How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
It’s so easy to make delicious homemade lemon curd – you need just four ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make this bright, creamy spread, which also happens to be the best filling for my lemon curd napoleons or raspberry and lemon tartlets.
What is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a rich topping or spread used in a variety of desserts. It is made with a few simple ingredients: lemons, egg yolks, sugar and butter and comes together quickly on the stove. It can be used as a filling for muffins and lemon meringue pie, layered between pastry or even as part of a lemon mousse cheesecake or simply spread on top of a scone for a sweet treat.
Have you tried lemon curd? Up until last year, I had never tried it. But oh my gosh, once I tried it I was hooked. And what’s not to be hooked on? This creamy and sweet lemon spread is amazing on so many things and just so easy to make!
Of course, the handmade variety tastes vastly superior to anything you can buy in the store and it’s SO easy to make, too! I bet you already have all the ingredients to whip up a batch right now!
How To Make Easy Homemade Lemon Curd
You’re going to be surprised at how easy this is and all you need is lemons, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
First, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Using a microplaner, zest and juice the lemons, and whisk in both of those, too.
After whisking in the lemon zest and juice, all you have to do is cook the mixture over low heat until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Then, stir in the butter. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Once cooled, you’ll be left with a deliciously smooth, sweet and creamy lemon spread. Also known as lemon curd.
Now that you see just how simple it is to make, you’re going to want to use it for so many things! Any with everyone cooped up inside their homes for the next while, now’s the perfect time to experiment!
I highly suggest treating yourself to some No-Bake Lemon Mousse Cheesecakes or Fresh Cream & Lemon Curd Napoleons. You’ll love them!
How Long Does it Keep For?
In the fridge, homemade lemon curd will last a week it can also be frozen for several months. Just remember to thaw it before using.
What Goes Well With Lemon in Desserts?
Now that you’re going to be incorporating lemon into so many desserts, you’re going to want to know what flavors pair well with it. The best flavors to complement lemon are raspberry and mint. The sweet tartness of fresh raspberries is a wonderful contrast to the citrus flavor of lemons while the bright taste of mint is a wonderful contrast to lemon.
Ready to make some homemade lemon curd? Here’s the recipe for you!
Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 5 egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- grated zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the egg yolks and sugar; whisk briskly for about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest and juice; whisk again for 1 minute to blend. Cut butter into small pieces, about 1 inch each.
- Set the pan over low heat and cook gently, stirring almost constantly, until the mixture visibly thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat and add pieces of butter. Let cool, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and mixture comes approximately to room temperature.
- Cover tightly and store in the fridge. Makes 1 cup worth.
- Curd will keep well in the fridge for about 7 days.
