How to Make Lemon Curd

Learn how to make lemon curd with just 5 simple ingredients. This easy recipe comes together quickly for a delicious spread.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings cup

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

Double boiler
Silicone whisk
Jar or bowl

Ingredients

4 large egg yolks For thicker lemon curd, replace 2 egg yolks with 1 whole egg.
⅔ cup granulated sugar 134g
1 Tablespoon lemon zest About 1 lemon.
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice About 2-3 lemons; do not use bottled.
⅛ teaspoon salt Optional if using salted butter.
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter Softened to room temperature and cut into 6 pieces; 85g.

Instructions

Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1–2 inches of water. Place on high heat. Once the water begins to boil, reduce to low heat to keep the water at a simmer.
Place egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt into the top pot of your double boiler. Whisk until blended, then continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Remove pan from heat. Whisk the sliced butter into the curd until melted. Pour curd into a jar or bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate the curd for up to about 10 days.

Notes

For longer storage, freeze the curd up to 3-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Special tools include egg separators, citrus juicers, and non-metal double boilers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 60gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Keyword citrus spread, easy lemon curd, fruit curd, homemade lemon curd, lemon curd, spreadable lemon

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