No-Bake Lemon Tart with Raspberries & Basil

For the Topping:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or more, depending on how much you love them!)
• Fresh basil leaves (about 6-8 leaves), finely chopped or whole for garnish

Instructions for Making the No-Bake Lemon Tart with Raspberries & Basil

1. Prepare the Crust

Start by preparing the crust. In a food processor or a large plastic bag, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can also use digestive biscuits or even a cookie of your choice for a different flavor. Add the sugar (if using) and melted butter to the crumbs and stir until everything is well combined.

Next, press the mixture into the bottom of a tart pan or pie dish (about 9 inches in diameter), making sure it’s evenly distributed and compacted. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to help. Once the crust is in place, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to set.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust is chilling, prepare the creamy lemon filling. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.

The sweetened condensed milk will give the filling a rich, velvety texture, while the lemon juice and zest provide that fresh, tangy kick that makes this tart so irresistible.

3. Assemble the Tart

Once the crust has firmed up in the fridge, spread the lemon filling evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a neat finish. After the filling is spread out evenly, place the tart back in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s set.

4. Prepare the Toppings

While the tart is chilling, prepare the fresh toppings. Gently wash the raspberries and pat them dry with a paper towel. If you’re using basil leaves, finely chop them or leave them whole for a garnish. The combination of raspberries and basil adds a beautiful contrast to the tart’s creamy filling and enhances the overall flavor profile.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the tart has set, it’s time to garnish. Arrange the fresh raspberries on top of the tart in a decorative pattern, and sprinkle the chopped basil over the raspberries. If you prefer a more subtle basil flavor, leave the basil in larger leaves and place them on top as a garnish.

Cut into slices and serve chilled for a refreshing, summer-perfect dessert!

Why This No-Bake Lemon Tart is Perfect for Summer

1. Cool and Refreshing: The tartness of the lemon combined with the freshness of the raspberries and basil makes this dessert the perfect way to end a hot summer day.
2. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and no baking required, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without the time or heat involved in baking.
3. Versatile: You can easily customize this tart by swapping out raspberries for other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries. The basil can also be omitted if you prefer a more classic lemon and berry flavor.
4. Great for Entertaining: The tart is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The vibrant red raspberries and green basil leaves create a beautiful contrast against the creamy lemon filling, making it an elegant dessert for any gathering or dinner party.

Tips and Variations

• Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you like your desserts on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the sugar in the crust or the lemon filling, or drizzle a little honey over the raspberries before serving.
• Use a Springform Pan: If you don’t have a tart pan, a springform pan works just as well. It will give you a similar presentation, and it’s easier to remove the tart from the pan when serving.
• Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy condensed milk option.
• Frozen Berries: If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them as a topping.

Conclusion: A Light, Flavorful Dessert for Any Occasion

This No-Bake Lemon Tart with Raspberries & Basil is the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and refreshing. It’s a light yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for those warm summer days when you crave something cool and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

With its bright citrus flavor, creamy filling, and vibrant berry and basil topping, this tart is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this easy-to-make tart will undoubtedly leave everyone impressed and asking for the recipe.

So, gather your ingredients, whip up this no-bake tart, and enjoy a slice (or two) of pure summer bliss!