Homemade Lemon Curd

This Homemade Lemon Curd is sweet and tart and so easy to make with just 4 ingredients! So much better than store bought lemon curd, you’re going to want to slather this deliciousness on everything! Spread it on scones, top your favorite pound cake with it, or use it as a filling for cupcakes and cakes! Love all things lemon? Try these lemon favorites: Lemon Blueberry Crepes, Lemon Pound Cake Muffins, and Lemon Bundt Cake!

Homemade Lemon Curd

A little tart, a little sweet, this homemade lemon curd recipe works as a condiment, a sauce, and as a delicious filling for cupcakes and cakes. Basically, it’s a must make recipe that you’ll want to have on hand year-round.

What Is Lemon Curd?

I’ve never been super fond of the title “Lemon Curd”… I guess it’s the “curd” part that doesn’t quite seem right. But when you take fresh, delicious lemons, some sugar, eggs and a touch of butter the resulting concoction is so delicious, I don’t really care what it’s called! 

Lemon curd is a condiment that can be used as a spread on scones, bread and biscuits, as a topping on cheesecake, poundcake or as a filling for crepes, cakes and cupcakes.

Lemon curd is both sweet and tart with a strong lemon flavor and is extra creamy. It’s a lot like what you would imagine lemon jam, jelly or preserves would taste like. Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this lemon curd recipe is going to quickly become a staple in your home!

Lemon Curd Uses

Lemon curd can be bought at the store (near jams and jellies) but it is quite easy to make at home, and the taste of this homemade version just can’t be beat! 

You can make a batch and enjoy it on toast, pancakes, with yogurt, or as part of a delicious dessert.  I’ll be sharing several recipes very soon that include this sweet-tart treat but check out these great ideas:

• Topping on your favorite cheesecake recipe.
• Layer in your favorite trifle like this Lemon Raspberry Trifle.
• As part of the filling in these these gorgeous Lemon Cream Puffs.
• The filling in these gorgeous Lemon Cupcakes.
• And also these Lemon Thumbprint Cookies!

What’s In Lemon Curd?

There are only 4 ingredients:

1. lemons – you’ll need both lemon juice and lemon zest for this recipe, usually 2 lemons will suffice
2. sugar – granulated sugar to balance out the tartness of the lemon
3. egg yolks – this thickens the curd and gives that amazing bright, bold yellow color
4. butter – for creaminess and flavor

Let’s Make It!

This recipe is so simple to make and absolutely worth the precious 10 or so minutes that it takes to do so. Let’s get started!

1. Combine all ingredients in the top of a double boiler (or in a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water). 
2. Heat, while stirring (almost) constantly with a whisk, until mixture thickens. 
3. The curd is done when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. 
4. Remove from heat, cover and refrigerate until cool. 
5. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy with toast, waffles, pancakes, scones, yogurt, or in a variety of delicious desserts.

FAQs

How long will this lemon curd last? The curd needs to be stored in the refrigerator, covered. Stored properly, it will last up to 2 weeks.

How do I store it? A glass jar with a lid is the best way to store lemon curd. Small canning jars like these work great.

How do I know when it’s done? The curd has finished cooking it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

• Dip a spoon into the mixture. Remove the spoon.
• If the back of the spoon is coated, you’re done!
• A way to double check is to drag your finger across the back of the spoon and if the line it creates remains clean, the curd is done. If the curd starts to ooze it’s way back into the path of your finger, let the curd cook for another minute before trying again.

More Lemon Favorites

1. Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
2. Lemon Blueberry Bread
3. Raspberry Lemon Muffins
4. Lemon Cream Puffs with Fresh Fruit
5. Perfect Lemon Bread
6. Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

How To Make Lemon Curd

Homemade Lemon Curd

This Homemade Lemon Curd is sweet and tart and so easy to make with just 4 ingredients! So much better than store bought lemon curd, you're going to want to slather this deliciousness on everything! Spread it on scones, top your favorite pound cake with it, or use it as a filling for cupcakes and cakes!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Condiment, Filling

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 53 kcal

Ingredients

 

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice usually requires 1-2 lemons
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest finely grated
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients in the top of a double boiler (or in a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water).
• Heat, while stirring (almost) constantly with a whisk, until mixture thickens. It is done when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Remove from heat, cover and refrigerate until cool.
• Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 53kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 3mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 130IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg

Keyword lemon curd

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