What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade lemon curd is a bright, creamy delight that’s perfect for spreading, filling, or just eating by the spoonful.
- Easy to make—just a few simple ingredients and one pot for a smooth, luscious result.
- Versatile—use it on toast, in tarts, or as a cake filling for a burst of citrusy flavor.
- Better than store-bought—fresh lemon zest and juice give it a vibrant taste you can’t find in jars.
Recipe
Lemon curd is a versatile, creamy dessert topping or filling made from lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs. It’s tangy, sweet, and perfect for spreading on scones, filling cakes, or topping desserts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and cubed butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or zest.
- Transfer to a jar or bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled.
Notes:
- Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a smoother texture, make surethe mixture is strained properly.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Heatproof spatula or spoon
- Jar or bowl
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Universal
Serving: Makes about 2 cups
Nutrition
Lemon curd is a tangy, creamy spread made from fresh lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (1 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbs | 6 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade lemon curd with fresh scones, their light, fluffy texture makes it feel like a special treat. Toast points are another go-to for me, giving a crispy, satisfying base that lets the curd shine. These simple pairings turn a spoonful of lemon curd into something truly delicious.
Fresh Scones
When you’ve got a batch of homemade lemon curd ready, pairing it with fresh scones is an absolute treat I’d recommend. There’s something magical about the flaky, buttery scone meeting the tangy-sweet curd that makes every bite irresistible. I love baking scones because they’re simple to make, yet they feel so special. Warm from the oven, they crumble just enough to hold a generous dollop of lemon curd. I often add a touch of zest to the scone dough for extra citrus flavor. It’s a combo that feels indulgent but is perfect for breakfast, tea, or even dessert. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Toast Points
Toast points are a classic, simple way to elevate your homemade lemon curd. I love how their crisp texture contrasts with the smooth, tangy spread—it’s like a perfect bite every time. Just toast thin slices of bread, cut them into triangles, and maybe brush with a little butter for extra richness. They’re ideal for serving at brunch or tea, letting the lemon curd shine without overpowering it. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. Trust me, once you pair these with your curd, you’ll never go back to plain toast again.
