Name: Easy Lemon Curd Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)

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If you’re looking for a sunny boost of citrus flavor that takes just minutes to make, this Easy Lemon Curd is about to become your newest obsession. With its silky texture, bright lemon tang, and luscious balance of sweet and tart, it transforms ordinary breakfasts, desserts, and snacks into something downright irresistible. Whether you’re planning a showstopper dessert or simply want to spread some homemade magic on toast, you’ll fall in love with how quick and approachable this recipe is. Let’s dive deep into the joy that a jar of homemade lemon curd brings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need to search high and low for exotic ingredients here; Easy Lemon Curd is all about classic pantry staples that come together for pure citrus bliss. Each ingredient shines on its own, lending vibrant flavor, creamy body, or that signature lemony hue.

Fresh lemon juice: The bright, tangy foundation that packs the signature zing you crave in classic lemon curd. Always start with freshly squeezed juice for the most vibrant flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds intense citrus fragrance and deepens the flavor, plus a gorgeous yellow color. Don’t skip this — it makes your curd so fragrant!
Granulated sugar: Offers the perfect sweet balance to mellow out the citrus, resulting in a harmonious sweet-tart bite.
Large eggs: The magical thickener that gives lemon curd its dreamy, spoonable creaminess without needing any starch.
Unsalted butter: Cut into cubes, this melts in for a luxurious finish and a glossy sheen. It adds richness while making the curd irresistibly smooth.

How to Make Easy Lemon Curd

Step 1: Combine the Base

Begin by setting up a medium saucepan (non-reactive is best if you’ve got it, like stainless steel). Into the pan, add your lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and eggs. Grab a whisk and thoroughly blend everything together until completely smooth and combined — this step sets you up for a curd with no pesky egg strands or sugar crystals later on.

Step 2: Add the Butter

With the pan still off the heat, drop in your cubed unsalted butter. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first; as it melts, it will emulsify beautifully with the other ingredients, making the final curd extra silky and rich.

Step 3: Cook Gently and Stir Constantly

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Grab either a whisk or a flexible rubber spatula. Stir (and don’t walk away!) constantly for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture gradually thickening until it can coat the back of a spoon. It’s crucial not to let it boil — gentle heat gives you creamy results without scrambling the eggs.

Step 4: Strain and Cool

When your Easy Lemon Curd has reached its perfect consistency, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Set a fine mesh sieve over a clean bowl and pour the curd through it. This quick step catches any little lumps or shreds of zest, leaving you with a curd that’s exceptionally smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Let the strained lemon curd cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before using. As it chills, it will set up to a perfect thick texture. All that’s left is to grab a spoon and start dreaming up ways to use your homemade masterpiece!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Curd

Garnishes

The beauty of Easy Lemon Curd is that it pairs elegantly with both simple and fancy finishing touches. Try topping your curd with a little extra lemon zest, a scatter of fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a stunning presentation. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pistachios adds delightful crunch and color too!

Side Dishes

Serve your lemon curd alongside buttery scones, slathered over pancakes or crepes, or as a dazzling layer in yogurt parfaits. It’s also heavenly as a filling for tarts, cakes, or sandwich cookies. However you pair it, Easy Lemon Curd adds a spark of sunshine to your breakfast or dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra memorable, try layering Easy Lemon Curd in mason jars with crushed shortbread and berries for grab-and-go trifles, or swirl it through cheesecake batter before baking. You can even use it to fill doughnuts or swirl into ice cream — the possibilities are truly endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Lemon Curd is perfect for prepping ahead. Stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh, zesty, and spreadable for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out what you need to keep it in tip-top shape.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch (or save some for later), Easy Lemon Curd freezes beautifully. Simply portion it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using as normal.

Reheating

If you prefer your lemon curd warm (perhaps to drizzle over pancakes or waffles), gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, just until loosened. Avoid high heat — the eggs can curdle if overheated. A few seconds in the microwave on low power works well too.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled juice is handy, it just can’t match the vibrant flavor and brightness of fresh lemons. For truly delicious Easy Lemon Curd, fresh juice makes all the difference — trust me!

Why did my lemon curd turn out lumpy?

Lumps usually happen if the curd cooks too quickly or gets too hot, causing the eggs to scramble. Constant gentle stirring over low heat, and always straining the finished curd, will ensure you get a silky-smooth result every time.

Is Easy Lemon Curd gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use fresh, uncontaminated ingredients if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version. The flavor may be a bit different, but you’ll still get a delightful, creamy lemon spread.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Using a microplane or fine grater gives you super-fine, aromatic zest without the bitter pith. Grate just the yellow part, and zest directly over the pan if you can — it releases the fragrant citrus oils right where you need them!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Lemon Curd enough — it’s bright, luscious, and so adaptable, you’ll always find new ways to enjoy it. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on making your own citrusy curd at home. Give it a go and let a little burst of lemon sunshine light up your kitchen!

Easy Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 1¼ cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the bright and tangy flavor of homemade lemon curd with this easy recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or topping your favorite desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Lemon Curd:

½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until fully combined.
Cook Mixture: Place the pan over medium-low heat, add butter cubes, and cook while stirring constantly for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Strain and Chill: Remove from heat, strain through a sieve, let cool, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.