This easy lemon curd recipe is rich and tangy with a bright citrus flavor. Keep a jar of this curd in the fridge to spread on crepes or scones. Add it to cake fillings, swirl into yogurt or top off pancakes fresh from the griddle.
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What is lemon curd
Lemon curd is a sweet and citrusy spread made from lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter. It is used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: cut the butter into ½" cubes and keep in refrigerator
- Granulated Sugar
- Egg yolks: save those egg whites for an omelet, meringue cookies or macarons
- Lemon juice: use freshly squeezed or a high-quality bottled juice. I like the Nellie & Joe's.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
The process involves cooking the egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice together on a stovetop. The ingredients are cooked over low heat until they thicken to a custard-like consistency. Then, cold butter cubes are stirred into the hot curd.
See the recipe card below for more details.
Lemon curd uses
Lemon curd can be used in various ways. Consider one of the following:
- Cake fillings: lighten the curd with whipped cream
- Lemon Thumbprint Cookies: Use the curd to fill thumbprint cookies.
- Toast, crepes or scones: Spread on a bit of the curd and enjoy!
- Pies and Tarts: Spread a layer of lemon curd in baked pie shells. Add a topping of fresh berries for a refreshing dessert.
Equipment
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for making the lemon curd. This allows for more even heat distribution and lessens the possibility of burning the curd.
Storage
Store the curd in a clean, airtight container for up to 10 days in your refrigerator. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
Top tips
While the curd is still warm, place it in a container and press plastic wrap against the top. This will help prevent a skin from forming on the curd.
Lemon curd can be a unique and thoughtful homemade gift. Package it in decorative jars, add a personalized label and ribbon, and give it to friends or friends.
📋 Recipe
Lemon Curd Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Hand whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Granulated sugar
- 8 Large Egg yolks
- ½ Cup Lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into ½" cubes
Instructions
- Combine the lemon juice, egg yolks and granulated sugar in a small saucepan.1 Cup Granulated sugar, ½ Cup Lemon juice (fresh or bottled), 8 Large Egg yolks
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue to heat for 3 - 5 minutes until mixture thickens and begins to simmer (temperature will be approximately 180 ℉).
- Remove saucepan from the heat and stir in cold butter. Continue stirring until all the butter has melted.8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cold and cut into ½" cubes
- Optional if any lumps formed in curd: Strain curd through a sieve placed over a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Press plastic wrap over the top of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Place in refrigerator until cooled completely.
Nutrition
Related
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Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Giangi Townsend says
I am so in love with your lemon curd, and I always keep a jar in the refrigerator. You ne ver know when it will come in handy.
Thank you for your recipe.
dessertswithstephanie says
Aw Giangi, thanks for letting me know.
Jessica says
I made this lemon curd today and OMG was it delicious! So bright, fresh and delectable!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for letting me know, Jessica. So pleased the recipe worked well for you.
Gloria says
I love lemon curd. I could (and do) eat it by the spoonful. Such a great recipe.
Mary says
Love this lemon curd recipe. Made it with Meyer lemons and ate it with a spoon. Yum.
dessertswithstephanie says
Mary, yes, Meyer lemons are the best! Thank you for your review.
Andréa Janssen says
I wanted to make lemon curd cupcakes and was looking for a delicious recipe to make the lemon curd from scratch. So glad I found this recipe!
Gloria says
I can eat lemon curd by the spoonful. So easy to make, and so much better than store bought.
Connie Grigg says
Brilliant. I am always looking for ways to use lemons- never thought of lemon curd. Never knew it was so simple! Thank you for this beautiful recipe. Yum!