A tart buttery lemon spread or topping for your favorite dessert!
I LOVE LEMONS!
Yes, I know. I’ve said this probably a hundred times if not more.
But…
I REALLY do love them!
Especially this time of year! There is something about the scent of lemon and its bright yellow color that just says, “Hello, Spring!”
On a Sidenote: We saw three robins the other morning so crossing my fingers it really, really is here!!
Of course, I use lemons more than just in the spring!
I add them to my water, make cleaning solutions, a plethora of savory recipes (including my Chicken Noodle soup), and of course bread, pies, and even cookies!
Lemons definitely add amazing flavor and freshness to everything you add them to!
But one of my latest lemon crazes is Lemon Curd!
This creamy-buttery LEMONY concoction is so DIVINE my friends that I could seriously eat the entire jar all by itself!
But I won’t. Because I enjoy it on SO many other things!!
Like the filling inside Lemon Cupcakes, or Lemon Tarts! Or how about Lemon Cheesecake! Oh yum, I’m getting hungry just thinking about all the ways I can eat up this scrumptious lemon curd!
Top a bowl of ice cream with this creamy dreamy spread or spoon some on your toast or a fresh from the oven biscuit! Which is what I did this morning!
That intense lemony flavor adds a bit of sunshine to anything and everything! And did I mention it’s thick and oh so creamy too?
This Lemon Curd recipe is also SUPER easy to make!
Before I share the full recipe let’s talk TIPS!
Helpful Equipment & Kitchen Tools:
(Affiliate links are provided for your convenience. If you make a purchase through these links we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions on these products are my own.)
- Double boiler (See below)
- Silicone whisk
- Jars
Use fresh lemon juice
I know in a pinch that lemon juice in a bottle works for other dishes but don’t waste your money using it in lemon curd! It’s just not the same without the tang you get from real lemons! Besides, you’re going to need lemon zest and you can’t get that without lemons! Right?!
use a double boiler (If you don’t have one-create one)
I myself do not have a double boiler but that’s okay! All you need is a medium-size glass bowl and a saucepan. The bowl should fit onto the saucepan close enough to heat its contents from the streaming water in the saucepan, but not close enough to ‘touch’ the water! Does that make sense?
avoid using a metal spoon or whisk
There’s a little bit of chemistry that goes on between lemon and metal. To be frank-they don’t mix! And since you’re going to need to mix this curd constantly to keep it from getting lumpy I suggest using a silicone whisk. Doing so will prevent your luscious curd from tasting like metal!! YUCK!
To start I usually mix up the sugar, eggs, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. It’s not necessary but I just do it that way, so… While that is mixing I turn the heat up on the water in my saucepan (A couple of inches). Once it begins to boil I set my bowl filled with butter into it.
As the butter begins to soften I pour the egg mixture into the bowl, lower the heat and begin whisking. Once the butter has completely melted I continue to whisk and allow the mixture to simmer (not boil) until it begins to thicken. (About 10 minutes) If it’s taking a bit longer I turn up the heat just a bit. Just don’t stop whisking or you’ll have a curdled mess instead of curd!
Once the curd has thickened I remove the bowl from the heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. To prevent the curd from getting skin over the top I gently press a piece of saran wrap down into the bowl over the top surface of the curd and cover it. Then I place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until it’s completely cooled. Once cooled I spoon it into jars with tight-fitting lids.
Here is the full recipe!
Lemon Curd
A creamy-tart lemon spread or topping
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 6 Tablespoons butter cut into pieces
Instructions
-
Whisk together eggs, sugar, juice, and lemon zest. Set aside. Place water in the bottom of a double boiler or create one using a saucepan and glass bowl. When water begins to boil add butter to the top of the boiler (or glass bowl) When the butter begins to melt add the egg mixture. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Press plastic wrap inside of the bowl covering the top of the curd to prevent skin from forming. Let cool in the refrigerator completely. Store in air-tight jars for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. The nutritional information is approximate only.
So if you’re a lemon lover like me, I just know you’re going to LOVE this recipe for Lemon Curd!
Use it for scones, quick bread, waffles, pound cake and SO much more!
Looking for more Lemon recipes?
SHOP THIS POST
Thank you so much for stopping by!
This looks amazing and you know I love lemon everything and I never thought about it before but it’s always been this time of year when that craving hits strong. Currently the big kick is lemon in my water but when you mentioned lemon cheesecake I perked right up. This is on my future list and looks like I’ll have more time to cook again because we decided to pack up and go back on the road. Staying healthy here and I know you are too! Hugs – Carole
Christine, I printed this off to make. I wanted to ask would this work as a glaze on a bunt cake? I am thinking about starting a cookbook…just with your great recipes. Seriously you ought too!
Wow thanks for sharing this recipe! We love lemon anything too. This recipe seems straightforward.
Funny thing about me, I cook and bake everything. Two things that have intimidated me, ready, lemon curd and cupcakes. I know, cupcakes, I make homemade pastry crust, pie crust, caramel, etc. I’m worried about cupcakes.
Lemon curd has always been a long explanation. You got me ready to go.
Stay well
Cindy
Pinned!
Cindy
This looks amazing! Now I want lemon cupcakes! I never knew that about lemons and metal. I’ll keep that in mind!
I love lemon curd on scones. And would you believe that I do not have a silicone coated whisk?! I will have to put that on my list. Pinned!
Liberty
Thank you so much, Liberty! Lemon curd on scones sounds amazing! As for the whisk, I love mine. They clean up beautifully and are amazingly sturdy!