4-Ingredient Lemon Curd Recipe

My 4-Ingredient Lemon Curd recipe yields a smooth, rich lemon curd that's bursting with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Its creamy texture and vibrant citrus flavor make it an ideal topping for toast, pastries, or yogurt. It's easy to make with just four ingredients, offering a homemade, preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Enjoy the freshness and zesty punch it brings to your favorite snacks and desserts!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 122kcal

Author Fay

INGREDIENTS

½ cup (½ cup) sugar
3 (3) eggs large
½ cup (½ cup) lemon juice
120 g (½ cups) butter unsalted

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine Ingredients Off Heat: In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, lemon juice, and eggs. Stir well to combine, ensuring this is done off the heat to prevent premature cooking of the eggs.
Add Butter and Heat: Add the butter to the saucepan. Then, transfer the pan to medium heat.
Stir Continuously: Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat. Continue until you see bubbles forming and the mixture starts to thicken. This usually takes a few minutes.
Strain for Smoothness: Once thickened, take the saucepan off the heat. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. This step is crucial to remove any cooked pieces of egg, resulting in a smoother curd.
Optional Blending: For an extra smooth consistency, you can optionally blend the strained mixture with a stick blender.
Cool and Refrigerate: Cover the surface of the curd with cling wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cooled.
Final Stir and Store: Before transferring to a jar, give the curd a good stir with a silicone spatula. Store in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life: The lemon curd will last for one week in the refrigerator.

NOTES

Whole Eggs for Zero Waste: This recipe uses whole eggs to ensure there's no waste.

Continuous Stirring: Constant stirring is key to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the mixture. If it heats too quickly, reduce the heat.

Straining is Key: Don’t skip the straining step; it’s essential for a silky texture.

Use Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon or lime juice.

Storing Tips: Store in a clean, airtight jar to maintain freshness. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the curd to keep it from spoiling prematurely.

Serving Suggestions: Lemon curd is versatile - great as a spread, filling for cakes, or a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

NUTRITION