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A small jar of the most amazing homemade lemon curd with a cork lid and a label sits on a wooden cutting board beside a sliced lemon. In the background, a white pedestal bowl filled with whole lemons is blurred. The scene is set on a light-colored surface in a bright setting.
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Homemade Lemon Curd

This 5 ingredient homemade lemon curd is SO good! It's delicious on so many things and makes a great gift.
Course filling, sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword filling, lemon curd, lemon filling, lemon sauce, lemon spread, sauce, spread
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Cost 5

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

The lemon curd can be refrigerated for 3-4 weeks.  
It can also be frozen for 1-2 months.  Just thaw in the refrigerator before using.
This makes a great gift for friends, family or neighbors.  
It's also a great hostess gift or party favor for a summer party.