Homemade Lemon Curd is a vibrant, tart, and velvety spread that brightens up any dessert or snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a luscious lemon curd that works as a filling, topping, or even a spoon-worthy treat. Its thick, creamy texture and zesty citrus flavor make it a versatile addition to your culinary creations. We love it as a filling for our White Cupcakes.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemons: Fresh lemons are the star of this recipe. You’ll need three lemons, which provide both the zest and juice. Be sure to zest the lemons before juicing; you’ll need about one tablespoon of zest and ½ cup of freshly squeezed juice. The zest adds a concentrated lemony aroma, while the juice brings a bright, tangy kick.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here because its neutral flavor won’t compete with the bold citrus. The butter creates a silky smooth texture and balances the tartness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the curd just enough to tame its tartness while letting the lemon flavor shine.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for the structure and thickness of lemon curd. Adding them one at a time ensures an evenly smooth mixture.
How to Make Perfect Lemon Curd
Creating homemade lemon curd involves three main steps:
- Grating and Juicing Lemons: Start by zesting your lemons before cutting them to extract the juice. This ensures you capture every bit of the bright lemon flavor.
- Making the Mixture: Whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter until smooth. Incorporate each egg one at a time to avoid curdling.
- Heating the Curd: Gently cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a rich, creamy curd. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
Creative & Delicious Ways to Use Lemon Curd
While eating it by the spoonful is absolutely acceptable, there are plenty of other delicious uses for homemade lemon curd!
- Spread it over toast, muffins, scones, or pancakes.
- Brush it on top of baked goods as a glaze.
- Serve as a dip for fresh fruits.
How to Store Lemon Curd
Once your lemon curd has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to one year. To use frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Homemade Lemon Curd is a simple, irresistible way to add a burst of citrus flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether you use it in a recipe, spread it on your breakfast, or enjoy it straight from the jar, this lemony delight is sure to brighten your day!
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 medium lemons
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- Grate the zest from the lemons until you have 1 tablespoon of zest. Set aside.
- Cut the lemons in half and juice them into a measuring cup. You should have about ½ cup of lemon juice. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating each until fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Slowly add the lemon juice to the butter mixture while beating on low speed just until blended.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir in the lemon zest by hand. The mixture may look curdled, but that is normal.
- Pour the mixture into a small, heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 14 to 16 minutes. Avoid using a reactive metal whisk, as it may interact with the acidity of the curd.
- Transfer the lemon curd to a heat-safe bowl. While still warm, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Store the lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
This recipe is adapted from Iambaker’s Homemade Lemon Curd.
More Desserts
See More →Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, a timeless favorite loved by all.
Strawberry Muffins
Indulge in delightful freshness with our strawberry muffins, bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion!
Homemade Caramels
Indulge in soft, melt-in-your-mouth caramels with our easy recipe. Includes a gourmet dark chocolate twist and storage tips