Homemade Lemon Curd is a sweet, tangy spread made primarily from fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a vibrant yellow color, making it a popular addition to various desserts and breakfast items.
Here’s a simple and delicious Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe that’s perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or using in desserts!
Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Zest and juice the lemons. Make sure to strain the lemon juice to remove any seeds.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The temperature should reach around 170°F (77°C).
- Add Butter and Salt:
- Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until fully melted and incorporated. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
- Strain (Optional):
- If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the lemon curd cool to room temperature. Transfer it to clean jars or an airtight container and refrigerate. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your homemade lemon curd on toast, in tarts, or as a filling for cakes and pastries!
Tips:
- Storage: Lemon curd can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months).
- Uses: Lemon curd is versatile and can be used in various recipes, such as lemon meringue pie, cupcakes, or even drizzled over pancakes.
Enjoy!
This Homemade Lemon Curd is bright, tangy, and full of fresh lemon flavor, perfect for enhancing your favorite treats!