Lemon Curd Recipe That’s Homemade and Zesty

Every homemade lemon curd brings a burst of sunshine to your kitchen, reinventing ordinary ingredients into a silky, tangy delight.

Bright citrus notes dance across your palate with an irresistible smoothness that commercial versions can never match.

Professional and home bakers alike treasure this classic condiment for its incredible versatility and rich, creamy texture.

Careful technique matters when crafting this delicate spread, requiring patience and precise temperature control.

Sweet-tart flavors mingle elegantly, creating a complex taste profile that elevates desserts and breakfast treats.

Simple ingredients come together through a delicate cooking process that demands gentle attention and constant stirring.

Your culinary skills will shine as you master this elegant, smooth confection.

What Makes Lemon Curd So Addictive

• Savor Tangy Brightness: Bursting with vibrant lemon flavor, this homemade curd delivers a zesty punch that awakens your taste buds with its perfectly balanced sweet-tart profile.
• Whip Up Effortlessly: With just 18 minutes of total time and simple ingredients, this recipe offers a foolproof method for creating a luxurious spread that looks and tastes gourmet without complex techniques.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Perfect for spreading on scones, filling pastries, topping desserts, or enjoying straight from the spoon, this lemon curd transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Smooth Silky Texture: The careful cooking process ensures a velvety, glossy consistency that melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious treat that feels like a professional bakery creation right in your own kitchen.

Must-Have Ingredients for Lemon Curd

• Lemon Juice: Bright, fresh juice from ripe lemons that gives the curd its signature tangy flavor. Fresh-squeezed is best for maximum zestiness.
• Lemon Rind: Adds intense citrus aroma and enhances the lemon's natural essential oils. Finely grated for smooth texture.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to set the curd. Granulated white sugar works perfectly for smooth consistency.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the curd and provides a silky, stable texture. Ensures a consistent, smooth final product.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Create the rich, creamy base of the curd. Large eggs ensure proper binding and smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, glossy finish, and helps create a luxurious, smooth mouthfeel. Room temperature works best for easy incorporation.

How to Whip Up Homemade Lemon Curd

Step 1: Create Dry Base

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. This creates a smooth foundation for your lemon curd.

Step 2: Add Liquid Components

Gently pour lemon juice into the dry mixture, then crack eggs and whisk thoroughly. Blend until the mixture looks uniform and no egg streaks remain.

Step 3: Heat and Stir

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir with a whisk to prevent any burning or sticking. The constant motion helps create a silky texture.

Step 4: Reach Boiling Point

Keep stirring until the mixture reaches a full boil. The consistency will start to thicken and become glossy.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Continue stirring for one minute until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.

Step 6: Incorporate Butter and Zest

• Softened butter
• Fresh lemon zest

Stir gently until butter melts completely, creating a luxurious shine.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Transfer the lemon curd to a clean bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

Sweet Tips for Silky Lemon Curd

• Whisk Continuously: Prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture by whisking constantly during cooking to distribute heat evenly.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat and stir frequently to avoid scorching or curdling the mixture.
• Strain for Silkiness: Pass the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits for an ultra-smooth consistency.
• Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic brightness in your curd.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the lemon curd to cool completely in the refrigerator, which helps it set and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Save and Reuse Lemon Curd Like a Pro

• Refrigeration: Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure the surface is covered with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled lemon curd to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Reheating: Gently warm lemon curd in the microwave using short 10-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, use a double boiler to warm slowly, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Best Ways to Pair Lemon Curd

• Elevate with Scones: Spread this tangy lemon curd on warm, freshly baked scones for a classic British-inspired breakfast or afternoon tea treat.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio alongside the lemon curd, as its citrusy notes complement the bright, zesty flavor.
• Create Dessert Magic: Layer the lemon curd between shortbread cookies or use as a filling for delicate pastry tarts, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious dessert experience.
• Breakfast Bliss: Swirl the lemon curd into Greek yogurt or spread on toasted brioche for a delightful morning indulgence that balances sweet and tart flavors.

Fun Twists on Classic Lemon Curd

• Tropical Citrus Fusion: Replace lemon juice with a blend of orange and passion fruit juice for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that brings sunshine to your dessert.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Infuse the curd with dried lavender buds during cooking, creating a delicate floral undertone that elevates the classic lemon taste.
• Ginger Zinger: Add finely grated fresh ginger to the mixture for a warm, spicy kick that complements the tangy lemon and adds depth to the curd's complexity.
• Honey Lemon Silk: Swap half the sugar with local honey, introducing a rich, smooth sweetness that softens the citrus edge and creates a more nuanced spread.

Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth lemon curd brings zesty sunshine to your dessert table with European elegance. Rich with fresh citrus and creamy butter, this classic spread promises tangy indulgence that elevates scones, tarts, and morning toast.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice (approximately 5 lemons)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (225 g) granulated sugar

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

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Instructions

1. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Pour lemon juice into the dry ingredients, then incorporate eggs thoroughly, mixing until smooth and uniform.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat, continuously stirring with a whisk to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
4. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining constant whisking to create a silky texture.
5. Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer for precisely one minute until the curd thickens substantially.
6. Immediately remove from heat source and introduce butter and finely grated lemon rind, gently stirring until butter completely dissolves.
7. Transfer the luscious mixture to a clean bowl, allowing natural cooling at room temperature.
8. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of six hours or overnight.
9. As the curd chills, it will continue to set and develop a luxurious, spreadable consistency.

Notes

• Whisk together dry ingredients to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
• Constant stirring prevents egg scrambling and maintains silky consistency.
• Cooling overnight intensifies bright citrus flavor and helps curd set perfectly thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg