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–+ servings
Lemon curd in a jar with a spoon.

Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

There's nothing like homemade lemon curd to elevate your desserts to the next level. This smooth, tangy spread is quick to prepare and is perfect for everything from tarts to toast. Using the stovetop method, you'll have delicious lemon curd in no time!
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 Cups
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 4-5 lemons
  • Zest from 3 lemons
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

Prepping the Lemons

  • To maximize juice extraction, microwave the lemons for 20 seconds. Let them cool for a moment, then roll them on the countertop to soften them up.

Zesting and Juicing

  • Zest the lemons with a Microplane or zester, avoiding the white pith.
  • Cut the lemons in half and juice them to get about 1 cup of lemon juice.

Mixing Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar until well combined.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

Cooking the Curd

  • Pour the mixture into a saucepan and place it over low heat.
  • Add the cubed butter to the saucepan.
  • Stir continuously with a wooden spoon, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom to prevent sticking.
  • Continue cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (approximately 10 minutes).

Cooling and Storing

  • Remove from heat and pour into a glass jar or container.
  • Let the curd cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

Notes

  • The key to a smooth curd is constant stirring. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and burning.
  • If your curd isn't setting, it may not have cooked long enough or at a high enough temperature. It will also thicken more as it cools.
  • Lemon curd will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
    Enjoy your homemade lemon curd!

Nutrition

Calories: 1351kcal | Carbohydrates: 109g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 101g | Saturated Fat: 61g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 571mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 103g | Vitamin A: 3319IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg
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