Imbolc Inspired Recipe Series: Citrus Sun Tart

Photography by Cats Coming Written by Bruja Magazine

Imbolc marks the quiet midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is a festival of subtle return. The light is not yet strong, but it is growing. Beneath frozen soil, seeds begin to stir. The days lengthen slowly. Life whispers instead of announces.

Foods prepared at Imbolc traditionally reflect this in between state. They are simple, warming, and symbolic. Citrus fruits have become strongly associated with Imbolc because of their golden color and bright, awakening flavor. Oranges, blood oranges, lemons, and grapefruits mirror the returning sun and the rekindling of inner fire.

Baked goods are also central to Imbolc traditions. Bread, tarts, and oat based pastries represent hearth, survival, and continuity. They honor the warmth of the home and the steady nourishment that carried people through winter.

This Citrus Sun Tart brings these elements together. A buttery crust representing hearth and grounding. A gently sweet filling representing nourishment and comfort. Fresh citrus arranged in a sun pattern representing the growing light.

This is not a dessert meant to overwhelm.

It is meant to warm.
To brighten.
To remind the body that spring is coming.

In Kitchen Alchemy, preparing this tart can be treated as a quiet ritual. As you zest, stir, and arrange the citrus, you may hold an intention for gentle renewal, steady growth, and the return of vitality.

Citrus Sun Tart (Imbolc Inspired)

Serves: 8
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt

For the Filling

¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup almond flour (optional but recommended)

For the Topping

2 to 3 oranges or blood oranges, thinly sliced
Optional drizzle of honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

To make the crust, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and cold water. Gently mix until dough comes together.

Press dough evenly into a tart pan. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.

For the filling, cream together butter and sugar until light and smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add citrus zest, orange juice, vanilla, and almond flour. Mix until fully combined.

Pour filling into the partially baked crust.

Arrange citrus slices in a circular sun pattern on top of the filling.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until center is set and lightly golden.

Optional: While still warm, lightly drizzle with honey.

Allow to cool before slicing.

Symbolic Notes

Oranges and citrus represent returning light, vitality, and solar energy.
Butter and eggs represent fertility, nourishment, and life force.
Baking represents hearth magic, warmth, and protection.

You may choose to cut the first slice as an offering to the returning sun, your ancestors, or simply in gratitude for making it through winter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Pairs beautifully with herbal tea, warm milk, or chamomile.

This tart honors Imbolc not through extravagance, but through intention.

It celebrates the quiet promise of life.

The slow return of warmth.

The soft yes of spring.