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This tart and creamy lemon curd is a lemon lover’s dream! It’s tangy and sweet and comes together in minutes. Get ready to top all your favorite foods in luscious, lemony goodness.

Lemon curd on a white countertop surrounded by desserts and fruit.

Lemon curd is the topping of champions. It’s delicious on toast, pancakes, muffins, and scones. It makes a perfect filling for cupcakes, pies, doughnuts and cakes, and it is heavenly on cheesecake. You will love the sweet and tangy, creamy topping so much, you will literally want to put it on everything. You might think we’re exaggerating, but just you wait until you try homemade lemon curd. While it isn’t difficult to make, the outcome sure is impressive. 

What is a fruit curd?

Fruit curd is a rich, fruit juice based jelly-like spread that can be used as a topping or filling for anything from toast to pies and cupcakes. It is like a custard, but uses egg yolks and butter instead of cornstarch for thickening and texture.

What do I do with lemon curd?

Lemon curd can go with almost anything that would pair well with lemons, especially baked goods. It makes a great dessert topping, but it can go on things like toast and English muffins as well. It is a great add-in for yogurt, and the perfect filling for doughnuts and sweets. If you’re in the mood for something lemony, this is sure to satisfy.

Storage Instructions:

This curd stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and up to 3 months in the freezer. The texture isn’t quite as nice after it has been frozen, but it is still good and beats store-bought curd by a long shot.

If you’re a lemon lover and like lemon curd, here are some more sweet and tangy favorites you will enjoy:

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTubeFacebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.

Bird's eye view of Lemon curd in a glass bowl with a spoon in it surrounded by desserts.
This tart and creamy lemon curd is a lemon lover’s dream! It’s tangy and sweet and comes together in minutes. Get ready to top all your favorite foods in luscious, lemony goodness.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 9 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
  • Combine sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is hot, but not yet simmering.
  • In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
  • Slowly pour some (about 1/3) of the hot sugar mixture into the bowl, whisking constantly.
  • Transfer all of the egg mixture into the saucepan, whisking to combine, over medium heat.
  • Slice the butter into tablespoon-size slices and add into the hot mixture. Stir until butter is melted and mixture thickens.
  • Pour through a mesh sieve into canning jars or a large bowl. Mixture will fill 2 half-pint jars (1 pint total).
Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Dessert, Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon Curd
Bird's eye view of Lemon curd in a glass bowl with a spoon in it surrounded by desserts.
This tart and creamy lemon curd is a lemon lover’s dream! It’s tangy and sweet and comes together in minutes. Get ready to top all your favorite foods in luscious, lemony goodness.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 9 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
  • Combine sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is hot, but not yet simmering.
  • In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
  • Slowly pour some (about 1/3) of the hot sugar mixture into the bowl, whisking constantly.
  • Transfer all of the egg mixture into the saucepan, whisking to combine, over medium heat.
  • Slice the butter into tablespoon-size slices and add into the hot mixture. Stir until butter is melted and mixture thickens.
  • Pour through a mesh sieve into canning jars or a large bowl. Mixture will fill 2 half-pint jars (1 pint total).
Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Dessert, Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lemon Curd
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