Name: Lemon Curd Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

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Sunshine in a jar — that’s the magic of Lemon Curd. This vibrant, silky-smooth spread boasts a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and transforms ordinary treats into bright, luscious delights. Whether you’re dolloping it over a warm scone, swirling it into creamy yogurt, or savoring it straight off the spoon, Lemon Curd never fails to lift your spirits with its irresistible citrus zing. Trust me, after making this once, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up Lemon Curd! Each ingredient brings its own special magic, from fresh lemons that brighten every bite to creamy butter for a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and why it matters):

3 large eggs: These give the curd its rich, satiny structure and help thicken it just right.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness and balances the tart lemon.
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons): Fresh juice sets the zippy citrus flavor apart—bottled juice just can’t compete.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: The zest holds the lemon’s aromatic oils, giving a bold, fresh punch of flavor and that gorgeous yellow color.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Butter dissolves in at the end to make the Lemon Curd extra smooth and add richness.

How to Make Lemon Curd

Step 1: Whisk the Base

Grab a medium saucepan and vigorously whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until your mixture is totally smooth and even. This first blend ensures you won’t end up with scrambled eggs later—plus, it starts dissolving the sugar and melding all those bright flavors.

Step 2: Cook Gently Over Heat

Set the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly as the mixture warms up. Slowly but surely, you’ll see it thicken—usually in about 8 to 10 minutes. The key is patience: don’t walk away, and don’t let it boil! Boiling can give you scrambled eggs, not that silky Lemon Curd we’re after. The curd is ready when it coats the back of your spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly start adding your butter, a few pieces at a time. Whisk until each addition melts in completely before adding the next. The butter makes the curd glossy, supple, and utterly indulgent.

Step 4: Strain for Perfection

To ensure irresistibly smooth Lemon Curd, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This skips out any bits of zest, rogue egg whites, or curdled pieces, leaving you with a flawless finish every time.

Step 5: Cool & Chill

Let your curd cool just a bit—otherwise, hot Lemon Curd will steam up your storage container! Transfer it carefully into a jar or airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling not only allows it to fully thicken, but also intensifies the flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Curd

Lemon Curd Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a pretty garnish! Try topping your Lemon Curd with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest, airy whipped cream, a scattering of fresh berries, or even a sprig of fresh mint. A little visual flair makes each spoonful feel super special.

Side Dishes

Lemon Curd is more versatile than you might think. Pair it with freshly baked scones, warm toast, buttery croissants, or pancakes for a dreamy breakfast or brunch. It also makes a delicious sidekick to plain Greek yogurt, granola, or even vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination soar! Use Lemon Curd as a cupcake filling, layer it into trifles, swirl it through cheesecake batter, or drizzle it on top of pavlova. Spoon it into tiny tart shells for effortless mini desserts, or serve it in a small jar tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Lemon Curd has cooled, seal it in an airtight jar or container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll happily last up to two weeks, staying silky and fresh for spreading, swirling, and spooning whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

Yes, Lemon Curd freezes beautifully! Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, just move it to the fridge overnight and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Lemon Curd if serving it chilled, but if you like it a touch warmer, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Alternatively, microwave it in short 10-second bursts, pausing to stir after each. Never bring it to a boil.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for Lemon Curd. The flavor is so much brighter and more complex compared to bottled juice, which tends to be more acidic and less aromatic. If possible, squeeze those lemons!

How do I know if my curd has thickened enough?

Your Lemon Curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a clear line with your finger that holds its shape. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook to avoid curdling.

What if my curd curdles?

Don’t panic! Immediately remove it from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve. As long as you catch it early, most curdled bits can be rescued this way, leaving you with smooth Lemon Curd.

Is this recipe safe for kids or pregnant women?

Yes, the eggs in Lemon Curd are cooked gently over medium heat until they reach a safe temperature. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully so the curd thickens properly.

Can I make Lemon Curd dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative. The result may be slightly less creamy, but you’ll still have luscious, tangy Lemon Curd to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried homemade Lemon Curd, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen and why friends always ask for a jar. Bursting with citrusy brightness and utterly versatile, it’s pure happiness in every spoonful. I hope you give this a try and share your delicious creations with those you love!

Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the bright, tangy flavor of homemade Lemon Curd with this easy recipe. Perfect as a filling, topping, or spread, this versatile condiment will elevate your desserts and snacks with a burst of citrus goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggs

3 large eggs

Granulated Sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

Lemon Juice

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)

Lemon Zest

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, cook while whisking constantly until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid boiling.
Finish the Curd: Remove from heat, whisk in butter until smooth. Strain through a sieve, cool slightly, then store.