Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
Imagine waking up to the bright, zesty flavor of lemon curd spread generously on warm toast. This homemade lemon curd is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that elevates your breakfast or tea time to a whole new level. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a luscious, tangy spread that will have everyone asking for more.
This lemon curd is perfect for slathering on toast, filling cakes, or even enjoying by the spoonful. Its vibrant citrus flavor combined with a silky smooth texture makes it a delightful addition to any meal or snack.
The Allure of Lemon Curd
Lemon curd brings a burst of sunshine to your table, not just as a spread, but as a delightful experience.
This vibrant treat pairs perfectly with warm toast, enhancing the morning routine or afternoon tea with its zesty flavor.
Imagine the joy of waking up to the smell of fresh lemons and the taste of homemade lemon curd, spread generously across your favorite bread—it’s a simple pleasure that never fails to impress.
Ingredients That Shine
Creating lemon curd requires just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final product.
Fresh lemons provide that refreshing tang, while sugar balances the tartness to create a delightful spread.
Eggs contribute to the rich, creamy texture, and butter adds a smooth finish that elevates the curd’s flavor profile.
The Cooking Process
Making lemon curd is a straightforward endeavor that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Using a double boiler allows for gentle cooking, ensuring that the mixture thickens without curdling.
Constant whisking is key to achieving that smooth texture, resulting in a luscious spread ready for toast or various desserts.
Serving Suggestions
There are countless ways to enjoy lemon curd, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Spread it on toast for a refreshing breakfast or use it as a filling in cakes and pastries for a delightful twist.
For a unique treat, serve lemon curd with scones or pancakes, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Storage and Shelf Life
After preparing this delightful spread, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Once cooled, transfer lemon curd into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated.
Enjoy this citrus treat for up to a week, ensuring every spoonful remains as vibrant and tasty as the first.
Why Homemade is Best
Homemade lemon curd stands apart from store-bought versions for its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Crafting it in your own kitchen allows for customization, whether you prefer more sweetness or a stronger lemon punch.
Indulging in homemade lemon curd adds a personal touch that makes each bite more satisfying and memorable.
The Best Lemon Curd Recipe
This easy lemon curd is a bright and tangy spread made with fresh lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, and butter. It’s perfectly sweet and tart, making it an ideal topping for toast, scones, or as a filling for pastries. The texture is smooth and creamy, and it has a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that lingers on your palate.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a double boiler: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
- Cook the Mixture: Continuously whisk the mixture over the simmering water until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes. Make sure not to let it boil.
- Add Butter: Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and smooth.
- Strain (Optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Cool and Store: Let the lemon curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
The Best Lemon Curd
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a double boiler: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
- Cook the Mixture: Continuously whisk the mixture over the simmering water until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes. Make sure not to let it boil.
- Add Butter: Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and smooth.
- Strain (Optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Cool and Store: Let the lemon curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week.