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Lemon Curd
5 from 50 votes

Lemon Curd

Lemon Curd is a smooth, tangy spread made from fresh lemon juice and zest, sugar, eggs, and unsalted butter cooked gently until thickened. This curd delivers a bright citrus flavor with a creamy texture that can be used in desserts, as a topping, or a filling. It’s chilled after cooking to develop its firmness and richness.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 271 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ cup lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg
  • ⅓ cup butter unsalted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Whisk lemon juice, sugar, eggs and zest.
  2. Add to a saucepan with butter and cook over medium-low heat whisking continuously until mixture thickens.
  3. Pour curd into a bowl and top with plastic wrap allowing the plastic wrap to touch the top of the curd.
  4. Cool completely and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Use a fine grater or zester to remove only the yellow lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
  • Constant whisking over medium-low heat prevents curdling and ensures smooth, thick lemon curd.
  • The curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when a finger is drawn through it.
  • Substitute the lemon with lime, orange, or grapefruit; reduce sugar to ⅓ cup if using orange or grapefruit.
  • Store lemon curd in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Information

Calories 271 (14%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 123mg (41%) Sodium 167mg (7%) Potassium 62mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 26g (52%) Vitamin A 590IU (12%) Vitamin C 12.5mg (14%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 271

% Daily Value*

Calories 271 14%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 123mg 41%
Sodium 167mg 7%
Potassium 62mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 26g 52%
Vitamin A 590IU 12%
Vitamin C 12.5mg 14%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.