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This lemon curd tastes just like sunshine. You will never buy store bought lemon curd again after you taste this.
We’ve been having some rather gloomy, cloudy, foggy days here in Portland. There has been a lack of sunshine and I was physically and mentally craving some sun. Since I have yet to figure out a way to change the weather, I decided to make some sunshine in my kitchen. The very sight of a lemons makes me happy and the smell and taste are even better!
Homemade Is Always Better
You can easily purchase a jar of lemon curd at the grocery store, but let me tell you, there is nothing that compares to the homemade version. It is easy to make too and is literally sunshine on a spoon as far as I am concerned.
There are so many possibilities for homemade curd. I love it spread on toast or pancakes. And a dollop on a bowl of vanilla ice cream is quite lovely. Everything tastes better with a spoonful of it.
What is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, sugar and eggs.
Tips for Homemade Curd
Always use real lemon juice and zest. Do not use that lemon juice that comes in the green container at the grocery store. If you are going to do that, just buy a jar of lemon curd at the store.
When working with lemons, there are a few tools that I find really helpful. I love my lemon juicer. It makes juicing lemons so easy and fast.
You will use the zest of the lemon too, so you will need a microplaner.
With these two tools you are ready to go.
How To Make Homemade Curd
- Place the eggs yolks, sugar and lemon juice in a double boiler over simmering water and stirring until it begins to thicken. If you don’t have a double boiler just use a regular sauce pan but be sure and stir in continually so it doesn’t burn.
- Stir over heat for 7-10 minutes or until mixture thickens.
- Add in butter and stir until it is melted.
- Add in the lemon zest.
- Cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator. It will continue to thicken as it chills.
Then all you really need is a spoon!
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Check our more of my favorite desserts that use lemon curd:
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Mix together eggs, sugar and lemon juice and place in a double boiler over simmering water or a sauce pan. Stir until it thickens. About 7-10 minutes. Stir constantly
- Fold in butter and lemon zest.
- Cover and refrigerator until it thickens.
Kr says
I love lemon curd. One of our favorite and EASY ways to use it is with a layer of vanilla greek yogurt, a thin layer of lemon curd, and then top with fresh fruit! Healthy and delicious. Thanks for your recipe….can’t way to try it!
Leigh Anne says
That sounds delicious!! Will have to give it a try.
Linda says
Hi Leigh Anne.
Love lemons and the recipe for Lemon Curd, I like to know after done,
how long will it keep in fridge 2 weeks or more to use it ? then make another batch?
beside pies deserts is can it be used in yogurt or smoothies? cottage cheese cheesecake?
Thank’s Linda
Leigh Anne says
It never sticks around long here. I would say a couple weeks at most. You can use it in just about anything! I spoonful in yogurt would be yummy and I love lemon in my smoothie. Cheesecake would be perfect too – so many possibilities.
Lobaloba says
Couldn’t this also be made with lime??
Leigh Anne says
It would be wonderful made with limes!
Cheryl says
Have you tried it with oranges?
Leigh Anne says
Cheryl, I haven’t but I’m sure it would be delicious!
Valerie says
I will be making this for the next party! I usually make for a summer treat with raspberry sauce from berries from the yard. Delicious.
Thank you for the recipe, I usually just use the filling recipe for a pie.
Leigh Anne says
Valerie, I love lemon curd with raspberries. So yummy!
Barbie says
Dip your ginger snaps in it!!! Yum Yum Good!!!
Leigh Anne says
Love that idea!