and double cream mean that freezing and thawing will likely result in a separation of ingredients, leading to a grainy or watery texture. For the best experience, enjoy this tart fresh and within the recommended refrigeration period.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Lemon Mascarpone Tart
Achieving the perfect lemon mascarpone tart is easy with a few insider tips. Pay attention to these details to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time:
- Drain Mascarpone if Needed: Sometimes, mascarpone cheese can release a small amount of liquid. If you notice any liquid around your mascarpone when you open the container, be sure to gently drain it before incorporating the cheese into your recipe. This ensures your filling has the desired thick and creamy consistency.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is a crucial tip for success with mascarpone and cream. Always use **cold mascarpone and cold double cream**. Only remove these dairy ingredients from the refrigerator once you have all your other components ready and measured. Cold ingredients whip up more effectively and provide better stability for the tart filling.
- Handle Mascarpone Gently: Mascarpone cheese has a high fat content, which makes it prone to curdling if overbeaten. When combining it with the cream and lemon curd, stir it gently at first, then beat carefully using a hand-held whisk or a spoon until just combined and smooth. Avoid aggressive or prolonged whipping. The goal is a soft, spreadable consistency, not stiff peaks like whipped cream.
- Chill Thoroughly: After assembling, make sure to chill the tart in the fridge for the recommended time (at least 20 minutes, preferably longer if possible). This allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and ensuring a firm, delightful texture.
- Don’t Let it Linger at Room Temperature: As mentioned in the storage section, this tart should not be left at room temperature for an extended period. Always store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and ensure food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Mascarpone Tart
While you technically can substitute cream cheese for mascarpone, it will significantly alter the texture and flavor of the tart. Mascarpone is known for its incredibly loose, light, and velvety texture, alongside a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet taste due to its higher fat content. Cream cheese, on the other hand, is firmer, tangier, and has a more pronounced sharp flavor. The resulting tart will be denser and have a more prominent “cheesecake” flavor rather than the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience of a true mascarpone tart. For the authentic recipe experience, mascarpone is highly recommended.
If you are using a ready-made, shop-bought pastry shell, a soggy bottom should not be an issue as these cases are typically pre-baked to a crisp finish. However, if you are making your own tart shell from scratch, a soggy bottom is usually a sign of under-baked pastry. It’s crucial to blind bake your tart shell for the full duration specified in your chosen pastry recipe. This ensures the crust is fully cooked and creates a barrier against moisture from the filling. Always allow the pastry shell to cool completely before adding the filling.
Absolutely! This lemon mascarpone tart is an excellent dessert to prepare in advance. You can assemble the entire tart, including the toppings, and keep it chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, making it a few hours ahead or even the day before allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive taste experience. Just remember to keep it cold until serving.
While fresh passion fruit adds a unique tropical crunch and intense flavor, you can still enjoy this tart without it. If fresh passion fruit is unavailable, you can omit it entirely, creating a pure lemon mascarpone tart. Alternatively, you could use a teaspoon of passion fruit puree or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup for a concentrated flavor, though you’ll miss the textural element of the seeds. For a different fruit pairing, consider a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries as a vibrant topping.
More Lemon & Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this delightful lemon mascarpone tart, you’re sure to find more favorites among these other fantastic recipes:
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Lemon Curd SlicesRating: 4.82 out of 5 stars from 16 votes
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Zesty Lemon CakeRating: 4.83 out of 5 stars from 23 votes
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Lemon Poppy Seed CupcakesRating: 5 out of 5 stars from 19 votes
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Small batch lemon drizzle cakeRating: 4.86 out of 5 stars from 28 votes
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram!
📖 Recipe: Quick & Easy Lemon Mascarpone Tart
📌 Pin Recipe
Lemon Mascarpone Tart
This easy and vibrant tart is perfect when you need a delicious dessert, but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen. Buttery pastry shell filled with creamy mascarpone, sweet lemon curd, and tropical passion fruit!
Cuisine: British
Keyword: easy tart, lemon curd tart, lemon mascarpone tart, mascarpone tart
Calories: 349kcal
Author: Anna Wierzbinska
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- spatula
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet pastry shell (24 cm / 9-inch)
- 250 g mascarpone cheese (cold)
- 50 ml double cream (heavy cream, cold)
- 6 tablespoon lemon curd (homemade or shop-bought)
- 2 small passion fruit (seeds and juice separated)
- 30 g unsalted pistachios (chopped)
Measurements are in Metric.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold mascarpone, cold double cream, and 4 tablespoons of lemon curd until soft and spreadable. Add the seeds and juice of one passion fruit and fold until just combined.
- Spoon the mascarpone mixture into the sweet pastry shell and spread in an even layer.
- Top the tart with the remaining lemon curd and the seeds and juice from the second passion fruit.
- Scatter the chopped pistachios on top of the tart. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to chill before slicing and serving.
Please note: All my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend using digital scales for accurate results. While US customary conversions are often provided, I haven’t specifically tested them.
Notes
Storage:
Do not let this lemon tart sit at room temperature for longer than a couple of hours. Mascarpone cheese and cream are very perishable, so it’s best to store it in the fridge at all times.
Any leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 days. I recommend storing the tart in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge smells and drying out.
Lemon mascarpone tart is not suitable for freezing.
Top Tips:
1. Drain any excess water from your mascarpone cheese before using it.
2. Only use cold mascarpone and cold cream. Remove them from the fridge once you have all the other ingredients ready to go.
3. Do not overbeat the mascarpone cheese. Stir it gently using a hand-held whisk or spoon to prevent it from curdling.
Nutrition Information
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Tell me how you like it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!
This post was originally published in March 2021. It has been updated with new photos, revised recipe and tips in January 2024, reflecting the latest best practices for an even more enjoyable baking experience.