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Home - Basics

Published: May 16, 2016 · Modified: Jul 31, 2023 by Amanda Powell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Lemon Curd

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This sweet and bright lemon curd is an easy and irresistible spread that is like tasting a bit of liquid sunshine. Possibly the best curd you will ever try. Perfect for using in scones, cakes, cheesecakes, and so much more!

ingredients for lemon curd laid on table

Why you'll love it

This lemon curd is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. It's thick, creamy, and a beautiful bright pop of flavor.

The curd is so versatile, you can use it in so many ways (including just eating it by the spoonful!). Here are some ideas for you:

  • Use it as a dip for shortbread cookies 
  • Swirl it into ice cream
  • Turn it into lemon meringue pie or bars
  • Thin it out and use it in cocktails 
  • Slather it between layers of cake
  • Fill cupcakes

Key ingredients

To make lemon curd at home, you only need a few ingredients. Most of which you probably already have. Here are some of the key ingredients.

  • Lemon - Lemons are the most important ingredient in this recipe. You can experiment with the types of lemons you use. Meyer lemons add a lovely floral note to the curd. Pink lemons are sweeter and less acidic. You can also try substituting some of the lemon juice and/or lemon zest with another citrus fruit to create something fun and unique.
  • Sugar - Granulated sugar is typically used for this recipe. Stay away from brown sugar or even turbinado sugar as it will alter the taste and appearance of the curd.
  • Eggs - This recipe calls for a mix of whole egg and egg yolk to thicken and richen the curd.
  • Butter - Not only does the butter help to further thicken the curd, it also adds an irresistible butteriness to the curd that helps cut some of the tartness of the lemons. Use unsalted butter.
Bowl filled with lemon curd with wooden spoon

How to Make

Making homemade lemon curd is a fairly simple process, but does require some patience. There are only a few main steps required in making curd.

  1. Add the sugar, salt and zest to a saucepan off the stove and use your fingers to rub the zest and sugar together to release the oils into the sugar.
  2. Add the lemon juice, mix well, and heat the mixture until the mixture is hot, simmering, but not boiling.
  3. Add the eggs to a separate heatproof bowl and whisk.
  4. Temper the eggs with the hot lemon juice, then transfer the mixture into the saucepan.
  5. Mix the mixture on medium-low heat and stir constantly. Continue to cook until the mixture visibly thickens.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.
  7. Strain into an airtight container and cool to room temperature.

Expert Tips

If you find your curd has a metallic taste, the reason is probably because you used a metal saucepan, bowl, or whisk and the lemon and eggs reacted to it.

Making curd for the first time can seem really intimidating, especially if you aren't used to tempering eggs. 

What tempering eggs means. Tempering eggs is slowly heating up your eggs so it does not scramble. No one likes scrambled eggs in their curd! You temper the eggs by slowly drizzling hot liquid into the eggs while you stir the eggs. This should slowly raise the temperature of the eggs without cooking them through.

It can be tricky, especially if it is your first time, so if you have someone around, ask them for a hand whipping the eggs or drizzling in the hot lemon mixture. 

Once you've heated your eggs, they should be transferred to the saucepan with the remaining lemon mixture. For the best results, I recommend drizzling it in. 

Keep stirring the mixture continuously. Run your spoon around the sides and bottom of the saucepan to prevent anything from sticking and/or burning. 

Always strain your curd before you store it. There is always a chance some of the egg did cook, and you also don't want bits of zest everywhere in your curd. 

Close up of curd in spoon on jar

Troubleshooting and Storage

Lemon curd is really simple to make, but sometimes it doesn't come out exactly the way you want. 

How to Thicken Lemon Curd

The first thing to remember is that the curd thickens when it cools. While you are cooking your curd, it might seem as though it will be too runny, but once you put it in the refrigerator, it will thicken and be nice and spreadable. 

If you are still in the process of making the lemon curd, you can cook it a little longer. It should completely coat a wooden spoon. You should also see a clear, unmoving line when you drag a finger down the back of that coated spoon. Continue cooking until you reach that point.

If it does not thicken, you can whisk in another egg yolk.

You can also use cornstarch to thicken your curd. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of cold lemon juice or water together. Stir that into your curd and gently heat the curd. 

Storage

Keep your curd in an airtight container. I personally recommend using a canning jar. It keeps your curd fresh the longest without you even having to properly seal your jars each time. 

You should store your lemon curd in the refrigerator, and it should keep for about 3 - 4 weeks. 

If you would like to freeze your lemon curd, remember to leave headspace in your container for your curd to expand as it freezes. It will last for several months. To ensure there is no change to the flavor or texture, thaw the curd in the refrigerator overnight. 

Curd in jar surrounded by lemons

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute lemon curd for lemon pie filling?

Yes! You can absolutely use lemon curd to fill your pies.

Why did my lemon curd turn green?

This typically happens when you use an aluminum or copper pan. The acidity of the lemons will react with the metal, changing the color green and often leaving behind a metallic taste.

How do I know if I overcooked my curd?

Your lemon curd is overcooked when it starts to become lumpy and is no longer smooth. The eggs can easily overcook and scramble if you do not temper the eggs and you can tell if the curd looks grainy, or you see bits of egg through the mixture.

And because I know some people enjoy making food like lemon curd to give as gifts, I've made jar labels for you! Simply use sticker paper to print them on and cut out. 

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Recipe Card

The best lemon curd recipe you will ever make. You will want to make double and triple batches of this.

Lemon Curd Recipe

Amanda Powell
A deliciously creamy lemon curd recipe
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Basics
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 127 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • Zest of two lemons
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender optional
  • 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, mix together lemon zest, lavender (if using), and granulated sugar together. Rub the zest and lavender into the sugar to help release the oils.
  • Add the salt and lemon juice and turn on the heat to medium-high. Stir well until the mixture is hot and simmering.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well.
  • Slowly add one-third of the lemon mixture to the egg, beating the eggs well as you pour.
  • Transfer the egg mixture to the saucepan, beating the mixture in the saucepan as you pour.
  • Continue to mix continuously until the mixture thickens.
  • Test doneness by sticking a wooden spoon into the mixture and running your finger down the back of the spoon. When the line stays where you ran your finger, it is ready.
  • Remove from heat and add in the butter, stirring until completely combined.
  • Strain to remove the zest, lavender, and any egg that may have cooked. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

While stirring, scrape the sides and bottom of the saucepan to prevent sticking or burning.
When cooling the curd, place plastic wrap directly on the curd to prevent skin from forming.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 24mgSugar: 17g
Keyword curd, lemon, lemon curd, spring baking
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram! @acookienameddesire #acookienameddesire
Jar of curd in hands
The best lemon curd recipe you will ever try. This stuff is so tasty, you will even love it warm and fresh from the stove!

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About Amanda Powell

Baker, photographer, and sometimes world traveler behind A Cookie Named Desire. Obsessed with helping people live life sweetly with delicious food to share with the special people in your life and creating lasting memories.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marilyn says

    April 08, 2018 at 9:53 am

    How much does this recipe make? My recipe calls for 2 cups and I’m wondering this would be adequate.

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      April 08, 2018 at 11:29 pm

      Yes, it should be alright

      Reply
  2. Julia says

    November 09, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Hi! This recipe sounds great (more lemon than in others I have come across) Is it possible to use this curd in a lemon tart? It just looks quite runny so wasn't sure.

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      November 14, 2016 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Julia, Sorry for the late reply, I was away on a business trip! It is quite runny, so I wouldn't use it in a tart. Since it has more lemons, it is also a bit more tart than other curds (which I like, but might be too much in a tart). I recommend adding a bit more sugar, and at least one more egg yolk to thicken it more when cooking the curd.

      Reply
  3. ethara says

    May 19, 2016 at 9:15 am

    Do you use the whole egg or just the yolk?

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:17 am

      I used the whole egg in this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • ethara says

        May 19, 2016 at 10:56 am

        Thanks

  4. olivia @ livforcake says

    May 16, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    I love lemon curd too, and I love these pics!!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      May 18, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      Lemon curd is the BEST! And thank you! I was really nervous trying something different!

      Reply
  5. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    May 16, 2016 at 10:19 am

    I LOVE your photos on this recipe post!! The old timey scale is just gorgeous and this curd looks packed with flavor 🙂

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      May 18, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      Thank you! I was trying to experiment a bit with the dark and moody stuff - I would love to master it one day! And isn't that scale just so perfect? I was so excited when I found it!

      Reply
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Hey, I'm Amanda!

I am the baker and photographer behind A Cookie Named Desire. I'm a cookbook author, food science nerd, world traveler (sometimes) with a major weakness for cookies and cheese.

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