Homemade Lemon Spread Recipe
This homemade lemon spread captures the bright, tangy essence of fresh lemons simmered to a glossy, spoonable delight. Made with just four simple ingredients—fresh lemon juice and zest, sugar, water, and optional vanilla extract—this spread is perfect for toast, yogurt, baking, or even as a citrus glaze. It requires no pectin or gelatin and keeps well refrigerated for weeks, making it an ideal treat for everyday indulgence or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (8 ounces) of lemon spread 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 large fresh lemons, zested and juiced (about 1 cup juice and 2 tbsp zest)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Lemons: Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Zest the lemons first, then juice them carefully, making sure to remove any seeds to avoid bitterness.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and water. If using, stir in the vanilla extract for added warmth and depth.
- Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching as it thickens.
- Check for Doneness: Use the cold plate test by placing a spoonful of the spread on a chilled plate. Wait a few seconds, then push the spread with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering and test again after a few minutes.
- Jar and Seal: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the lemon spread to cool slightly. Pour it into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and let them cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate thereafter for storage.
Notes
- Use organic lemons to reduce pesticide exposure since the zest is used.
- Zest the lemons before juicing as it’s easier and prevents losing zest on the fruit.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid the mixture burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- The cold plate test is a reliable way to check if the spread has thickened sufficiently.
- For variations, try Meyer lemons for a sweeter twist or add a pinch of sea salt to balance flavors.
- This lemon spread can be used beyond toast—try it as a glaze for roast chicken or grilled shrimp for a citrus hit.
Keywords: lemon spread, homemade lemon curd, citrus spread, lemon jam, easy lemon recipe, no pectin jam
Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/homemade-lemon-spread-recipe/
