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lemon curd photo cover.

Easy Lemon Curd Recipe (5 Ingredients)


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Easy Lemon Curd Recipe—With only five simple ingredients, you can make this creamy, sweet, and tangy lemon curd in 10 minutes in one pot on the stove! You’ll never buy the store-bought version again!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Lemon Curd (about 2 1/2 cups)

  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 lemons, zested
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan (preferably nonmetallic), whisk together the eggs, sea salt, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
  3. Once thickened, strain the curd through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the zest.
  4. Add back to the hot saucepan (not on the heat), stir in the butter, and keep stirring until smooth, glossy, and combined.
  5. Pour the lemon curd into a glass bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming), and let it cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

TIPS

Non-metal dishes and pots: When using lemons, the acidity of the lemon can react with the metal, sometimes giving the lemon curd a metallic aftertaste.

Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for a more vibrant taste.

Whisk Constantly: To prevent the eggs from curdling, continuously whisk the mixture while cooking.

Cook Over Low Heat: Keep the heat moderate to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly, which can cause curdling.
Strain the Curd: For a smooth texture, strain the lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest.

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sweet
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: American