Description
This homemade lemon curd recipe is a luscious, tangy spread made from fresh lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter. It’s perfect for adding a bright citrus flavor to toast, scones, desserts, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. The curd is cooked gently on the stovetop until thickened, then strained for a silky smooth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp grated lemon rind (lemon zest)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt to ensure they are evenly mixed and to prevent lumps during cooking.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Cook the curd: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly to avoid curdling, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, indicating it has reached the proper consistency.
- Incorporate butter: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the butter until it melts completely and combines to create a rich, glossy texture.
- Strain for smoothness: Pour the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove any cooked egg bits or zest, yielding a silky smooth curd.
- Cool and store: Allow the lemon curd to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy lemons for the best fresh flavor.
- Constant stirring is crucial to prevent eggs from scrambling during cooking.
- Straining the curd ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- The curd thickens further as it cools; don’t worry if it seems slightly thinner when hot.
- Store the lemon curd refrigerated and consume within two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
