If you love bright, tangy flavors, this quick & tasty lemon curd recipe is a must-try. Smooth, silky, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, homemade lemon curd is surprisingly easy to make and far better than store-bought. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and uses simple ingredients.
This recipe works beautifully for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd
Fresh, vibrant lemon flavor
Smooth and creamy texture
Ready in minutes
Perfect for desserts and baking
Easy to customize
🧾 Ingredients (Makes about 1½ cups)
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
Pinch of salt
🔥 How to Make Lemon Curd (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Whisk the Base
In a saucepan (off heat), whisk together:
Eggs
Sugar
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Salt
Whisk until smooth.
2️⃣ Cook Gently
Place saucepan over low to medium-low heat
Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula
Cook for 8–10 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
⚠️ Do not boil—this prevents curdling.
3️⃣ Add Butter
Remove from heat
Stir in butter, one piece at a time
Mix until fully melted and silky smooth
4️⃣ Strain (Optional but Recommended)
Strain through a fine mesh sieve for ultra-smooth curd
5️⃣ Cool & Store
Transfer to a clean jar
Let cool, then refrigerate
Curd thickens more as it cools.
🍰 Ways to Use Lemon Curd
Spread on toast, scones, or biscuits
Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
Fill cakes, tarts, or cupcakes
Spoon over pancakes or waffles
Layer in parfaits
💡 Tips for Perfect Lemon Curd
Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled
Keep heat low and stir constantly
If curd thickens too fast, remove from heat briefly
For extra richness, add 1 extra egg yolk
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking over high heat
Letting the mixture boil
Skipping constant stirring
Using old lemons (less flavor)
🫙 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be frozen for up to 3 months
🌟 Final Thoughts
This quick & tasty lemon curd recipe proves that homemade treats don’t need to be complicated. With its smooth texture and bright citrus flavor, it’s a versatile classic you’ll want to make again and again.