Homemade Lemon Curd

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

March 8, 2025

Homemade lemon curd is a tangy, sweet delight that can make any dessert shine. Imagine waking up to a warm, buttery toast topped with a generous smear of this bright yellow spread. It’s simple yet absolutely delicious! This recipe will show you how to create a creamy, luscious lemon curd that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly. With just a handful of ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Think of the versatility! You can use it in cakes, tarts, or even swirl it into your morning yogurt for a refreshing kick. Are you ready to add a splash of sunshine to your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lemon Curd
What is a Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd
How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
Prepare the Egg Mixture
Cook the Mixture
Add the Butter
Thicken the Curd
Strain the Curd
Store the Lemon Curd
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lemon Curd

This homemade lemon curd truly elevates your desserts and breakfast dishes. Just a dollop adds that burst of citrus flavor that can brighten any meal. What’s more, it’s quick and easy to prepare. You only need a few ingredients, making it more accessible than you might think.

The balance between sweet and tangy in this recipe is something your family and friends will rave about. Each spoonful brings a delightful flavor, and soon enough, they’ll be asking for seconds. From spreading it on toast to using it as a delightful filling for cakes, this lemon curd promises to impress!

What is a Homemade Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a creamy custard-like spread made from fresh lemons, eggs, and butter. This tangy treat is traditionally used for various baked goods and desserts. Whether it’s softening a scone or filling a tart, its versatility is superb. You might find it in gourmet desserts or homemade cakes, bringing a refreshing zing that many crave.

Overall, this sweet and sour combination is perfect to have on hand. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll see how easy and rewarding it is!

Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd

To whip up this delicious lemon curd, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
¾ cup (150 g) caster (superfine) sugar
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed and cold

Gather these staples, and you’re ready to start crafting your curd!

How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd

Making homemade lemon curd is a straightforward process. The steps are pretty simple, but let’s break it down so you can follow along easily.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

First, take a medium bowl and beat together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that the sugar dissolves and everything combines perfectly.

It’s best to whisk for at least a minute until it’s smooth. The lemon zest adds a wonderful aroma that you can enjoy while you prepare the next steps.

Cook the Mixture

Now, pour that delightful mixture into a small saucepan set over low-medium heat. Stir continuously to help dissolve the sugar completely. This step is essential, as it creates the foundation for your lemon curd. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to boil!

Add the Butter

As the mixture heats up, gradually add the cold, cubed butter. Stir continuously, ensuring that each piece melts and incorporates into the mixture. You’ll notice how creamy and luscious it becomes—the magic of butter!

Thicken the Curd

Continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. You want the mixture to thicken up nicely. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient, as this step helps develop the curd’s rich consistency.

Strain the Curd

To achieve a perfectly smooth texture, pour the thickened lemon curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This removes any bits of cooked egg and guarantees a velvety finish.

Store the Lemon Curd

Once strained, transfer the curd to sterilized jars. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before sealing and putting it in the refrigerator. This lemon curd will be ready to use, enhancing all your favorite dishes!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your beautiful lemon curd, let’s explore some delicious ways to enjoy it:

With Scones or Toast: Spread it on warm scones or toast for a delightful breakfast treat.
Filling for Cakes or Pastries: Use it as a tangy filling in cakes, pastries, or tarts, adding a refreshing layer.
Swirl into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stirring it into yogurt or oatmeal gives a delicious citrusy kick to your morning routine.

Each of these serving ideas offers a new way to savor your homemade lemon curd.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons give the best flavor and acidity. It truly makes a difference.
Stir Constantly: This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling. Keep the mixture moving.
Straining is Essential: Always strain your curd for that dreamy, silky texture we all love.

With these simple tips, you’re set up for success!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying these fun variations:

Lavender or Ginger: Adding a touch of lavender or ginger brings a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Different Citrus: Substitute lime or orange juice and zest for different citrus flavors, creating exciting new combinations.

Exploring variations can bring a whole new dimension to your lemon curd experience!

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How long does homemade lemon curd last?
When stored in the fridge, it can last up to 2 weeks, so enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Can I freeze lemon curd?
Yes! You can freeze lemon curd for up to 6 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
What’s the best way to use lemon curd?
Lemon curd is great on pancakes, in desserts, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful!
Is it safe to eat raw eggs in lemon curd?
Cooking the curd sufficiently lowers the risks associated with raw eggs.

Making homemade lemon curd is not only about the delicious taste; it’s about the joy of creating something fresh and delightful. With minimal effort, you get to enjoy its zesty and sweet goodness. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get started on this delightful culinary adventure today!

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