How to Make Lemon Curd

This easy lip-smacking good homemade Lemon Curd takes less than 15 minutes to make. Tart, sweet, and refreshing, it’s the perfect condiment for breakfast pancakes and scones, or use it as filling for cakes and other baked goods, just to name a few.

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When life gives you lemons, make lemon curd! If you happen to have a lemon tree or a neighbor with a lemon tree like I do, then you’re in luck. This lemon curd recipe is so easy to make and it adds a little bit of sunshine on just about anything.

What you’ll need

The original recipe requires just 5 ingredients (pictured below), but I’ve since then added just a pinch of salt (not pictured) and a splash of vanilla (not pictured) to enhance the flavor of the lemon curd.

How to make lemon curd

It only takes a few simple steps to make this easy lemon curd. Keep reading for the step by step instructions with process photos.

1. Whisk together lemon zest and sugar in a small saucepan. Then add the eggs, lemon juice, and place the saucepan over medium low heat, stirring until the mixture is thoroughly combined. 

2. Add the cubed butter and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the curd thickens, this will take about 6 -7 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother texture. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract and allow to cool. 

Do I need a double boiler?

You do not need a double boiler to make this lemon curd. I’ve made this recipe so many times already just using a saucepan heated directly over a gas stove or an induction cooktop. 

Baker’s Tips

• This recipe calls for whole eggs instead of egg yolks which eliminates food waste if you don’t know what to do with your leftover egg whites. However, when using egg whites in making curd, it’s better to cook it low and slow to avoid overcooking the egg white.
• Also, stir the mixture constantly for even cooking so you don’t have localize overcooking of the egg white.
• You’ll want to take the curd off the heat as soon as it thickens to avoid overcooking it, since it can overcook fairly quickly. Check if it coats the back of the spoon, if so, it is ready. If not, you can always put it back on the heat for just a little longer.
• If you end up with little pieces of cooked egg whites in your final product, don’t worry, pressing it through a fine mesh sieve will do the trick to keep your lemon curd smooth and creamy.

How to store it

Store your homemade lemon curd in a clean glass jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 2 weeks. 

Can I freeze it?

This lemon curd freezes beautifully and stays creamy when thawed. You can freeze it in an airtight container or jar for up to 6 months. Just thaw at room temperature for 1 – 2 hours before serving or using in a recipe.

Uses for lemon curd

There are seriously endless uses for this refreshing and delicious curd. But here are some ideas:

• Serve it at brunch as topping for pancakes and dutch baby.
• It’s also great for tea time with these lemon blueberry scones or these lemon poppy seed scones.
• Use it as filling for lemon cake, lemon blueberry cake, and these strawberry lemonade cupcakes.
• Spread it on homemade biscuits and croissants.
• Use it as a topping on this mixed berry cake or this strawberry dump cake.
• Stir it into yogurt, cottage cheese, and chia pudding.

Can I make this curd with different citrus?

I haven’t tried it but you absolutely can try it. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

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More fruity sauces and spreads

• Strawberry Compote
• Blueberry Compote
• Cherry Compote
• Mixed Berry Compote
• Peach Sauce
• Apple Butter

5 from 8 votes

Lemon Curd

By Trang Doan

This easy lip-smacking good homemade Lemon Curd takes less than 15 minutes to make. Tart, sweet, and refreshing, it’s the perfect condiment for breakfast pancakes and scones, or use it as filling for cakes and other baked goods, just to name a few.

Servings: 24 tablespoons

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients 

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• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon zest, from about 2 lemons, 4 g
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar, 184 g
• ▢ ½ cup lemon juice, from about 2 – 3 lemons, 124 g
• ▢ 3 large eggs
• ▢ 2 oz unsalted butter, cubed, 57 g
• ▢ A pinch of kosher salt
• ▢ A splash of pure vanilla extract

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Instructions 

• Whisk together lemon zest and sugar in a small saucepan to release the lemon essential oil.
• Add eggs, lemon juice, and place saucepan over medium low heat, stirring until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Add the cubed butter and a pinch of salt.
• Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the curd thickens, this will take about 6 -7 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother texture. Add a splash of vanilla extract and stir to combine.
• Allow lemon curd to cool completely and keep refrigerated.

Video

Notes

• Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt called for in the recipe.
• Make sure to use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• This recipe yields about 1 ½ cup of lemon curd.

Nutrition

Serving: 22g, Calories: 59kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!

This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.

Originally published on 5/14/2018. Updated and republished on 2/11/2021 with a slight tweak to the recipe, extra tips, and a video.

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