What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making lemon curd at home is easier than you might think, and the results are packed with bright, tangy flavor. You’ll love how it transforms simple desserts into something special and fits perfectly into your daily baking routine. First, it uses just a handful of pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime. Second, the process is straightforward, requiring no fancy equipment or skills—just a little patience. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile, spreading smoothly on toast, filling pastries, or topping cakes with a burst of citrus goodness.
Recipe
Intro
Lemon curd is a bright, tangy, and creamy spread perfect for scones, toast, or desserts. Made with fresh lemons, butter, sugar, and eggs, this homemade version is rich and velvety with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter, one cube at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Transfer to a jar or container, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until set (about 2 hours).
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- For a smoother texture, strain before cooling.
Equipment
- Heatproof bowl
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Double boiler or saucepan with a heatproof bowl
Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Cuisine
British
Serving
Makes about 1½ cups
Nutrition
Lemon curd is a rich and creamy dessert topping or spread. It is made from lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs, offering a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Total Fat | 2.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
What To Serve With It
I love spreading homemade lemon curd over warm, freshly baked scones—their crumbly texture pairs perfectly with its tangy sweetness. For something simpler, toast points make an excellent base, letting the lemon flavor shine without fuss. It’s amazing how such small changes can make breakfast or dessert feel extra special.
Fresh Scones
When you’re looking for a perfect pairing with lemon curd, nothing beats fresh, warm scones straight from the oven. I love how their buttery, crumbly texture melts just a little under the tangy sweetness of the curd. Whether you prefer classic plain scones or ones with a hint of vanilla, they’re the ideal base to let the lemon flavor shine. I often bake a batch in the morning, and the smell alone is worth it. Split them open while they’re still warm, slather on that bright yellow curd, and take a bite—it’s pure bliss. Trust me, you’ll want seconds.
Toast Points
If you’ve ever wondered what else pairs beautifully with lemon curd, toast points are a simple yet elegant choice. I love how they’re crisp on the outside yet soft enough to hold the creamy curd. I usually slice bread, toast it lightly, and cut it into small triangles or rectangles—perfect for dipping or spreading. The slight caramelization adds a nice contrast to the tangy lemon flavor. Sometimes, I’ll use brioche or sourdough for extra richness or depth. It’s such a quick, versatile option, whether for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. They never disappoint!
