Description
Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrus flavor, this homemade lemon curd is the ultimate quick breakfast upgrade, healthy snack topper, and versatile filling for all your dessert and brunch ideas. It’s an easy recipe that tastes like sunshine in a jar. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a silky-smooth curd perfect for cakes, scones, yogurt, or even enjoyed by the spoonful. Whether you’re looking for food ideas that feel luxurious or breakfast ideas that impress with minimal effort — this homemade lemon curd is a must-try.
Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare your ingredients by separating egg yolks, zesting and juicing fresh lemons.
2. In a medium saucepan or heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
3. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest until fully combined.
4. Cook over a double boiler or low heat, stirring constantly until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 10–12 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in butter, a few pieces at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
6. Optional but recommended: strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest and any curdled egg bits.
7. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a clean jar. Chill fully in the fridge before using.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
Stir constantly and keep heat low to avoid curdling.
Straining the curd ensures a perfectly smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Spreads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg