Dreamy Lemon Curd Recipe: Sunshine in Every Spoonful

Whisking together a creamy lemon curd brings sunshine into your kitchen with minimal effort.

Sweet-tart flavors burst from this silky mixture that transforms ordinary desserts.

Citrus lovers appreciate how simple ingredients create something magical.

Zesty lemons provide the perfect balance between tangy and smooth textures.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this classic spread that works beautifully on scones or as a cake filling.

Homemade versions surpass store-bought options with fresh, vibrant notes.

You’ll savor every spoonful of this delightful treat that connects comfort and elegance.

Let’s unlock the secret to creating restaurant-quality lemon curd right in your own space.

Lemon Curd With Bright, Smooth, And Tangy Notes

• Whisk Up Simplicity: Perfect for novice cooks with minimal kitchen skills needed to create this delightful spread.
• Quick Citrus Magic: Transforms just five ingredients into a luxurious, tangy dessert topping in under 15 minutes of active cooking time.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevates everything from toast and scones to cake fillings and dessert toppings with its bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Stress-Free Preservation: Stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for spontaneous entertaining or personal indulgence.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Curd

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the lemon curd, helping it thicken and set smoothly.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the lemons.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor and aromatic essence. Fresh lemons work best, with ripe, firm fruits giving the most juice and zest.

• Butter: Creates a silky, smooth texture and adds rich, luxurious flavor. Room temperature butter blends more easily into the curd.

Lemon Curd Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Egg Mixture

In a medium saucepan, create a smooth base by whisking together eggs, sugar, and salt until they blend perfectly into a pale, creamy mixture.

Make sure to whisk thoroughly to eliminate any sugar granules and create a uniform texture.

Step 2: Add Citrus Punch

Pour in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle zesty lemon zest into the egg mixture.

Stir gently to distribute the bright, tangy flavors evenly throughout the base.

The combination will create an aromatic and vibrant citrus blend.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Butter

Place the saucepan on medium heat and drop in soft butter.

Begin stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

The butter will melt and integrate into the mixture, creating a rich and smooth consistency.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Keep stirring the mixture constantly to prevent scorching.

Watch as the lemon curd transforms and thickens, developing a luxurious, custard-like texture.

The cooking process takes about 8-10 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the curd coats the back of your spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it.

Step 5: Strain for Silky Smoothness

Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

This step eliminates any potential egg bits or zest chunks, ensuring a silky-smooth final product.

Step 6: Chill and Store

Allow the lemon curd to cool at room temperature for a few minutes.

Once it’s no longer steaming, transfer the curd to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigerate until completely chilled, which typically takes about 2 hours.

The curd will continue to thicken as it cools.

Expert Tips for Lemon Curd

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution for smooth, silky lemon curd.
• Always strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove egg bits and create a luxuriously creamy texture.
• Cook the mixture on medium heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling and achieve the perfect thick consistency.
• Keep lemon curd refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant flavor and maximum zest impact in your homemade curd.

Lemon Curd Can Be Stored And Enjoyed Again Smoothly

• Store homemade lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Transfer cooled lemon curd to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Gently warm the lemon curd in short 10-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval to maintain smooth consistency. Alternatively, use a double boiler for slow, even heating.
• Always inspect for any signs of spoilage like unusual odor, mold, or separation before consuming stored lemon curd.

Pair Up with Lemon Curd

• Pair with Delicate Scones: Serve warm, freshly baked scones alongside the bright, tangy lemon curd for a classic British-inspired treat that brings out the citrusy notes.
• Complement with Chamomile Tea: The soft, floral undertones of chamomile tea beautifully balance the sharp, zesty flavor of the lemon curd, creating a soothing and refreshing combination.
• Match with Lavender Shortbread Cookies: The subtle, aromatic lavender in buttery shortbread provides a delicate counterpoint to the intense lemon flavor, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Enhance with Crème Fraîche: Top the lemon curd with a dollop of creamy crème fraîche to add a rich, smooth texture that softens the citrus tang and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

Rhubarb Muffins Combos

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a lactose-free version that maintains a silky texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the bright lemon flavor.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme or lavender during cooking to create a unique herbal undertone that complements the citrusy base.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace eggs with cornstarch and additional lemon juice to thicken the curd, using plant-based butter for a completely vegan-friendly recipe.

FAQs

• Why strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve?

Straining removes any cooked egg bits and ensures a smooth, silky texture without lumps or scrambled egg pieces that might have formed during cooking.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always recommended because it provides better flavor and brightness compared to bottled juice, which can taste slightly flat or artificial.

• How do I know when the lemon curd is done cooking?

The curd is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, which typically takes 8-10 minutes of constant stirring.

• Is it normal for the mixture to look slightly curdled during cooking?

Yes, it’s normal for the mixture to look slightly uneven or curdled at first, but continuous stirring and consistent heat will help create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth lemon curd brings Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Bright citrus notes dance through this classic spread, promising a delightful experience that elevates baked goods and breakfast treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup lemon juice (from 3 to 4 medium lemons)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into slices at room temperature

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Combine eggs, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform base.
2. Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant lemon zest into the egg mixture, blending until well integrated.
3. Position the saucepan over medium heat, gently introducing cold butter while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
4. Maintain constant gentle stirring as the mixture gradually transforms, watching for a thick, silky consistency that elegantly clings to a wooden spoon.
5. Once the curd reaches a luxurious, custard-like texture and coats the utensil smoothly, carefully remove from heat.
6. Position a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl, meticulously filtering the lemon curd to eliminate any potential egg fragments or zest pieces.
7. Allow the strained curd to rest and cool slightly at room temperature, preventing rapid temperature changes that might compromise its delicate texture.
8. Transfer the velvety lemon curd into a pristine glass jar, sealing and nestling it in the refrigerator to achieve complete chilling and optimal flavor development.

Notes

• Whisk eggs thoroughly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Strain the curd while it’s warm to catch any potential egg bits, creating an ultra-smooth, professional-quality spread.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, using it as a versatile topping for desserts, scones, or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg