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How to Make Lemon Curd Recipe

4.5 from 149 reviews

A classic homemade lemon curd recipe that is smooth, tangy, and perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or dolloping on desserts. Made with fresh lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter, this lemon curd is cooked on the stovetop until thick and creamy, then chilled to set.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 5 lemons)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and eggs into the dry mixture, blending thoroughly with a whisk to ensure no lumps.
  3. Cook mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent curdling and sticking to the pan.
  4. Simmer to thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 minute while continuing to stir constantly. This process will thicken the lemon curd nicely.
  5. Finish with butter and zest: Remove the pan from heat, add the unsalted butter and grated lemon rind, and stir gently until the butter fully melts and blends into the curd.
  6. Cool and chill: Transfer the lemon curd to a bowl, allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight so it can thicken further and develop its full flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best tart and bright flavor.
  • Constant whisking during cooking prevents eggs from scrambling and ensures smooth curd.
  • Store lemon curd refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Lemon zest adds an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
  • Lemon curd can be used as a spread, filling for tarts, cakes, or swirled into yogurt.

Keywords: lemon curd, homemade lemon curd, lemon sauce, citrus spread, easy lemon curd, lemon dessert topping