Lemon curd might sound fancy, but it's actually SUPER easy to make. Try our homemade lemon curd recipe, it's delicious! You'll find yourself finding more and more ways to enjoy this yummy treat! This post was originally shared in 2012 and now includes a step by step video!
Try our lemon curd cheesecakes, lemon curd hand pies, lemon raspberry turnovers and thumbprint lemon cookies!
Watch our step by step video!
What is lemon curd?
Lemon curd is a very rich dessert that can be used as a topping or spread. It has the consistency of pudding and has a deep yellow color that you would assume would be from the lemons, but is actually from the egg yolks! Lemon curd is simmered over the stove then chilled. Store bought lemon curd is delicious, but homemade is even better and EASY to make.
Homeamde Lemon Curd Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (zest from 1 lemon)
- 4 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoon butter
Directions
- Whisk sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and egg yolks in a sauce pan and heat on medium heat until thickened (should look like a hollandaise sauce) and the mixture sticks to the back of a spoon (6-8 minutes). Mixture should be heated enough to simmer while cooking.
- Remove from heat. Stir in butter, one tablespoon at a time and stir until smooth and melted.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap AGAINST the curd to prevent the top from drying out. Refrigerate for an hour to allow the curd to chill and thicken.
How To Store Lemon Curd
My recipe makes 1 cup of curd. I usually double the recipe and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. You can also freeze containers of lemon curd up to 6 months or can jars of curd for a longer shelf life!
(Lemon curd hand pie recipe HERE)
Ways To USe Lemon Curd
- Spread over shortbread cookies or warm bread
- Served with vanilla ice cream
- Use as a filling for turnovers, hand pies, macarons, scones, or cupcakes
- On waffles, pancakes, German pancakes or popovers
- As a filling between cake layers
Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe
Homemade Lemon Curd
Lemon curd might sound fancy, but it actually SUPER easy to make. Try our homemade lemon curd recipe, it's delicious! You'll find yourself finding more and more ways to enjoy this yummy treat!
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Servings: 16 (Tablespoons)
Calories: 60kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Whisk sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and egg yolks in a sauce pan and heat on medium heat until thickened (should look like a hollandaise sauce) and the mixture sticks to the back of a spoon (6-8 minutes). Mixture should be heated enough to simmer while cooking.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in butter, one tablespoon at a time and stir until smooth and melted.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap AGAINST the curd to prevent the top from drying out. Refrigerate for an hour to allow the curd to chill and thicken.
Notes
My recipe makes 1 cup of curd. I usually double the recipe and store the leftovers in the refrigerator. You can also freeze containers of lemon curd up to 6 months or can jars of curd for a longer shelf life!
Nutrition
Calories: 60kcal
Years ago I hosted a baby shower with a raspberry lemon theme. The momma-to-be loved the flavor of lemons as much as I did, so everything was lemon raspberry themed and it was gorgeous! I made lemon cupcakes, filled with lemon curd and garnished with fresh raspberries and lemon slices. I also made mini raspberry cheesecakes. We had lemon drop candies on the table and bright yellow flowers. This is where my obsession with lemon curd began. I've been making it ever since!
Lisa says
Made your lemon curd !! Absolutely fabulous..and so simple! And way cheaper than store bought..I got to determine the sweetness!!
Brandy says
Oh, yay! I’m so glad you like it—-and yes, so much cheaper!
Danita Carr says
Oh yum! These sound SO good! And they look pretty!...which is always a plus! 😉 Thanks for sharing at #SmallVictories
Anita says
These looks delicious! Thanks for sharing at Pin Junkie Pin Party.
Mindy Sullivan says
I love citrus in desserts, can't wait to try your recipe!
Linda Bass says
Looks awesome! I'd like to invite you to come party at Share the Love blog party. Opens each Sunday evening thru Thursday. Hope you can make it. http://homecookingrecipebox.blogspot.com/
apoconant says
I always have about 10 lemons on hand for infused water and raspberries are just about in season here. Thanks for the recipe!
You should share this with everyone on my weekly link party : )
http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-linkup-008/
Hope to see you there!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
Yumm...these look amazing! Pinning
Mommy's Apron says
What happy colors and a great combination of flavors. I am pinning this for later. Thank you for posting. I'm glad I saw you over at #ThisIsHowWeRollThursday.
Anita says
These looks yummy!
Chris says
looks so delicious. thanks for sharing at #2usestuesday
Megan says
These look delicious and have a Granddaddy that would go crazy over them! I may have to make up a batch next time we have him over for dinner!
HELEN ELLIOTT says
Why can't I bring up the recipes?
Brandy says
Hi Helen. If you click on "source" under each recipe title it will take you to the website where I found the recipes.
Maju Q. says
What means 1 T?
Brandy says
Tablespoon 🙂
Isabelle Thornton says
Oh WOW! Looks delicious!
misschocolat says
They look delicious.I have to try this recipe.Thank you!
Robin @ Bird On A Cake says
I just found this recipe (yum!!) and your watermelon shark (so creative!) on Tatertots & Jello. I pinned them both! And I'm your newest follower. :0)
Heather Painchaud says
Oh my! Pinned for sure!
xo
Sue says
It all looks delicious, and so pretty too!
Printabelle says
Those look delicious and gorgeous! I'd love for you to add it on my link party at: http://printabelle.com/?p=3717 Thanks!
mellywoods5 says
Lemon curd looks amazing and I have about 10 ripe lemons on the tree so far - YUM!
SayNotSweetAnne says
You are SO not pathetic for setting up your desserts! Firstly, they look *amazing* and I am a HUGE fan on lemon anything so I'm sure they taste as good as they look. You can come set up desserts at my house any day =OP if you have the time, I'd love for you to share on Sweet Sharing Monday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-4/
Stephanie says
I saw these on fb...they look beautiful and yummo!
Rose says
These looks SO yummy!
Deanne says
yum, its lemon season here in oz, so I will be making some lemony treats!