Description
This tart lemon curd is smooth, creamy, and packed with fresh citrus flavor. Perfect as a spread, filling, or topping, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients for a bright homemade treat.
Ingredients
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt, whisking until fully combined.
- Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cubed butter until completely melted and silky smooth.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps or zest pieces.
- Allow the curd to cool, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
Add a splash of vanilla extract for a softer citrus flavor.
Use orange or lime juice for a different citrus variation.
Meyer lemons create a sweeter and less tart curd.
Fold whipped cream into chilled lemon curd for a lighter dessert filling.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Serve with scones, pancakes, waffles, toast, cheesecake, yogurt, cakes, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 741 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 56 g
- Saturated Fat: 34 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 420 mg
