Description
This easy homemade lemon curd is a tangy, creamy delight that can elevate any dessert. With just 6 simple ingredients and ready in 10 minutes, this velvety curd is perfect as a topping, filling, or treat on its own. The smooth texture and vibrant citrus flavor make it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice, from about 2 large lemons
1 tablespoon lemon zest, from about 1 large lemon
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (56 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small nonreactive saucepan (stainless steel), heat the lemon juice over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
- In a separate nonreactive bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolk, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Slowly pour the hot lemon juice into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula for about 3 to 5 minutes. The curd is ready when the spatula leaves a trail in the bottom of the saucepan that quickly disappears.
- Immediately remove from heat and stir in the cold butter pieces until melted. Then, add the heavy cream and salt, stirring to combine.
- Pour the curd through a fine mesh sieve into a nonreactive bowl to remove any lumps.
- Cover the curd with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature before using, or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- For a different twist, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the curd.
- Add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity variation of lemon curd.
- For an egg-free version, use cornstarch or agar agar as a substitute.
- Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
