The Most Amazing Homemade Lemon Curd
Do you love lemon flavor?? If so, I’m about to change your life with the most amazing
homemade lemon curd recipe!
I love anything lemon flavor, and especially if it is made with real lemons or real lemon juice.
When my Meyer lemon tree is filled with lemons, it makes my giddy just thinking about all the things I want to make.
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I live in Texas and it’s not real easy to grow citrus trees. I suppose because of extreme heat for months in a row during the summer and then it can get fairly cold here and even ice or snow in the winter.
So, I have to grow citrus trees in pots.
My trees aren’t very big, but I usually get 15-20 lemons each year, and I love it!!
There is just no comparison to lemons right off the tree and store bought ones.
This year when so many lemons were ripe all at the same time, I decided to juice some of them and put the juice in ice cube trays and freeze it.
That way, I have fresh lemon juice whenever I need it for a recipe.
Recently, I decided to try to make homemade lemon curd to also use in some of my lemon recipes.
I researched lots of ways to make lemon curd and came up with my own method, ingredients and proportions.
And friends, it turned out SO good!!!
So, let me share how to make the most amazing homemade lemon curd with you.
ingredients for homemade lemon curd
3 lemons
1 1/4 cup sugar
4 T. butter
4 whole eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
directions for homemade lemon curd
Zest 2 fresh lemons
Cream 4 tablespoons butter in a mixer.
Add 1 1/4 cup sugar and the lemon zest.
Mix together until well blended.
Then add 4 eggs, one at a time and mix until well blended.
Add lemon juice, using the 2 lemons you zested, plus 1 more (about 1/2 cups) and 1/8 teaspoon salt and mix well until it is a smooth texture.
Don’t be tempted to use bottled lemon juice. The real lemon juice is the key to a good lemon curd.
Be sure and scrape the sides occasionally to make sure it is all getting incorporated.
Using a glass mixing bowl over a saucepan as a double boiler, pour your lemon mixture in and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
You want to use a glass bowl and a spoon that isn’t metal. The metal can sometimes give the lemon curd a strange taste.
If your lemon curd isn’t thickening, at this point, turn the heat up and add 2 tablespoons butter. Using a whisk, stir constantly until thickened.
Just remember, as it cools, it will also thicken a bit too.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Pour into glass airtight containers.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 3 lemons
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 eggs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Zest 2 lemons
- Cream butter in mixer.
- Add sugar and lemon zest.
- Mix together until well blended.
- Then add 4 eggs, one at a time, and mix until well blended.
- Add lemon juice, using the 2 lemons you zested, plus 1 more (about 1/2 cup lemon juice) and salt and mix well. Don't be tempted to use bottled lemon juice. The real lemon juice is the key to good lemon curd.
- Be sure and scrape the sides of the mixing bowl occasionally to make sure it is all getting incorporated.
- Using a glass bowl over a saucepan as a double boiler, pour your mixture in and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
- Be sure and use a glass bowl and a spoon that isn't metal. The metal can give the lemon curd a strange taste.
- If your lemon curd isn't thickening, at this point, turn the heat up and add 2 tablespoons butter. Using a whisk, stir constantly until thickened.
- Just remember, as it cools, it will thicken a bit too.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Pour into glass airtight containers.
Notes
how long will lemon curd keep in the fridge
Homemade lemon curd can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
You can also freeze lemon curd for 1-2 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator before using.
ways to use lemon curd
Use lemon curd:
as a spread or topping on pancakes, waffles, toast, scones, cheesecake, angel food cake, etc.
between layers for a cake filling or a filling for cupcakes, pie, tarts, donuts, etc.
in recipes that you want to add a lemon flavor
some my favorite ways to use lemon curd –
I use it in my buttermilk pie recipe
a pound cake
a spread on toast
on top of ice cream
on top of brie cheese
in my lemon bar recipe
The possibilities are endless!!
other ideas for lemon curd
This makes a wonderful gift for friends, family or neighbors.
Put it in cute glass jars and add a tag. I like to use my label maker and card stock and with a ribbon or string tied around the jar.
It’s a great hostess gift or a party favor for a summer party or lemon theme party.
other lemon recipes and ideas you might enjoy
these lemon finger towels…..
this lemon theme picnic tablescape….
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for the most amazing homemade lemon curd, and try some for yourself.
I promise, you won’t regret it!
blessings,
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I’m excited to try this, but I’m even more excited to hear that your lemon tree thrives in Texas. I think I will try to get one this year.
It’s so fun to watch them grow. It’s done pretty well in a pot as long it is in a sunny spot but doesn’t get the severe afternoon heat. I also try to remember to fertilize it once a month. Good Luck!
I love lemon curd but have never tried to make it myself. This is going on my to-do list.
Oh, you should definitely try it! You would probably use it so much since you are such a great cook!
This sounds amazing, Michele. I would love to share this on my newsletter. Hugs to you, my friend.
Oh, thanks so much Renae! I really appreciate that!
I wish I had your adventurous side. I love the idea of making my own lemon curd because goodness me, it’s some fantastic stuff. But I’m not the girl that thinks ahead. LOL. I’m the girl who thinks, ooh, let’s make a lemon cheesecake and runs to the store to get what I need right then. :/ Maybe one day I’ll be more like you. pinned
Thank you for the kind words, but honestly, I’m typically flying by the seat of my pants!!
Oh Michele, you have my respect. I made it once for my husband and I said never again! That is nice you are able to grow a lemon tree so you have your own lemons. Lovely photos!
Thanks Cara! I hate the lemon curd didn’t work out for you. This recipe is fairly easy and SO good.