This Homemade lemon curd is so silky and full of citrus flavor. I'm always surprised by how easy it is to make, and I love keeping a jar ready for toast or quick desserts.
I used to think making lemon curd would be tricky, but it turned out to be one of the easiest things to put together. Just a few simple ingredients transform into something silky, sweet, and perfectly tangy.
Some days I'll spoon it over plain yogurt for a quick treat, and other times I'll use it to dress up a dessert when I want it to feel a bit more special. No matter how I serve it, lemon curd always adds a bright, fresh touch that makes everything better.
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🧾Lemon Curd Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Fresh Lemons: I always use both the zest and juice; the zest brings that fragrant citrus aroma, while the juice gives the curd its sharp, tangy kick.
- Eggs and Yolks: Whole eggs with extra yolks make the curd thick and velvety, which is exactly the texture I look for.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness to soften the lemon's bite without taking away its brightness.
- Unsalted Butter: I stir it in at the end because it melts down smoothly and gives the curd its glossy, silky finish.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Lemon Curd
You can find the complete printable Lemon Curd recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and juice in a heatproof bowl until smooth.
2. Place over simmering water and whisk constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, whisk in butter until fully melted, then strain through a fine sieve.
4. Pour lemon curd into sterilized jars, let cool, and refrigerate until ready to use.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Keep the Heat Gentle: A double boiler setup keeps the eggs from cooking too quickly and ensures a smooth texture.
Add the Butter Slowly: I like adding the butter a few pieces at a time so it melts evenly and blends in without separating.
Chill Before Using: Let the curd cool completely in the fridge before spreading or filling; it thickens more as it chills and holds its shape better.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
Lemon curd is a smooth, creamy spread made from fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and butter. It's cooked gently until thickened, giving it a silky texture and a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
🍋More Lemon Recipes to Try!
If you love using lemons when you are cooking, then check out the following recipes for inspiration:
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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Recipe
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 120 g Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 125 ml Lemon Juice
- 100 g Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Set the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Take the bowl off the heat and whisk in the unsalted butter until fully melted and combined.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine sieve into a clean bowl for a smooth finish.
- Pour into sterilized jars and let cool before placing in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Rihanna says
This lemon curd looks absolutely beautiful, so silky and bright! I love how versatile it is too; I can already imagine spooning it over yogurt in the morning or spreading it on warm scones for tea.