Homemade Lemon Curd
When life gives you lemons...make lemon curd, or fresh squeezed lemonade! Why do lemons have such a bad rap anyway? We tend to call things that are no good a lemon. Nobody wants a car that's a lemon.
Maybe it's because they are so sour....and this is true, but lemons are also quite versatile. How many foods can you use in desserts, beverages, main dishes and salad dressings?
I think lemons are a good thing and since I had a huge bowl of fresh lemons, I decided to make lemon curd. Lemon curd has such intense lemon flavor. My mouth waters just thinking about it!
It's time to start think about lemons as a good thing!
What is lemon curd?
A curd is a sweet spread usually made with citrus fruit. It is often served with scones as a condiment and is used as a jam. Curds are also used as a filling in sweet desserts.
What ingredients do I need to make lemon curd?
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- sugar
- lemon zest
- lemon juice
- butter
When making curd, you do want to plan ahead a bit. You want it to fully chill before eating. This takes a good couple of hours. Don't skimp on the chilling time. The lemony flavors are so much better when the curd is chilled.
The color of your curd may be lighter than my vibrant yellow curd. I used fresh eggs from my chickens. Right now their yolks are a deep dark yellow color.
I used this lemon curd as a filling in my Lemon Cupcakes topped with Lemon Buttercream Frosting! It would also be great in these lemon curd bars.
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 lemons zested
- 2 lemons juiced
- ¼ cup butter (Sliced into chunks)
Instructions
- In a metal bowl or in the top of a double boiler, combine all eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Place bowl over pan with a few inches of water. Do not let bottom of pan touch water.
- Turn heat to high, add butter slices and begin stirring with a whisk. Continue stirring to avoid burning.
- Cook until mixture becomes thick and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat. Pour mixture into a very fine sieve. Use a spatula to push mixture through sieve.
- Let cool a few minutes. Cover with plastic wrap making certain plastic wrap is directly touching the lemon curd. This helps avoid a skin forming on the surface.
- Cool in refrigerator for a least 2 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl) says
This lemon curd looks amazing,it would be such a great cupcake filling 🙂
Kathy says
Yep! Super great in cupcakes!
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I agree, lemons do get a bad rep! This lemon curd is amazing, I can imagine eating this with a dozen different things but it would be good all by itself! Take care.
Kathy says
I know....I love to just sneak a spoonful!
allie says
What a great spring recipe Kathy - looks delicious! I can eat lemon curd with just about anything - cookies, cake, pie, ice cream...or with a spoon! Hope all is well my friend.
Kathy says
I've been known to eat it with a spoon from time to time! 🙂
Anne Murphy says
Lemon curd is such a wonderful balance of tart and sweet! I've always loved using it in all kinds of recipes, but it's good just on toast!
Kathy says
I love the sweet/tart combination.
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
I love a good lemon curd! But man it's been so long since I've had any! Must change that - this looks fantastic!
Kathy says
Yep...you'd better make some soon!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
I love lemons! In my baking but also in cooking and in drinks! I have yet to make lemon curd, which differs from my go-to Italian lemon cream (crema) from having butter. Now I want to try making it! P.s. Yes, usually the color is not that deep yellow, even with organic free range eggs bought at the Farmers Market...
Kathy says
Lemons are such a great ingredient! I'd love to try your recipe for lemon crema!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I love I love lemon curd but I don't know why I haven't made it at home. And this one looks so refreshing and delish. Thanks for the lovely recipe, I will have to give it a go.
Kathy says
I love the tartness of lemon curd! It is so delicious.
Megan says
One of my favorite breakfasts is toast + honey + lemon curd. I've never made it myself, though - I'll have to try this out!
Curious, you mentioned that you can use lemon curd in beverages. I've never considered that! Do you have any suggestions to start?
Kathy says
That sounds like a great way to start the day. I've never used lemon curd in beverages....just lemons! Lemons are very versatile and can be used in so many different ways.