How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Lemon curd is a rich, creamy spread that’s bursting with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons. It’s a versatile treat that can be used in a variety of ways – spread it on toast, dollop it onto pancakes, fill a cake, or spoon it into tarts. While store-bought lemon curd is convenient, making your own at home is surprisingly easy, using just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, nothing beats the taste of freshly made lemon curd. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step guide to creating your own homemade lemon curd.
What Is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a dessert spread made primarily with lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter. It has a silky-smooth texture and a tangy, sweet flavor. The lemon gives it an unmistakable zing, while the sugar and butter balance it out for a rich, satisfying taste. Lemon curd is often used as a topping for scones, pastries, or desserts, but it’s so good that you might just find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar!
Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd
To make lemon curd, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 3 medium-sized lemons (for the juice and zest)
- 3 large eggs (or 4 egg yolks for an extra creamy texture)
- ½ cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of unsalted butter
That’s it! Just five ingredients, all working together to create magic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Curd
Follow these easy steps to whip up your homemade lemon curd:
Step 1: Prepare Your Lemons
Start by washing the lemons thoroughly since you’ll be using both the juice and zest. Using a zester or grater, zest all three lemons, being careful not to grate into the bitter white pith beneath the peel. You’ll want small, fine zest pieces for smooth curd.
Once you’ve zested the lemons, squeeze out their juice. You’ll need about ½ cup (120 ml) of fresh lemon juice. If you don’t have enough juice, you can supplement with another lemon.
Step 2: Whisk the Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan or heatproof bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the lemon zest to the mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
For the smoothest lemon curd, strain the whisked mixture through a fine sieve to remove any larger bits of zest or any part of the egg that didn’t fully mix.
Step 3: Cook the Lemon Curd
Place the saucepan or bowl over low to medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and curdling. Keep a close watch on the heat — you don’t want to scramble the eggs!
As the mixture heats up, it will gradually thicken. You’ll know your lemon curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a trail when you swipe your finger through it. This typically takes about 7–10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until each piece melts completely. The butter gives the curd its silky texture and helps balance the tartness of the lemon.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the butter is fully incorporated, transfer the lemon curd to a clean jar or a bowl. Let it cool to room temperature before covering it. As it cools, the curd will thicken even more.
Store your homemade lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Curd
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest are key to achieving the bright, zesty flavor of lemon curd. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t offer the same depth of flavor.
- Don’t rush: Patience is important when cooking lemon curd. Stir gently but continuously to avoid lumps or burnt spots.
- Strain it: For a super smooth curd, strain the mixture before cooking or after it’s done to catch any egg bits or larger pieces of zest.
How to Use Lemon Curd
Now that you’ve made your homemade lemon curd, here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on toast or scones for a simple but delicious breakfast or snack.
- Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Use as a cake filling or frosting for a bright and tangy twist to your baked goods.
- Spoon into tart shells for an easy dessert.
- Stir into yogurt or oatmeal to elevate your breakfast.
- Serve with fresh fruit as a light and refreshing dessert.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade lemon curd is simple and satisfying. It’s a delightful way to capture the flavor of fresh lemons in a creamy, spreadable treat you can enjoy any time of day. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a jar of sunshine in your kitchen ready to brighten up breakfasts, desserts, and snacks. Once you try your own homemade lemon curd, you may never want to go back to store-bought!
So, grab some lemons and give it a try. Happy cooking!
