Quick & Zingy Lemon Curd Recipe: Sunshine in Every Spoonful

Crafting a silky smooth lemon curd always feels like culinary magic happening right in your kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance across your taste buds with each spoonful of this dreamy spread.

Light and bright flavors burst through a simple combination of eggs, sugar, and fresh lemons.

Whisking ingredients transforms ordinary pantry staples into something extraordinary and luxurious.

Creamy texture and tangy notes make this versatile recipe perfect for spreading on toast or filling delicate pastries.

Delightful and surprisingly easy, this lemon curd will become your new favorite homemade treat.

You’ll want to keep a jar in the refrigerator for spontaneous sweet moments.

Storage Advice to Keep Lemon Curd Fresh

• Transfer cooled lemon curd to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring no air exposure. Seal carefully and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Spoon lemon curd into freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to three months, preventing freezer burn by using airtight containers.
• Move frozen lemon curd to the refrigerator overnight for gradual defrosting. Gently stir before serving to restore smooth consistency and eliminate any potential separation.

FAQs

• What makes lemon curd thick and creamy?

The combination of eggs, sugar, and constant stirring while cooking over low heat creates a smooth, thick texture. The eggs help stabilize and thicken the mixture as they gently heat up.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. However, fresh lemons provide brighter, more vibrant taste and natural zest.

• Is a double boiler necessary for making lemon curd?

While a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water is ideal, you can carefully use direct low heat. The key is to stir constantly and prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Lemon Curd with Bright and Tangy Freshness

• Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this lemon curd a breeze to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Delight: Spread on toast, use as cake filling, or swirl into yogurt for endless culinary creativity that transforms ordinary dishes.
• Gourmet Homemade Touch: Impress family and friends with a professional-quality condiment that tastes far more sophisticated than store-bought versions.
• Preserve and Enjoy: Refrigerate for weeks, allowing you to savor this zesty treat whenever a citrus craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.

Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd

• Lemon Zest: Fresh citrus outer skin that provides intense lemon flavor and aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy liquid that adds sharp citrus taste to the curd.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the curd.
• Eggs: Natural thickening agent that gives smooth, creamy texture to the curd.

• Butter, Salt: Butter adds richness and smooth consistency, while salt enhances overall flavor profile of the lemon curd.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Curd

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Lemon Base

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Eggs

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 2: Create Double Boiler Setup

Position your bowl over a pot of gently simmering water.

Make sure the bowl hovers above the water without touching it, creating a perfect indirect heating environment.

Step 3: Enrich the Mixture

• Butter pieces
• Salt

Stir the ingredients into the lemon mixture, allowing them to merge and create a silky texture.

Step 4: Cook and Thicken

Continuously stir the mixture over the simmering water.

Watch as the curd transforms and becomes luxuriously thick.

You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Strain and Smooth

Remove the bowl from heat and pour the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve.

This step eliminates any potential lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth consistency.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow the lemon curd to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer the bright, tangy mixture into clean jars.

Step 7: Refrigerate and Enjoy

Seal the jars and pop them into the refrigerator.

Your homemade lemon curd will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, ready to elevate toast, pastries, or enjoy by the spoonful.

Pro Tips for Silky and Smooth Lemon Curd

• Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Passing the curd through a fine-mesh sieve ensures a silky, lump-free texture that spreads beautifully.
• Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent eggs from scrambling and achieve a creamy consistency.
• Transfer cooled lemon curd to airtight glass jars, leaving a small space at the top for potential expansion when refrigerated.
• Enjoy as a spread on toast, filling for pastries, topping for yogurt, or as a tangy dessert component.

Variations to Add Unique Flavors to Lemon Curd

• Lime Curd Variation: Replace lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest for a tangy, tropical flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a plant-based friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Curd: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint during cooking to create a unique, aromatic citrus curd with complex flavor notes.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Curd

• Zesty Breakfast Companion: Spread this tangy lemon curd on freshly toasted English muffins or croissants for a bright morning meal.
• Sweet Dessert Canvas: Dollop the curd between layers of a vanilla sponge cake or swirl into creamy cheesecake for an elegant twist.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside scones with clotted cream, creating a classic British-style treat that will impress guests with its vibrant flavor.
• Versatile Pastry Filling: Use as a delectable center for mini tarts, macarons, or as a quick filling for homemade cream puffs.

Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon curd sparkles with zesty brilliance, offering a silky-smooth citrus spread perfect for desserts. Rich French technique combines eggs, sugar, butter, and fresh lemon juice into a luxurious condiment you will adore spreading on scones or using in pastry fillings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large lemons (zest and juice)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Butter and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Combine tangy lemon zest, vibrant juice, granulated sweetener, and eggs in a heatproof vessel, whisking until achieving a harmonious, silky texture.
2. Create a double boiler by positioning the mixing bowl atop a pot with gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl hovers above the water’s surface without direct contact.
3. Introduce small butter cubes and a delicate pinch of salt into the citrusy mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
4. Maintain a gentle heat, constantly stirring and monitoring the transformation as the liquid gradually thickens, developing a luxurious custard-like consistency that elegantly coats the back of a utensil (approximately 10-15 minutes at low temperature).
5. Once the curd reaches a perfect, velvety texture, promptly remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, eliminating any potential egg protein clusters or zest fragments.
6. Allow the luminous lemon curd to cool completely at room temperature, preventing condensation and maintaining its pristine texture.
7. Transfer the smooth, vibrant spread into pristine glass containers, sealing tightly and refrigerating for optimal preservation up to two weeks.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free curd.
• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor.
• Stir continuously while cooking to prevent scrambling eggs and achieve a silky texture.
• Strain the curd immediately after cooking to remove any potential egg bits and create a perfectly smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg