Lemon Curd Recipe

Lemons: Fresh lemons provide both zest and juice, which give the curd its signature tangy and bright flavor.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons.

Eggs: Help thicken the curd and give it a smooth, creamy texture.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the lemon curd.

One of the trickiest parts of making this lemon curd is slowly adding the warm lemon and sugar mixture to the whisked eggs without cooking the eggs too fast. This step is called tempering, and it helps keep your curd smooth and creamy instead of turning into scrambled eggs. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Start by whisking your eggs in a bowl until they’re well mixed.
2. Take your warm lemon and sugar mixture off the heat so it’s not too hot.
3. Slowly pour just a little bit of the warm mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This warms up the eggs gently.
4. Keep adding the lemon mixture bit by bit, always whisking, until you’ve mixed it all in.
5. Now you can pour the whole mixture back into the saucepan to cook it slowly until it thickens.

Doing this slowly and whisking all the time stops the eggs from cooking too quickly and clumping together. If you pour the hot lemon juice straight into the eggs, you might end up with little cooked bits instead of a smooth curd. Tempering makes the texture silky and perfect for spreading on toast or filling a tart.

When I first tried this, I was in a hurry and dumped the lemon mixture all at once into the eggs. The curd ended up lumpy, and I had to strain it a lot to fix it. Now, I always take my time with this step—it’s worth it! Also, whisking constantly keeps things moving so the eggs don’t settle and cook unevenly. It’s a simple move that makes a big difference in how your lemon curd turns out.

• lemons, zested and juiced - Substitute with lime, zested and juiced: Limes offer a similar tartness and citrus flavor, making them a suitable alternative to lemons in lemon curd.

• lemons, zested and juiced - Substitute with orange, zested and juiced: Oranges provide a sweeter and less tart flavor, which can create a different but delightful citrus curd.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a floral sweetness and a slightly different texture to the curd, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, though it will change the color and taste of the curd.

• large eggs - Substitute with egg yolks: Using only egg yolks will result in a richer and creamier curd, though it may be slightly thicker.

• large eggs - Substitute with cornstarch and water mixture: This can be used as a thickening agent for a vegan version, though it will lack the richness provided by eggs.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar fat content and texture, with a slight coconut flavor that complements the citrus.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative to butter, maintaining the creamy texture of the curd.

• To keep your lemon curd fresh and vibrant, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal for preserving the zesty aroma and flavor.

• Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Ensure the lemon curd is completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation from forming inside the jar.

• For those who wish to savor the sunshine of lemon curd beyond a fortnight, freezing is your best ally. Transfer the curd into a freezer-safe container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.

• Before sealing, cover the surface of the lemon curd with a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This extra layer helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the curd's luscious texture.

• Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness. When stored properly, frozen lemon curd can be enjoyed for up to three months.

• To thaw, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost slowly overnight. This gentle thawing process helps retain the curd's creamy consistency.

• Once thawed, give the lemon curd a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. It’s now ready to spread on your favorite scones, swirl into yogurt, or simply enjoy by the spoonful.

• Gently warm the lemon curd in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure it heats evenly and doesn't stick to the pan. This method helps maintain the silky texture and prevents any curdling.

• Use a double boiler by placing the lemon curd in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This indirect heat method is perfect for preserving the delicate flavor and consistency.

• If you're in a hurry, microwave the lemon curd in short intervals of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between each burst. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the curd to become grainy.

• For a more luxurious touch, reheat the lemon curd by placing it in a small ovenproof dish and warming it in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes. This method is ideal if you're planning to serve it as a topping for desserts like scones or pancakes.

• Saucepan: Used to heat and dissolve the sugar with the lemon zest and juice over medium heat.

• Whisk: Essential for whisking the eggs and combining them with the lemon mixture to ensure a smooth texture.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to whisk the eggs separately before incorporating the lemon mixture.

• Sieve: Used to strain the lemon curd to remove any lumps or zest for a silky finish.

• Plastic wrap: Placed directly on the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming while it chills.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the lemon curd after preparation to set it properly.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the curd continuously while it thickens and for incorporating the butter smoothly.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Zest and juice the lemons ahead of time. Measure out the sugar and cube the butter before starting.

Use a double boiler: Instead of transferring the lemon mixture to a bowl, cook it directly over a double boiler to prevent curdling.

Strain efficiently: Use a fine-mesh sieve to quickly strain the curd, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps.

Chill rapidly: Pour the lemon curd into a shallow dish to cool faster in the refrigerator, saving time before serving.