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Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

A bright and tangy homemade lemon curd made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. This smooth and creamy curd is perfect as a spread, dessert topping, or filling for pastries and cakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 5 lemons)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well blended and smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice and eggs: Slowly stir in the fresh lemon juice and whole eggs, mixing continuously to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent curdling or lumps.
  4. Simmer until thickened: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 minute, continuing to stir constantly until the lemon curd thickens to a custard-like consistency.
  5. Finish with butter and zest: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and grated lemon rind gently until the butter melts completely and is incorporated into the curd.
  6. Cool and chill: Transfer the lemon curd into a clean bowl, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This chilling process will further thicken the curd.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
  • Constant stirring during cooking prevents lumps and curdling of eggs.
  • The curd will thicken more as it cools and chills.
  • Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Can be strained through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a silky smooth texture.
  • This recipe is ideal for spreading on toast, filling tarts, or layering in desserts like trifles.

Keywords: lemon curd, lemon spread, homemade lemon curd, citrus curd, lemon dessert sauce

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/homemade-lemon-curd-recipe/