Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

Homemade lemon curd is so easy to make and adds a zing to any bake! This lemon curd has a fresh and vibrant lemon flavour, balancing the perfect amount of sweetness with lemon tanginess. You only need a few ingredients for this homemade lemon curd recipe, and you can make it from scratch in around 15 minutes. It tastes so much better than from the shop and you can use it in so many recipes!

Ingredients To Make Homemade Lemon Curd

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this lemon curd recipe from scratch:

• Lemons: Lemons are the star of the show in lemon curd, providing the vibrant citrus flavour and tangy acidity that gives the curd its signature taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest is used to ensure the freshest and brightest flavour. Top tip: roll your lemon on the worktop a couple of times to make it easier to juice.
• Caster sugar: Sugar is added to the lemon curd to balance out the tartness of the lemons and to sweeten the curd. It also helps to preserve the curd and give it a smooth, velvety texture.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to lemon curd, giving it a glossy appearance.
• Eggs: This recipe uses 3 egg yolks to give the curd a rich flavour and 1 whole egg to thicken the curd and give it structure.

How to Make This Easy Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe

Once you see how easy lemon curd is to make (and how fresh it tastes), you’ll likely prefer making your own to using shop-bought!

To make homemade lemon curd, simply heat lemon juice, lemon zest, caster sugar, and butter in a saucepan until melted and well combined. Then, whisk in the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, typically taking 5-10 minutes. Once thickened, strain the curd into a jar, and voilà! You have homemade lemon curd ready to use.

Delicious Ways to Use Lemon Curd

Homemade lemon curd is a deliciously versatile ingredient that can be used in a whole host of different ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Fillings for Tarts or Pastries: Use lemon curd as a filling for tart shells or pastries, such as these super cute Lemon Curd Flower Tartlets. Its bright and citrusy flavour pairs well with a buttery crust, creating a delicious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
• Spread on Toast or Scones: Lemon curd makes a delightful spread for toast, English muffins, or freshly baked scones. Its tangy flavor adds a refreshing twist to your morning meal or afternoon tea.
• Fillings for Cakes and Cupcakes: Use lemon curd as a filling between cake layers (try swapping the jam in these Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes) or as a flavourful addition to cupcakes.
• Topping for Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle lemon curd over pancakes or waffles for a zesty and sweet topping. Its tartness balances out the sweetness of the pancakes or waffles and is delicious with blueberries.
• Swirl into Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir lemon curd into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. It adds a burst of flavour and creaminess to these simple dishes.

Quick Recipe Success Tips

• For a smoother texture, strain the lemon curd: While optional, straining the lemon curd will remove any clumps of lemon zest and unwanted pips.
• To tell if the lemon curd is ready: It should coat the back of a spoon and be very thick. Once it cools and chills it will thicken even more thanks to the pectin in the lemon juice.
• Use fresh lemons: Don’t use lemon juice from concentrate (the kind in a bottle) as the lemon curd won’t set. Choose fresh unwaxed lemons which are unblemished and bright yellow all over for the best flavour.
• Storing the lemon curd: Homemade lemon curd can be stored in a jar for one to two weeks in the fridge.

Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

Homemade lemon curd is so easy to make and adds a zing to any bake. This lemon curd has a fresh and vibrant lemon flavour, balancing the perfect amount of sweetness with lemon tanginess. You only need a few ingredients and you can make it from scratch in around 15 minutes. It tastes so much better than from the store and you can use it in so many recipes!

Rate this Recipe

Be the first to rate this recipe!

Print Pin Rate this Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 10 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total: 25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium Lemons juice and zest
• 200 grams Caster sugar
• 4 medium Eggs room temperature
• 50 grams Unsalted butter room temperature

Instructions

• Combine the zest and juice of all the lemons, the caster sugar and butter in a medium-sized saucepan.
  4 medium Lemons juice and zest, 200 grams Caster sugar, 50 grams Unsalted butter room temperature
• Place over medium-low heat and stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
• Whisk 3 egg yolks and one whole egg together in a jug. Pour the whisked eggs into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
  4 medium Eggs room temperature
• Turn the heat up and whisk continuously until the lemon curd thickens and coats the back of a spoon (this can take 5-10 minutes).
• Strain the lemon curd through a sieve into a bowl to remove the lemon zest. Leave for 10 minutes to cool and thicken up.

More Spring recipes to love