An easy lemon curd recipe that only requires one saucepan! A versatile sweet and tart custard that can be used to fill cupcakes, cakes, spread on scones scones, drizzle over lemon bread pudding and so much more!
*Recipe updated 4-3-2015 with precise measurements and an even easier preparation!!*
Hello, from Bald Head Island, North Carolina! I thought a bright, sunny Homemade Lemon Curd would be the perfect recipe to celebrate this bright, sunny island and my mini vaca!
My family has been coming to BHI for almost two decades. Since I have long left the nest, I haven’t been here as frequently and I’d almost forgotten how peaceful and relaxing it is: no cars, no hustle and bustle, no schedule. It’s lovely.
The only thing keeping this mini getaway from being perfect is my husband’s absence. Sadness. {Even Caramel Butter Bars can’t fix that.}
Back to the lemon curd!
Lemon curd is one of the most unfortunately named desserts. There is nothing “curdy” about it. The British did it a great disservice by not applying an appropriate name. Wouldn’t Lemon Sunshine be so much more enticing? It has a bright tart flavor that is perfectly sweetened. Sunshine, indeed.
I am not ashamed to say that the name has kept me from trying it until now. I judge books by their covers and titles first and then by their content; and I have, upon occasion, picked up a bottle of wine because the label was pretty. {Don’t tell my dad, he’ll die.}
I would have tried “Lemon Sunshine” decades ago.
I made this lemon curd for another fabulous recipe to be posted soon, and I was shocked by how easy it was to pull together. This recipe by Ina Garten uses the whole eggs, so there is no stressful “what to do with the whites” aftermath. Thanks, Ina!
It almost tastes like the lemon part of a lemon bar, which we all know is cool, creamy, and refreshing. It is delicious slathered on toasts, muffins or scones, or you can mix it in yogurt for breakfast!
One more from the Island! This is Zorro...
He didn't want to stay still and show me his feather. 🙂
Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar (345g)
- 3 lemons (zested)
- ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (150g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cubed (113g))
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Zest 3 lemons; removing only the dark yellow portion and non of the bitter, white pith. Always zest before juicing!
- Cream together the butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat until incorporated.
- Add the lemon juice and salt and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a large saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. This takes about 10 minutes. Ina’s recipe says that it will thicken around 170°. I just waited until mine would coat the back of a wooden spoon and did not run back off in a liquid stream, but rather in globs.
Cure Your Lemon Cravings!!!!!!
Double Chocolate Lemon Surprise Cupcakes
Lemon Raspberry Bread Pudding {Lemon Brandy Sauce}
This curd is amazing! How long will it keep in the fridge and can it be frozen?
Hi Heather! I'm so glad you like it! I wouldn't freeze it but it will stay fresh up to 7 days in the refrigerator. I have eaten it a few weeks past that suggestion but I can't recommend that obviously. Enjoy!!
Thanks for the recipe, definitely cheaper than having my friends in England ship some over. I'm having a tea next month and need the lemon curd for the scones.
This will be perfect then! And I think you'll be surprised by how easy it is! Enjoy
looks great! I have made lemon curd before and included it in a parfait..it was delish!... 🙂
Oh that's a great idea!
Looks so good. I'm loving the little chalk labels on the jars - where did you get them from?!
Thanks Shikha! I found them at TJ Maxx.
LOL! I always got turned off to it because of the word "curd". Lemon Sunshine is a much more appropriate name! Hope you had a great time at Bald Head Island!
We did! I think I should start a re-branding movement!
Yum! Normally I love love love lemon but never been all that hot on curd. Now I know why. You're spot on, it's all in the name, isn't it. I think I might just give it a go now, looks fab. Are you planning on any jams ( you call them 'jellos' ?) Apple jellos at all? Our garden is full of apples this year so I think I'll have to venture into the jam territory , scary that it might be. Love the labels too btw.
Thanks, Vanya! The name is such a problem! It really just tastes like the filling of a lemon bar - if someone had told me that 10 years ago, I would have tried it! I love jams - and I really love apple butter! I'll put that on my list because yum! I wish I had apples in my garden...or any garden at all!
Your not alone. I judge books by their cover picture and titles. If its pretty, i like it. If it has a lot of color, i like it. lol. Love this lemon curd;)
Thanks, Ambar! There is nothing wrong with wanting things to be pretty!
Homemade lemon curd is the BEST! I made it once and it was so good I just about died---I haven't made it since though, and I'm definitely missing it! Can't wait to try your awesome version, Lindsey!
P.S Those labels are just the cutest!
Haha! I realized that my handwriting isn't the greatest on a teenie tiny chalkboard! But thank you!
I have never made lemon curd before.. I definitely will be making some and following your recipe. Hopefully I have some success, looks delicious!
I love love lemon curd ... but have never tried making my own... this looks incredible!! I cant believe it is so simple.. Can't wait to give it a try!!
Have a great time in North Carolina, Lindsey! This looks amazing! I love lemon curd and the color of this is so pretty and cheery! So awesome that it's easy to whip up too - pinning 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! It is super easy and will be nice to brighten some dark winter days when they actually get here! Right now NC is HOT!
Oh, the lemon curd looks delicious! I do agree the "curd" part of the name isn't all that appetizing >__< I totally understand where you're coming from on "don't judge a book by its cover." I can't help it! Just shows how important aesthetic appeal is!
So right you are!
This recipe looks delicious...lemon curd can be used in so many awesome ways, too! I absolutely love Bald Head...I hope you are having an awesome time! It sure looks like Zorro is having a blast with his feather. Wouldn't it be nice if finding a feather made our day like it does for dogs? Haha! Happy Labor Day!
Of course you have been to Bald Head...you and I seem to live parallel lives. I guess I should expect to move North in the next several years 😉
If only a feather could make my day like it does Zorro's! Today he found 3 feathers and managed to keep them all in his mouth until my mom made him drop them outside the door. Happy Labor day to you too!
Just don't make the same mistake I did and move North in the middle of the winter. 🙂
Oooh I am super excited about this recipe! I just love lemon curd but have always been too scared to make it at home. I just read your recipe though and it sounds great, I'm definitely going to try it!
Don't be scared! It was super easy...I felt the same way before I tried and then I felt like a dummy for not making it sooner!
Curds in every flavor are some of my favorite things on the planet! They spruce up everything they touch, and lemon has to be the best because it's so sunshiny. 🙂 I hope you're having a wonderful time away, Lindsey! Pinning. 🙂
Thanks, Marcie!! There is something so happy about citrus curds! I am having a wonderful relaxing time! Thank you! 🙂
It should definitely be called Lemon Sunshine. Lovely. You so deserve a relaxing weekend! Great view. Who's dog is that? Are you a dog fan btw? I know you heart cats. I heart dogs but hate cats. I hope it is cooler over there than it is here. The heat is torturous and I can't wait for it to cool down.
I knew you were going to ask about the dog! 🙂 That is my parent's dog. I like him. He's sweet but needy! I think dogs are okay. I like certain people's dogs as long as they aren't big or slobbery. Definitely prefer cats. It isn't too bad - mid to high 80's but with a nice breeze. It should cool down soon! Tomorrow it is officially Fall!
I agree - this should totally be named Lemon Sunshine! I love how simple the recipe is. I hope you have a fabulous vacation!
I see we agree on most things Kristine! Thanks!
I hope you're having a great time in North Carolina, Lindsey! And this curd looks amazing! I love the color, ingredients, and how easy this is to whip up. Definitely going to have to try this out!
Thanks, Gayle! I am definitely having a good time! Wine, cheese, exercise and relaxation!