Easy Lemon Curd Recipe
This easy lemon curd recipe yields a smooth, tangy, and creamy spread perfect for desserts, toast, or as a filling. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, butter, and sugar, it cooks gently on the stovetop to achieve the perfect custard-like consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Sauce/Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Zest from 2 lemons
- ½ cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (can be cold from the fridge)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature and cut into small cubes)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and kosher salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Cook the curd: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk constantly to prevent curdling. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Test by running your finger along the spoon’s back; a clear trail should remain.
- Add butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in half of the cubed butter until fully incorporated. Then add the remaining butter cubes, whisking continuously until the curd is silky and smooth.
- Strain the curd: Pour the lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove zest pieces and any cooked egg remnants. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press the curd through the strainer.
- Chill and store: Cover the surface of the lemon curd with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the curd for at least 1 hour before using. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and enough juice.
- Whisk constantly over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly on the curd surface prevents a skin from forming.
- Chilled lemon curd thickens further and is easier to spread.
- Freeze in airtight containers for extended storage.
Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/easy-lemon-curd-recipe/
