Homemade Lemon Curd is smooth, creamy, and just the right sweet-tart flavour balance. It turns out perfect every time.
Easy, fool-proof recipe. Simple ingredients. You will never want store-bought again.
Bursting with fresh citrus flavour, this easy-to-make lemon curd recipe is a sure hit for lemon lovers.
This lemony spread is so delicious that you will want to eat it by the spoonful! Did you know it is the perfect filling for making easy lemon tarts? It is also delicious in a lemon curd parfait.
When it comes to spring, I immediately think of citrus desserts. I am so ready for the bright yellow sun and fresh flavours. Lemon Polenta Cake often makes an appearance on my Easter dinner table.
Lemon Ice Cream seems to be a hit around here. However, my grandson has requested a pie for his birthday this year. The perfect place for this lemon curd filling.
You might be wondering what the heck is lemon curd? It is a condiment. Think jam, jelly, marmalade, or even custard. It has a smooth texture, sweet/tart flavour, and beautiful yellow colour.
Very popular in Britain, this fruit curd is sometimes referred to as “lemon cheese”. Alternative recipes make it with oranges, limes, or berry curds. Served with scones at afternoon tea.
Simple Lemon Curd Ingredients
Really basic ingredients. You will need:
- fresh lemons
- butter
- eggs (whole eggs and egg yolks)
- sugar
How To Make Perfect Lemon Curd
For some reason, I thought it was a difficult thing to make. Some recipes require you to strain the curd to get it silky smooth. With this fool-proof method, it will be perfect the first time! Full instructions are in the recipe card.
- First, juice and zest your lemons. To juice the lemons I like to use a *(affiliate) citrus reamer. To make the lemon zest, a *(affiliate) microplane works best.
- Separate the eggs and place the whole eggs and egg yolks in a bowl.
- Beat the sugar and butter.
- Add the eggs and fresh lemon juice.
- Cook until thick and smooth. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions to avoid over cooking.
- Add the lemon zest.
- Place in a glass bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Allow to cool, then enjoy!
Suggestions / Recipe Tips
Lemon curd will last 1-2 weeks. Place it in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can also freeze it to prolong its shelf life.
Be very careful not to overcook the lemon curd. This will cause it to become rubbery or lumpy because the egg proteins will coagulate, and the curd will contain bits of cooked egg.
Lemon Curd Uses
So many ways to use this delicious lemon recipe.
- as a spread (think toast, muffins, biscuits, scones, croissants).
- as a topping (think pancakes, waffles, ice cream).
- as a filling (think lemon tarts, cupcakes, cakes, and pies).
- as a dip (mixed with cream cheese).
- great on pavlova.
- added to make lemon flavoured yogurt.
- a great way to make lemon mousse.
- eat it as a lemon custard.
If you love making easy desserts, give Classic Sabayon a try. Made with only 3 ingredients: egg yolks, sugar, and wine. A rich and creamy classic French dessert made in minutes.
Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 ounces unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ⅔ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Juice and zest lemons.
- Separate yolks, and place whole eggs and yolks into a bowl.
- Using a mixer of your choice, beat sugar and butter till fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs (slowly) and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Mix in lemon juice until combined.
- Pour into heavy bottomed saucepan and cook over low heat until mixture is smooth.
- At this point increase heat to medium and cook until thickened (about 15 minutes). DO NOT boil, and stir constantly while cooking. Once you can leave a path along the back of the spoon, the mixture is done.
- Remove from heat and stir in zest.
- Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Be sure the wrap is touching the surface of the curd to avoid "skinning" while cooling.
- When cool, place in a sealed container until ready to use. It will keep for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze for later use.
Florentina
I love lemon curds. I recently used it as a filling in my lemon cake. So delicious!
Chef G
Yes it is so awesome and can be used in so many things.
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love all things lemon too, this curd looks amazing, I can think of so many ways I could use it, yum!
Chef G
Yes I love using it….and just eating it!!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
Don’t leave me alone with that jar of curd, I’d lick it clean in seconds!
Chef G
I know….it’s great all by itself!!
Melissa @ My Wife Can Cook
I’ve never tried lemon curd, but love lemons. I think I need to try ASAP! It sounds delicious. And I definitely agree that good eggs make a huge difference.
Chef G
So easy and SO DELICIOUS!!
Jackie Garvin
Beautiful lemon curd! I love to eat it right out of the jar. Nicely done!
Chef G
Thanks so much.
Revathi Palani
I love anything with lemon. This lemon curd looks sooo perfect in consistency. I think I can just eat dollops of it right from the jar 😉
Chef G
Yes I do eat it right off the spoon…a great dessert all on its’ own.
Tara
Such a beautiful yellow color! I just love your photos.It does sound amazing with ice cream.
Chef G
Thanks for the great compliments.
Kate @ VeggieDesserts
Yum! It looks so zesty and good. I’d have to have a LOT of sneaky spoonfuls 🙂
Chef G
I DO!!
Amy
I love everything lemons as they are always so fresh and the citrus smell makes me feel destressed. I also love lemon in desserts-not a banana fan but def a lemon fan!
Chef G
This makes for some yummy desserts for sure!!
Erlene A
What perfect timing. I just bought an entire bag of lemons and was thinking what I should do with the leftover lemons.
Chef G
Well there you go….ENJOY!!
Anitra Elmore zo
This looks delicious and now I’m seriously craving a lemon tart!
Chef G
Lemon tarts are soooo good!!
Rebecca Bryant
Oh Yummy!1 This lemon curd looks amazing and I do love anything lemon. thanks for this wonderful recipe.
Chef G
You are welcome…hope you give it a try!
maria @ closetohome
I have never made lemon curd before but know there are great recipes out there that would be great to top with this yummy sauce. Thanks for sharing and maybe I will get inspired.
Chef G
Hope you give it a try. It is easy and delicious!!
Chrishelle Ebner
I just posted a pancake recipe on my blog, Fantastic Mrs. Mom, that would go perfect with this! This sounds so good, and the texture looks great!
Chef G
Yes it would be perfect with pancakes!!
Tonya C
I love lemon flavors in desserts. I’ve never made my own lemon curd before, but you make it look easy!
Chef G
It is really easy…and so delicious!!