Description
This easy Lemon Curd recipe delivers a bright, tangy, and incredibly smooth spread made with simple ingredients like fresh lemons, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Perfect for enhancing pastries, breakfast dishes, and desserts, this homemade curd is quick to make and brings vibrant citrus flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Ingredients
- 2 large lemons (zested and freshly squeezed for about 1/2 cup juice)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest 2 large lemons to capture the fragrant oils and squeeze out about 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. Measure your sugar, separate the egg yolks, and have your butter ready.
- Combine Sugar, Lemon Juice, and Zest: In a medium heatproof bowl or saucepan, mix the sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently to start dissolving the sugar in the tart liquid.
- Whisk in Egg Yolks: Slowly whisk the egg yolks into the lemon mixture, ensuring they blend smoothly without curdling to achieve a rich, velvety texture.
- Cook the Mixture Gently: Place the bowl or pan over low to medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add Butter and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and a pinch of salt until fully melted and incorporated, giving the curd a silky finish.
- Strain and Cool: Strain the curd through a fine sieve into a clean container for the smoothest texture. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent skin formation. Let it cool, then refrigerate until set.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor and aroma.
- Cook gently over low heat and stir constantly to avoid scrambling eggs.
- Strain the curd for a creamy, smooth texture.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin formation.
- Allow the curd to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Spreads
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: lemon curd, homemade lemon curd, lemon spread, citrus curd, dessert spread, gluten free, easy lemon curd