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Creamy Lemon Curd Recipe

4.4 from 100 reviews

This classic Lemon Curd recipe delivers a smooth, tangy, and sweet spread made from fresh lemon juice, eggs, sugar, and butter. Perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or dolloping on desserts, this homemade lemon curd is cooked gently until thickened to achieve a luscious and creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 23 lemons)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl or saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, eggs, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
  2. Cook Gently: Place the mixture over low to medium-low heat, stirring constantly, preferably with a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula. Continue cooking gently to avoid curdling, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, approximately 8–10 minutes.
  3. Add Butter and Finish: Remove the curd from heat and stir in the unsalted butter pieces one at a time until fully melted and incorporated, giving the curd a smooth and glossy finish.
  4. Cool: Transfer the lemon curd to a clean container or jar and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate to chill and further thicken before serving.

Notes

  • Cook over gentle heat to prevent eggs from scrambling.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Can be used as a spread, filling, or topping for various desserts and pastries.
  • For a smoother curd, strain after cooking to remove any cooked egg bits.

Keywords: lemon curd, homemade lemon curd, lemon spread, citrus curd, dessert topping, breakfast spread