Description
This easy lemon curd recipe creates a smooth, tangy, and sweet spread perfect for topping toast, filling pastries, or enhancing desserts. Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter, it’s cooked gently on the stovetop to achieve a luscious creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3 whole eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 5–6 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, add the 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks along with 1 cup of sugar. Whisk the mixture until it is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of fresh lemon juice to the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring everything is well blended.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over low heat. Whisk constantly for 10-15 minutes to prevent the eggs from curdling and to encourage thickening. Monitor the temperature carefully and keep the mixture from getting too hot.
- Add Butter and Cool: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated. Allow the lemon curd to come to room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the lemon curd to a container and refrigerate until needed. The curd will thicken further as it cools, achieving a creamy consistency perfect for spreading or filling.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and natural brightness.
- Keep the heat low during cooking to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Whisk continuously to maintain smooth texture and prevent lumps.
- Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a zestier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: lemon curd, easy lemon curd recipe, lemon spread, homemade lemon curd, citrus curd, dessert topping
