Description
This easy homemade lemon curd is smooth, creamy, and tangy, making it the perfect topping or filling for desserts. Ready in just 10 minutes with only six ingredients, it’s a versatile and quick treat.
Ingredients
½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (56 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small, nonreactive saucepan, heat the lemon juice over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
- In a separate nonreactive bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Slowly pour the hot lemon juice into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula for about 3 to 5 minutes. The curd is done when the spatula leaves a clear trail at the bottom of the pan that quickly disappears.
- Remove from heat and add the cold butter pieces, stirring until they melt. Then, stir in the heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
- Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve into a nonreactive bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Cool to room temperature before using, or refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- To make a variation, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a small amount of grated ginger for a spicy twist.
- For a twist on the flavor, try swapping the lemon juice and zest for orange or lime to make a different citrus curd.
- Store the lemon curd in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, place the curd in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to maintain its smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
