Description
This Homemade Lemon Curd recipe delivers a velvety smooth, tangy, and sweet citrus filling perfect for tarts, cakes, or spread on toast. Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, eggs, sugar, and butter, this classic lemon curd is quick to prepare and naturally rich and creamy without any artificial thickeners.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 large whole eggs
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale in color.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest until fully incorporated, creating a flavorful lemon base for the curd.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler method). Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom to prevent curdling or sticking.
- Add Butter: As the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes), remove it from heat and immediately add the cold cubed butter, stirring until completely melted and the curd is smooth and glossy.
- Strain and Cool: Pour the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or container to remove any cooked egg bits for an ultra smooth texture. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Chill: Cover the curd with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set and thicken before using.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
- Stir constantly during the cooking process to avoid curdling the eggs.
- The curd will thicken more as it cools in the refrigerator.
- Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- This lemon curd can be used as a filling for cakes, tarts, or simply spread on toast and scones.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon curd, homemade lemon filling, lemon curd recipe, citrus curd, tart filling, dessert spread
