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–+ servings
Easy Lemon Curd

Easy Lemon Curd

It takes 5 simple ingredients to make this creamy, tart Easy Lemon Curd. Use it in a variety of the best spring desserts.
Servings: 1.5 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice, 3 large lemons, freshly squeezed
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into slices

Instructions

  • Put 2 inches of water in a medium saucepan and heat on high until boiling. Turn the heat down to medium and cover the saucepan with the top of the double boiler. Make sure the water in the bottom continues to boil gently.
  • Add the egg yolks and sugar to the double boiler and stir to combine. While whisking, add the lemon juice, lemon zest and butter. Continue whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. It will take about 12-14 minutes for the lemon mixture to thicken slightly.
    Double Boiler
  • It is helpful to have a food thermometer to take the temperature of the sauce, it should be ready to remove from the heat when the temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Pour the lemon curd into a bowl and cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming while cooling. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to cool completely, about two hours. If using lemon curd in a cold dessert, it is best to make this recipe a day ahead of time. Recipe makes 1 1/2 cups lemon curd.
    Easy Lemon Curd

Equipment

  • 1 box grater, with small holes for zesting OR micro plane
  • 1 double boiler
  • 1 whisk

Notes

How to store Easy Lemon Curd?
Once the lemon curd has cooled completely in the refrigerator, spoon it into small glass Mason Jars and seal the jars with a lid. Or use small plastic containers for storage. Refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
If you have leftover lemon curd (that's not likely), you can freeze it in an airtight plastic container or in freezer bags for up to one year. Allow 24 hours to thaw before using it in desserts.

Nutrition

Calories: 873kcalCarbohydrates: 96gProtein: 6gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 32gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 488mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 91gVitamin A: 1897IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg