Description
This Easy Homemade Lemon Curd recipe offers a bright, tangy spread bursting with fresh citrus flavor and silky smooth texture. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it uses simple pantry staples and real lemons to create a versatile, all-natural treat that can be enjoyed on toast, in tarts, or as a sweet topping for pancakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3–4 Fresh Lemons (zest and juice, about 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Carefully zest the lemons to avoid the bitter white pith, then juice them to gather fresh lemon juice. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and cut the butter into small pieces ready to use.
- Combine Sugar, Zest, and Eggs: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolks until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, ensuring the sugar starts dissolving early.
- Cook Over Simmering Water: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water using the double boiler method. Stir constantly while slowly pouring in the fresh lemon juice to combine everything smoothly.
- Thicken the Curd: Continue stirring as the mixture gently heats until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon, usually about 10 minutes. Avoid scrambling the eggs by being patient and stirring constantly.
- Add Butter and Salt: Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the butter pieces and a pinch of salt, adding the butter one piece at a time until fully melted and incorporated, creating a silky texture.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the curd to a clean jar or container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor.
- Stir constantly to prevent eggs from curdling.
- Use the double boiler method to avoid direct heat.
- Remove from heat once curd thickly coats a spoon; it will thicken more upon cooling.
- Add butter slowly in small chunks for smooth incorporation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg