Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, this Quick Lemon Curd recipe is the ultimate way to capture the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons in just 20 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter, this luscious homemade curd boasts a silky texture and just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping onto scones, or filling cakes and tarts, this versatile treat is a must-try for lemon lovers. With straightforward steps and a double boiler technique to ensure a smooth, glossy finish, this easy lemon curd recipe will become your go-to for a quick and elegant dessert addition. Give your desserts a burst of citrusy sunshine with this homemade classic!
Zest the lemons and then juice them to obtain about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds or pulp.
In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture, whisking to incorporate fully.
Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler setup), ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the utensil, about 8–10 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil to prevent curdling.
Remove the bowl from the heat and immediately whisk in the cubes of unsalted butter, a few pieces at a time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Pour the lemon curd into a clean jar or bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Let the curd cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. It will thicken further as it cools.
Calories |
1398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.0 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.1 g | 210% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 724 mg | 241% | |
| Sodium | 365 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 175.4 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 156.0 g | ||
| Protein | 21.2 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 554 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.