Creating a French Lemon Cream Tart might seem daunting, but by following these straightforward steps, you can achieve this impressive dessert:

1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Blend well.
– Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
– Add the egg yolk and cold water, and mix until a dough forms.

2. Shape and Bake the Crust:
– Press the dough into a tart pan evenly along the bottom and up the sides.
– Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and cool.

3. Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:
– In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
– Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
– Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl.

4. Add the Cream:
– Allow the strained lemon mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth.
– Pour the lemon cream filling into the cooled tart shell.

5. Bake the Tart:
– Return the tart to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
– Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

6. Chill:
– Once cooled, refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld perfectly.

7. Serve:
– Before serving, you can add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lemon slices or zest for a stunning presentation.