Basic lemon curd

Discover the delight of homemade lemon curd with this simple recipe. Using just lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter, you can create a tangy and creamy spread perfect for toast, desserts, or as a filling for your favorite pastries. Ready in minutes, this basic lemon curd is a staple for any kitchen.

  • 26 Feb 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 4 Ingredients

Basic lemon curd

Lemon curd is a delightful and versatile spread that adds a burst of citrus flavor to various desserts and pastries. Whether you're topping scones, filling tarts, or simply enjoy it on toast, this basic lemon curd recipe is straightforward and guarantees a smooth, tangy result every time. Follow these steps to create your own luscious lemon curd.

Ingredients:

2 lemons
220g
1 cup sugar
200g
3 eggs
150g
1/2 cup butter
110g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly. Grate the zest from both lemons into a bowl. Then, cut the lemons in half and juice them. You should get about 1/3 cup (80ml) of lemon juice. Set the zest and juice aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Crack the eggs into the mixture and whisk everything together until well combined.
3. Melt the Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces. This will help it melt more evenly.
4. Cook the Mixture: Place the heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water (do not let the bottom of the bowl touch the water). Add the butter pieces to the mixture. Stirring constantly, cook the mixture over the simmering water.
5. Thicken the Curd: Continue to stir the mixture until it thickens. This process may take around 10-15 minutes. The curd is ready when it can coat the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it.
6. Strain the Curd (Optional): For a smooth lemon curd, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve into another bowl. This will remove the zest and any cooked egg bits.
7. Cool and Store: Transfer the lemon curd into sterilized jars or containers. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. Store the lemon curd in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 1-2 weeks.

Tips:

- Zest the lemons before juicing.: It's easier to zest the lemons before you cut them to juice. Make sure to zest only the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith.

- Use a double boiler.: Cooking the lemon curd over a double boiler helps prevent the eggs from curdling, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

- Stir continuously.: Constant stirring is crucial to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.

- Strain the curd.: For an extra smooth lemon curd, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before adding the butter.

- Use room temperature butter.: Adding room temperature butter to the warm curd helps it melt smoothly and blend evenly.

- Store properly.: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd before sealing it in an airtight container to prevent a skin from forming.

Congratulations! You've made a delicious batch of lemon curd. Its vibrant, zesty flavor is sure to enhance your favorite treats. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about two weeks. Enjoy the bright taste of lemon in every spoonful and consider sharing this delightful spread with friends and family.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size110 grams
Energy
Calories 320kcal16%
Protein
Protein 3.65g2%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 36g11%
Fiber 1.01g3%
Sugar 33g34%
Fat
Fat 18g21%
Saturated 9g31%
Cholesterol 150mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 180ug20%
Choline 90mg16%
Vitamin B1 0.03mg3%
Vitamin B2 0.12mg9%
Vitamin B3 0.04mg0%
Vitamin B6 0.04mg3%
Vitamin B9 22ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.26ug11%
Vitamin C 20mg21%
Vitamin E 0.32mg2%
Vitamin K 1.36ug1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 27mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.02mg2%
Iron, Fe 0.66mg6%
Magnesium, Mg 6mg1%
Phosphorus, P 54mg4%
Potassium, K 90mg3%
Selenium, Se 8ug15%
Sodium, Na 36mg2%
Zinc, Zn 0.35mg3%
Water
Water 55g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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