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.
Jori
Brilliant idea doing the mixing BEFORE putting the whole thing on the stove. I was whisking in the pot! I’ll have to try this method. I think I’ll have a better product at the end. Thank you!
Homemade & Yummy
Honestly, this recipe is super easy. Hope you give it a try soon.
Maman de sara
I make often lemon curd. I love it as a tart filling. It’s so yummy! By just looking at the pictures in your post, I want to make it right now.
Homemade & Yummy
I am picking up some lemons this week…and them making scones.
Karyl Henry
I’ve never made lemon curd before, but I have this habit of always buying too many lemons and then they eventually dry up. This is a great way to use up some of those lemons, and always have a new ingredient to use
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it sure is. I need to pick up more lemons and make a new batch.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
This lemon curd is beautiful! I love lemon curd so much this time of year. I like to make meringue and top with the lemon curd and a few fresh berries. I can’t wait to try your version.
Homemade & Yummy
ENJOY…this is super easy to make. Totally delicious to eat!!
Jacqueline Debono
I love lemon curd and ate so much of it when I was a kid growing up in London! (store-bought) I also though it’s more difficult to make! So happy to see it’s not! Can’t wait to try it!
Homemade & Yummy
It is NOT hard. I hope you give this recipe a try and see. SO much better than store bought.
Candiss
I love love love lemon curd and am always looking for the perfect method which this recipe looks like it fits the bill. Looking forward to trying this soon with some lemons from my neighbors.
Homemade & Yummy
Honestly, this comes out perfect EVERY time!! Hope you give it a try.
Lois Christensen
I really do love lemon curd but have never made it! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Homemade & Yummy
You really need to give it a try. So much better than the bought stuff. Easy to make too.
Karly
Spring has sprung! Perfect dessert to welcome spring!
Homemade & Yummy
HAHAHA…it is snowing here today!! It better spring soon.
Marisa F. Stewart
Oh, YUM!! The lemon curd looks amazing. I love Fine Cooking and have been a subscriber for years. They have so many great ideas and recipes. I must have missed this one. Lemon is one of my favorite flavoring. I can think of so many luscious desserts i can make with it. I bet your grandson will love his pie for his birthday.
Homemade & Yummy
YES he will. Unfortunately, I have some “lemon haters” in the family, so I will have to give them some boxed cookies LOL!!
Kelly Anthony
I’ve never made lemon curd but it looks delicious and has me dreaming of spring. I also love anything flavored with lemon especially cakes and breads.
Homemade & Yummy
Give this recipe a try and see just how easy it is to make. Perfect every time.
Veena Azmanov
Love the Creaminess, the color and the perfection to making it.
Homemade & Yummy
I know, I can eat this by the spoonful (and DO).
Stine Mari
Never heard the term lemon cheese, but that makes so much sense. I love lemon curd and this version looks perfectly smooth and scrumptious.
Homemade & Yummy
The funny little facts we learn about food. Hope you give this recipe a try.
Amanda
I’m so ready for the spring, and this lemon curd looks like the perfect way to welcome the new season. I love all the ideas you have for using this lemon curd. I’ll definitely be making this lemon curd all spring and summer long!
Homemade & Yummy
I know. This can be used and enjoyed so many ways. ENJOY!!
dee
I can’t believe this smooth and silky recipe calls for such simple ingredients! Love all the different ways you came up with to use it!
Homemade & Yummy
Honestly it is so easy. Hope you give it a try.
Denise
My grandson loves this (he’s 3) and it’s rather hard o find. I have never even tried it but it looks so good! I am definitely going to try this when he comes for his next sleep over. Actually maybe we can make it together or he can watch me…..
Homemade & Yummy
My grandson loves lemon too. I think that is really cool.