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How to Make the Perfect Lemon Curd Recipe

Indulge in the creamy and tangy delight of homemade lemon curd with our easy-to-follow recipe. Add a burst of zesty, bright flavor with the best lemon curd recipe to your favorite sweet treat and more.

lemon curd

Lemon lovers! Our homemade lemon curd recipe is here to brighten up your day and add a refreshing twist to your favorite lemon desserts, breakfast treats, and more.

The vibrant flavors and homemade goodness will leave you craving more, while also impressing your guests with its irresistible citrusy charm.

The zingy flavor of Lemon curd makes for a delightful edible gift that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Creating your own batch of lemon curd is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and our step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a jar of homemade lemon curd ready in no time at all. 

Once you experience the joy of making this tangy delight from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

lemon curd

What is Lemon Curd?

Lemon curd is a creamy, tangy spread that tastes like sunshine in a jar! It’s made from lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, all mixed together and cooked until it becomes thick and smooth. You can put it on toast, pancakes, or even use it to fill yummy pastries. It’s a burst of zesty flavor that will make your taste buds dance with delight!

lemon curd

What To Do With Lemon Curd?

Whether you spread it on warm scones, swirl it into yogurt, fill cupcakes, or layer it in a luscious lemon tart, our lemon curd is sure to bring a burst of sunshine to number of recipes.  

  • Spread it on toast.
  • Give your morning stack of pancakes or waffles a citrusy twist by drizzling lemon curd on top instead of traditional syrup.
  • Use lemon curd as a filling for crepes, doughnuts, or tart shells. 
  • Layer it in yogurt parfaits. Top with fresh berries or granola for an extra crunch.
  • Swirl a dollop of the lemon curd into ice cream
  • As a cupcake or cake filling to add a burst of flavor in each bite. 
  • Fill a pre-baked pie shell with lemon curd and top with fresh fruits or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Spread the creamy curd between two cookies, like shortbread or sugar cookies, to create a scrumptious and tangy sandwich treat.
lemon curd

How to Make Lemon Curd

Ingredients 

Fresh Lemons – For optimal outcomes, opt for high-quality, freshly picked lemons. Utilizing both the juice and zest of the lemons imparts a zesty, tangy citrus flavor in each delectable bite.

White Sugar – White sugar is a crucial ingredient in lemon curd, providing the necessary sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemons. As the sugar dissolves and combines with the other ingredients, it helps create a smooth texture.

Whole Eggs – Eggs serve as a thickening agent, flavor enhancer, and provides structure and stability to the lemon curd, resulting in a creamy, delectable texture and a well-balanced taste.

Butter – The addition of butter adds a creamy and velvety texture to the lemon curd. For best results, be sure to use cold, unsalted butter. 

lemon curd

Instructions

Whisk together the white sugar and eggs in a medium saucepan.

Add in the fresh lemon juice and fresh lemon zest and whisk the lemon mixture until combined.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly add in the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each tablespoon to melt before adding in the next tablespoon.

Once all butter has been added, continue cooking for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.

lemon curd

Remove the warm curd from the heat and allow to cool.

Cover the final product with a piece of plastic wrap and transfer the lemon curd to the fridge and let it set for 2-3 hours. It will thicken as it sets.

lemon curd

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How Long Does Lemon Curd Last?

When properly stored, lemon curd can last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

lemon curd

Can You Freeze Lemon Curd? 

Yes, you can freeze lemon curd to preserve it for later use. Here’s how you can freeze lemon curd:

Prepare the lemon curd and allow it to cool completely, transfer into airtight containers. Leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers tightly. 

Lemon curd can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen lemon curd, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature. Give it a good stir before use.

lemon curd

Should You Strain Lemon Curd After Cooking? 

Straining lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer after cooking is an optional step that can help ensure a smoother texture and remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg that may have formed during the cooking process. 

To strain the lemon curd, place the sieve or strainer over a bowl and pour the cooked curd into it. Gently press the curd through the sieve using a spatula or the back of a spoon. 

lemon curd

lemon curd

lemon curd

Lemon Curd Recipe

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
Indulge in the creamy and tangy delight of homemade lemon curd with our easy-to-follow recipe. Add a burst of zesty, bright flavor with the best lemon curd recipe to your favorite sweet treat and more.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (approximately 2 lemsons)
  • 6 Tablespoons butter

Instructions

Whisk together the white sugar and eggs in a medium saucepan.

Add in the fresh lemon juice and fresh lemon zest and whisk the lemon mixture until combined.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly add in the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each tablespoon to melt before adding in the next tablespoon.

Once all butter has been added, continue cooking for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.

Remove the warm curd from the heat and allow to cool.

Cover the final product with a piece of plastic wrap and transfer the lemon curd to the fridge and let it set for 2-3 hours. It will thicken as it sets.

Notes

How Long Does Lemon Curd Last?

When properly stored, lemon curd can last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

Can You Freeze Lemon Curd? 

Yes, you can freeze lemon curd to preserve it for later use. Here's how you can freeze lemon curd:

Prepare the lemon curd and allow it to cool completely, transfer into airtight containers. Leave some headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers tightly. 

Lemon curd can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to use the frozen lemon curd, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature. Give it a good stir before use.

Should you strain lemon curd after cooking? 

Straining lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer after cooking is an optional step that can help ensure a smoother texture and remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg that may have formed during the cooking process. 

To strain the lemon curd, place the sieve or strainer over a bowl and pour the cooked curd into it. Gently press the curd through the sieve using a spatula or the back of a spoon. 

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