Easy Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
This easy homemade lemon curd recipe is about to be your go-to for all your tarts, cakes, cheesecakes, parfaits, and more. I mean, could 100% eat this straight out of the jar with a spoon.
If that doesn’t give it away: I love curd. It’s got that smooth and creamy texture, but a sharpness to balance the sweet. It’s delectable.
Wildly, I think people think it’s a lot trickier to make, when in fact it’s trés easy. Making it even more trés trés delicious.
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EASY HOMEMADE LEMON CURD
I love any kind of dessert gravy. That good, good stuff that takes a bake from boring to basic, and lemon curd is one of my favorite recipe elements.
This easy homemade lemon curd recipe is made with just four ingredients – lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter – and is made quickly and easily. We’re also using whole eggs, cause I just find it easier than breaking out the yolks.
Why do you strain the lemon curd? Straining your lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve will remove any unwanted egg bits and extra zest, giving you a smooth and creamy finish.
INGREDIENTS
- Lemons: juice and zest provide tartness, bright citrus flavor, and aromatic zestiness.
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the curd and balances the lemon’s acidity.
- Eggs: thicken and set the curd while adding richness.
- Unsalted butter: adds creaminess, smooth texture, and a glossy finish.
What can I use lemon curd for? Top your favorite cheesecakes, fill thumbprint cookies, use as a base in tart recipes, layer with yogurt, or fold into mousse for a creamy cup situation… the lemon curd use case options are endless.
HOW TO MAKE EASY HOMEMADE LEMON CURD
To make this creamy lemon curd recipe, start by placing the cut butter in a heat-safe bowl and setting a fine-mesh sieve on top. Set this aside so it’s ready for later.
In a medium pot, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 6–10 minutes, making sure it does not boil.
Strain the lemon mixture through the sieve into the bowl with the butter, discarding any solids left behind.
Use a spatula to gently stir the mixture into the butter until smooth and glossy.
Transfer your easy homemade lemon curd into a container and let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
3 reasons you’ll love this easy homemade lemon curd
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- While some people don’t strain their curd mixture into their butter, I do. I don’t love the texture of the zest, nor do I want to risk any bits of eggs that might have prematurely cooked… getting in. You’re welcome to skip the sieve if you please!
- Don’t let your mixture boil! You want it to thicken, but if it gets too hot, you can risk scrambling the eggs, the mixture getting clumpy, and it could dull that bright lemon flavor.
- Got limes to use up? My simple lime curd follows the same recipe (just with limes!)
MAKING AHEAD & STORING
Store your lemon curd in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. If frozen, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight, then stir well before using.
RECIPES TO USE LEMON CURD
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
- Heat-safe Pitcher or Bowl
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Medium Pot
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice about 1-2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 2 lemons
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter cubed
Instructions
- Place your cut butter into a heat-safe bowl and put a fine mesh sieve over top, set aside
- In a medium pot, whisk together your lemon zest and juice, sugar, and eggs and place on the stove over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 6-10 minutes, without letting it boil
- Pour your mixture through the strainer into the bowl with the butter. Throw away any of the bits left in the strainer
- Use a spatula to stir your mixture into your butter until smooth
- Pour into a container and set aside to cool to room temperature before sealing and placing in the fridge to cool completely
Had no idea it was this simple to make! It can elevate the flavor of just about anything!