Calamansi Cream Tart

Name: Calamansi Cream Tart: A zesty dessert delight awaits!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup calamansi juice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon calamansi zest; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Posted on August 12, 2025

Dessert

Introduction to Calamansi Cream Tart

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something special in the kitchen. That’s why I absolutely adore this Calamansi Cream Tart! It’s a refreshing dessert that brings a burst of zesty flavor to any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat. With its creamy filling and delightful tartness, this dessert is sure to impress your loved ones without keeping you tied to the kitchen for hours. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Why You’ll Love This Calamansi Cream Tart

This Calamansi Cream Tart is a game-changer for busy days. It’s quick to prepare, taking just under an hour from start to finish. The zesty flavor of calamansi adds a unique twist that will have your family raving about dessert. Plus, it’s a versatile treat that can be served at any gathering, making it a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. You’ll love how effortlessly it impresses!

Ingredients for Calamansi Cream Tart

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Calamansi Cream Tart. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your tart crust, giving it structure and a light texture.
Powdered sugar: It sweetens the crust and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor to the crust, making it wonderfully buttery.
Calamansi juice: The star of the show! This citrus juice brings a refreshing tartness that elevates the dessert.
Heavy cream: Whipped to perfection, it adds a luscious topping that balances the tartness of the filling.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens the filling, ensuring a delightful contrast to the tart calamansi flavor.
Large eggs: They help bind the filling together, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.
Calamansi zest: A sprinkle of zest enhances the flavor, adding a fragrant citrus note to the filling.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements the tartness beautifully.

For those looking to customize, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste or garnish with fresh calamansi slices for a pop of color. You can find calamansi juice in Asian grocery stores or online, making it easy to get your hands on this unique ingredient. Exact measurements are available at the bottom of the article for your convenience!

How to Make Calamansi Cream Tart

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making the Calamansi Cream Tart! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your tart might not set properly, and we definitely don’t want that!

Step 2: Prepare the Tart Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Then, cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture is key to a flaky crust. It should feel like sand between your fingers—light and airy!

Step 3: Bake the Tart Shell

Next, press the crumbly mixture into a tart pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden, which means it’s ready for the filling!

Step 4: Make the Calamansi Filling

While the crust is baking, let’s whip up the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the calamansi juice, granulated sugar, eggs, calamansi zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The aroma of the calamansi will make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Step 5: Bake the Filling

Once your tart shell is baked and cooled slightly, pour the calamansi mixture into the shell. Bake it for an additional 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. That’s the perfect texture!

Step 6: Cool and Whip the Cream

After baking, let the tart cool completely. This is important because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. While it cools, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This fluffy topping will add a luxurious finish to your tart!

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Finally, spread the whipped cream over the cooled tart and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling enhances the flavors and gives the tart a refreshing taste. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother filling.
Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s key for flavor and texture.
For a sweeter tart, taste the filling before baking and adjust sugar as needed.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
Garnish with fresh calamansi slices for a beautiful presentation!

Equipment Needed

Tart pan: A standard 9-inch tart pan works best, but a pie dish can be a good substitute.
Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for the crust and a medium bowl for the filling.
Whisk: A simple whisk or electric mixer will do for whipping the cream.
Pastry cutter: If you don’t have one, your fingers work just as well!

Variations of Calamansi Cream Tart

Ginger Snap Crust: Swap the traditional crust for a ginger snap cookie crust for a spicy twist that complements the tartness.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and flax eggs as a substitute for regular eggs to make a vegan-friendly version.
Fruit Topping: Top the tart with fresh berries or tropical fruits like mango for added color and flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the whipped cream for a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with calamansi.
Herbal Infusion: Infuse the cream with fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal note that elevates the dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Calamansi Cream Tart

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the tartness.
Serve alongside a refreshing mint tea or iced lemonade to enhance the zesty flavors.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
Present on a beautiful platter with calamansi slices for an eye-catching display.

FAQs about Calamansi Cream Tart

As you embark on your culinary adventure with this Calamansi Cream Tart, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way!

Can I use other citrus juices instead of calamansi?

Absolutely! While calamansi gives a unique flavor, you can substitute it with lime or lemon juice. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tart a day in advance. Just whip the cream and add it right before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I can’t find calamansi juice?

If calamansi juice is hard to find, look for bottled calamansi juice in Asian grocery stores or online. Alternatively, a mix of lime and orange juice can mimic the flavor profile.

Is this tart suitable for special diets?

This Calamansi Cream Tart is vegetarian-friendly. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust. Just be sure to check the labels!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Calamansi Cream Tart is more than just baking; it’s about bringing joy to your table. The zesty flavor and creamy texture make it a delightful treat that can brighten any day. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that feels special. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this tart is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your family to the unique taste of calamansi. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!