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Lemon Curd Recipe

5 from 10 votes
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posted: 04/11/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This Lemon Curd Recipe is sweet and tart and so easy to make. Spread this vibrant lemon curd on just about anything!

Overhead photo of a spoon dipping into jar of Lemon Curd Recipe. Lemons in the background.

There is nothing that screams spring to me quite like lemon. It’s possible I was meant to live somewhere where I could grow a lemon tree and pick fresh lemons.

This Lemon Curd recipe is incredibly easy to make, and is perfect in so many recipes or just amazing on some toast.

Reader Review

Thank you so much. This curd was incredibly easy and quick to make. And it tastes amazing!

What is Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a jam like spread made from fresh lemons, butter, and sugar. It is amazing on muffins and toast, but is also a great ingredient in dozens of recipes.

Ingredients

This simple spread is made from ingredients you already have in your kitchen:

  • Lemon Juice: I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice. You will also need fresh lemons for the zest, approximately 3 large lemons.
  • Lemon Zest: If you have never zested a lemon, you want to zest just the yellow skin, moving on to a different part of the lemon when you hit the white rind. You can see my recommendation for a zester linked below.
  • Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe, but if you only have unsalted on hand, you might want to add a pinch of salt at the end.
  • Eggs: You will use both whole eggs and egg whites which give the lemon curd an ideal texture.
  • Sugar: Lemon Curd is a sweet spread, and it gets that sweetness from granulated sugar.
TOP PICK

Zester

This is the perfect simple tool for when you need to add some zest to a recipe.
Product Image
Overhead photo of a glass measuring cup of Lemon Curd Recipe with a spoon for stirring.

How To Make Lemon Curd

Here is a brief overview of how to make lemon curd. It comes together in the microwave in a glass measuring cup or bowl for minimal dishes. For the full recipe and all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Heat the butter. Microwave until slightly melted, but not completely.
  • Mix the rest of the ingredients. Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and then the eggs and egg yolks.
  • Heat the mixture. Put the mixture back in the microwave for one minute intervals, whisking well in between until it can coat the back of a spoon well
  • Strain and refrigerate. Pour through a metal sieve and refrigerate until completely cool.
Overhead photo of a jar of Lemon Curd Recipe. Extra lemons in the background.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Curd

  • Get the most juice from your lemons. To maximize the juice you get from lemons toss them in the microwave for about ten seconds, or roll them on the counter with your hands for a few seconds.
  • Find a good zester. You can find a decent zester at most stores (or use the link above) and it will change your life! Using lemon zest will give your lemon curd recipe a deeper lemony flavor that lemon juice alone just can’t do.
  • Whisk the curd mixture every minute or so during the microwave process.
  • You’ll know when it’s done when the curd can coat the back of a spoon well, which should take about three to four minutes.
  • Strain the mixture after microwaving to get rid of the lemon zest. It’ll give it an extra amazing lemony flavor during cooking, but you don’t want to stay in the curd. You want the sweet and tart curd to be smooth as can be.
Overhead photo of Lemon Curd Recipe spread onto a slice of bread. Loaf of bread and extra lemons also on counter.

Storing and Reheating

Store the lemon curd in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Lemon Curd will thicken once it’s cooled and refrigerated, to a consistency like jam or marmalade. Always use your best discretion when it comes to leftovers.

To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave again for a few seconds until it’s the consistency you like. You can also stir it in a small saucepan on the stove. Just make sure to stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn or scorch on the bottom. Only reheat what you plan on eating.

FAQ

Is lemon curd the same as lemon pie filling?

They are similar but different in texture and ingredients. Lemon curd contains butter and a stronger lemon flavor.

How long does homemade lemon curd last?

Lemon curd can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Always use your best discretion when it comes to leftovers.

Can you overcook lemon curd?

Yes! This is why I recommend microwaving for one minute increments and whisking well in between segments.

Overhead photo a jar of Lemon Curd Recipe with a spoon for serving. Lemons on counter beside jar.

Uses for Lemon Curd

If you’re looking for lemon curd uses, start by spreading it on some simple toast. Or you can spread some on some pound cake, on your buttermilk pancakes, in crepes, on muffins, hot biscuits, scones, or just about anything!

Whether you use it as a spread, in a delicious lemony dessert recipe, or eat it by the spoonful, you will love this tart treat! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it. Please drop me a comment below and enjoy your dose of liquid sunshine!

Overhead photo of a spoon dipping into jar of Lemon Curd Recipe. Lemons in the background.
5 from 10 votes

Lemon Curd Recipe

Serves: 40 tablespoons
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
This Lemon Curd Recipe is sweet and tart and so easy to make. Spread this vibrant lemon curd on just about anything!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons lemon zest from about three large lemons
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from two to three large lemons
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 egg yolks lightly beaten

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds so it is slightly melted, but not completely.
  • Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and then the eggs and egg yolks.
  • Heat in the microwave for one minute intervals, whisking well in between until it can coat the back of a spoon well. It should take three to four minutes.
  • Pour through a metal sieve and then refrigerate until fully cool. It will thicken as it cools.
Serving: 1tablespoon Calories: 57kcal (3%) Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 3g (5%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 28mg (9%) Sodium: 23mg (1%) Potassium: 10mg Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 8g (9%) Vitamin A: 101IU (2%) Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) Calcium: 5mg (1%) Iron: 0.1mg (1%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Overhead photo of a spoon dipping into jar of Lemon Curd Recipe. Lemons in the background.

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Lemon Curd Recipe

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

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  1. Teresa says

    5 stars
    Your recipe for lemon curd made in the microwave is delicious! And So EASY!!!
    Thanks
    Teresa

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so happy you liked it Teresa! Thank you for coming back to tell me!

  2. Bryanne Elliott says

    How long do i have before the lemon curd is no longer safe to eat. i think my last jar is over a month old, It was kept in the fridge though. is it still safe to use?

    • Lisa Longley says

      It really needs to be eaten within a month. So I probably wouldn’t.

  3. RJ says

    Lisa,
    You are very talented.
    Keep up the good work.
    Thank you,
    RJ

    • Lisa Longley says

      Thank you for your kind words, RJ!

  4. Melissa says

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. So easy and turned out perfect. Great recipe for lemon lovers.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you liked it!

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