Simple & Zesty Lemon Curd Recipe for Irresistible Treats

Creamy, tangy lemon curd bursts with sunshine-like flavors that dance across your palate.

Zesty citrus notes emerge from a simple blend of fresh ingredients.

Every spoonful promises pure culinary magic waiting to happen.

Whisking eggs and sugar creates a silky smooth base for this delightful spread.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this versatile recipe’s incredible simplicity.

Rich butter melts into the mixture, delivering a luxurious texture that feels like pure indulgence.

Lemon Curd Why It Stands Out

• Versatile Delight: Transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary treats by adding a tangy, creamy spread that works beautifully on scones, cakes, tarts, or as a filling for pastries.
• No-Fuss Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, allowing home cooks to create a gourmet-style condiment without complicated techniques or professional training.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Delivers a bright, zesty flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal homemade gift or crowd-pleasing dessert component for gatherings and special occasions.

Lemon Curd Ingredient Checklist

• Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus liquid that provides the signature tangy flavor for the curd.
• Lemon Zest: Bright outer layer of the lemon peel that adds intense citrus aroma and depth.

• Eggs: Natural thickening agent that helps create smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the curd and balances the lemon's tartness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness, smooth texture, and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

Lemon Curd Directions Simplified

Whisk Lemon Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and combine eggs, sugar, and kosher salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, silky mixture with no lumps.

Make sure the sugar dissolves completely for a velvety texture.

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Kosher salt

Create Zesty Base

Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the egg mixture.

Stir everything together, allowing the bright citrus flavors to blend seamlessly.

The zest will provide an intense lemon aroma and deeper flavor profile.

• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Cook Lemon Curd

Place the saucepan on medium heat.

Stir the mixture continuously and consistently.

Watch as the liquid gradually transforms and thickens.

Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes until the curd coats the back of a spoon, creating a rich, creamy consistency.

Incorporate Butter

Remove the saucepan from heat.

Add butter in small pieces, stirring gently after each addition.

Continue until all butter melts and blends completely into the lemon mixture, creating a luxurious, glossy texture.

• Butter

Strain And Cool

Pour the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

This step removes any potential cooked egg bits, ensuring a smooth, silky final product.

Let the curd cool to room temperature.

Chill And Serve

Transfer the lemon curd to the refrigerator.

Allow it to chill thoroughly before serving.

The curd will continue to set and develop its rich, tangy flavor while cooling.

Tips for Making Lemon Curd Perfect

• Ensure eggs and sugar are thoroughly whisked to prevent lumps and create a silky texture.
• Stir constantly over medium heat to avoid scorching and achieve perfect consistency without scrambling eggs.
• Passing curd through a fine-mesh sieve removes any potential egg bits, guaranteeing a luxuriously smooth final product.
• Add butter gradually and stir until fully melted for a rich, creamy lemon curd with glossy finish.
• Refrigerate the curd to help it set and develop deeper flavor, making it perfect for spreading or filling desserts.

Ways to Remix Lemon Curd

• Dairy-Free Lemon Curd: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Citrus Variation: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce calorie content while keeping tangy flavor profile.
• Lime Curd Alternative: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime juice and zest for a zesty tropical-inspired variation.
• Herb-Infused Curd: Add fresh thyme or lavender during cooking to create an aromatic herbal undertone that complements the citrus base.

Creative Lemon Curd Serving Choices

• Breakfast Bliss: Spread this tangy lemon curd generously on warm, buttered toast or English muffins for a zesty morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Layer the curd between fluffy sponge cake layers or use as a filling for delicate tarts and pastries to add a bright, citrusy punch.
• Yogurt Upgrade: Swirl the lemon curd into plain Greek yogurt for a quick, creamy breakfast or refreshing afternoon snack that bursts with flavor.
• Cheese Plate Companion: Serve alongside a selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, creating a sweet and tangy complement to your charcuterie board.

Lemon Curd Storage Made Easy

• Transfer lemon curd to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring the surface is protected with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Pour cooled lemon curd into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Gently warm refrigerated lemon curd in a microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler, stirring constantly until warmed through, being careful not to overheat.

FAQs

• Why use a sieve when making lemon curd?

Straining the curd through a fine-mesh sieve removes any small bits of cooked egg, ensuring a smooth, silky texture without lumps or scrambled egg pieces.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest, most vibrant flavor, but bottled juice will work if fresh lemons aren’t available. Just avoid juice with preservatives that might affect the taste.

• How do I know when the lemon curd is thick enough?

The curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should have a pudding-like consistency that slowly drips off the spoon.

Lemon Curd Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky smooth Lemon Curd delights palates with its zesty charm and creamy texture. Rich citrus notes dance across taste buds, promising a luxurious spread perfect for scones, tarts, or direct spoon enjoyment.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup lemon juice (3 to 4 medium lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 large eggs

Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into slices at room temperature

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine eggs, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan, whisking thoroughly until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
2. Incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant zest into the egg mixture, blending smoothly.
3. Position saucepan over medium heat, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking; continue stirring for 8-10 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, custard-like texture that elegantly coats the back of a wooden spoon.
4. Remove pan from heat source and gradually introduce cold butter pieces, stirring continuously until each portion melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the curd.
5. Strain the prepared curd through a fine-mesh sieve directly into a clean bowl, eliminating any potential scrambled egg fragments and ensuring a pristine, velvety smooth texture.
6. Allow the lemon curd to cool naturally at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for chilling and further setting until ready for use or serving.

Notes

• Stirring constantly prevents egg scrambling and ensures a smooth, silky texture throughout the cooking process.
• Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant and authentic citrus flavor in your curd.
• For a lighter version, replace half the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Strain the mixture carefully through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve an ultra-smooth, professional-grade lemon curd without any unwanted egg bits.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg