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.
Debra
I’m right there where you used to be….thinking lemon curd was difficult to make. Thanks for taking the plunge first and sharing your insights. I’m definitely going for the mini tart with this.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is super easy to make. You will be a pro the first time….and FYI…highly addictive too.
Jenni LeBaron
I just adore lemon curd and your recipe is lovely. My favorite ways to enjoy it are in crepes and in yogurt parfaits but this is one recipe that never last long in my house no matter how it’s served. Can’t wait to make a batch again!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I know, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this easy to make lemon curd.
Sean@Diversivore
I just bought a big ol’ bag of lemons and I’m super-excited to make some lemon curd. I love this stuff, and I can’t ever get enough of it. I’ve never thought of freezing it though! I’m totally going to have to give that a try. Makes it a little easier to justify a big batch if I don’t power through it all at once. Lol. Thanks for the tip!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Freezing is a great idea. However, mine never seems to last that long. I like to eat it by the spoonful.
Kacey Perez
I have always wanted to try and make lemon curd and this posts gives me the confidence to give it a try! Thanks for sharing.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Trust me, you will be a pro the FIRST time with this foolproof recipe.
Daniela
I love how bright and fresh this looks and sounds! Perfect for the warmer months coming up :).
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I am so looking forward to warmer months. ENJOY!
Jo
Yes, that lemon curd definitely looks perfect! I love the season of all things lemons. Lemon curd tart is definitely on the list of things I have to do this summer and I will be using this recipe to make lemon curd.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
You will be a pro the first time…ENJOY!
LaKita
Your lemon curd looks absolutely perfect! The color and texture is everything. This recipe makes it look easy to make with simple ingredients.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
So delicious…and easy to make. Hope you give it at try.
Paige
YUM I adore lemon curd, and this looks like an easy version! I’ll keep this recipe handy, and I see some little pies in my future!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Or just by the spoonful too. ENJOY!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
What a fantastic color and texture, Gloria! I love lemon curd, its bright and tart flavor. It pairs so well with so many desserts!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I love eating it by the spoonful…and putting it in yogurt too.
Aleta
I am crazy in love with lemon, can’t seem to get enough of the stuff! This recipe has the perfect amount of sweet, it’s going to taste so good over my tarts and of course right off the spoon!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Right off the spoon is so addictively good that is for sure. Hope you give it a try.
Tanya Mulqueen
I absolutely love lemon curd because it’s so versatile. One of my favorite ways to use it is to mix the curd with whipped cream and put it in a tart shell, topped with blueberries. Thanks for sharing!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
That sounds delicious to me too. I could (and do) eat it by the spoonful.
Jenni LeBaron
I love lemon curd- especially on top of biscuits or a yogurt parfait! This is a great recipe and I loved learning about the term “lemon cheese” because it really does make a great topping just like cheese.
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
I can eat this by the spoonful…and do. So delicious.
Lorie
Not sure how I’ve made it this far in life without making my own lemon curd. It’s seriously one of my faves, so the wait is over—I’m off to make this!!!
Homemade & Yummy
I need to make more this coming weekend. We LOVE this stuff.
Saima
Never had lemon curd but what a beautiful sunshine-yellow! I love all the ways it can be eaten as you mention in the post. My favourite would be as a spread I think on biscuits.
Homemade & Yummy
Oh my…you need to give this recipe a try ASAP. You are really missing out on some deliciousness!!
Charity
I swear lemon curd was sent from heaven! I could slather it on anything and everything!
Homemade & Yummy
One of the simple things in life that is SOOOOO delicious.