These Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartlets are a refreshing dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. Each tartlet features a crisp pastry shell filled with silky grapefruit curd and topped with juicy ruby red grapefruit segments. They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make at home.
Ingredients
For the Tart Shells:
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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¼ tsp salt
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1 large egg yolk
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1–2 tbsp cold water
For the Grapefruit Curd:
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¾ cup fresh ruby red grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)
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2 tsp grapefruit zest
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¾ cup sugar
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3 large eggs
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
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Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
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Fresh ruby red grapefruit segments
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Whipped cream or mint leaves (optional)
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 25 minutes
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Chill time: 1 hour
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Serving
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Makes 6 tartlets
Instructions
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Prepare the Tart Dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and rub with fingertips or use a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. -
Chill:
Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. -
Bake the Tart Shells:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit tartlet pans. Press dough into the pans and prick the bottoms with a fork.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely. -
Make the Grapefruit Curd:
In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, grapefruit juice, zest, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 7–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. -
Chill the Curd:
Pour the curd into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it against the surface), and refrigerate until cool and set — about 30 minutes. -
Assemble the Tartlets:
Spoon the chilled grapefruit curd into the cooled tart shells. Top each with fresh grapefruit segments and a dollop of whipped cream or a mint leaf if desired.
Nutrition (per tartlet)
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Calories: 310
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 17g
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Sugar: 21g
Tips
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For extra shine, brush the grapefruit segments with a little warmed apricot jam.
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You can make both the tart shells and curd a day ahead — assemble before serving.
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Try a shortbread-style crust for added sweetness or a graham cracker crust for a more casual version.
These Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartlets bring a burst of color and bright citrus flavor to your dessert table — light, tangy, and irresistibly elegant.
