Introduction
Prepare to experience the zesty goodness of Homemade Lemon Curd! This tangy and sweet spread is bursting with fresh lemon flavor and can be used in various dessert recipes or simply spread on toast for a refreshing treat. Making your own lemon curd at home is easy and allows you to enjoy the vibrant taste of lemons in a versatile form.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own lemon curd at home ensures that you are using fresh, high-quality ingredients without any artificial preservatives or additives. Additionally, the homemade version allows you to customize the level of sweetness and tanginess to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lemons, preferably organic
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Start by washing the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Zest the lemons using a fine grater, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
- Juice the lemons until you have approximately 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to create a double boiler. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, until it thickens to the consistency of custard. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and gradually whisk in the cubed butter until melted and fully incorporated.
- Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg.
- Transfer the strained lemon curd into sterilized jars or airtight containers and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
How to Serve Homemade Lemon Curd
Serve this homemade lemon curd on scones, pancakes, waffles, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a citrusy kick.
How to Store Homemade Lemon Curd
Store the lemon curd in the refrigerator in sealed jars or containers for up to two weeks. Make sure to use clean utensils when scooping out the curd to prevent contamination.
Tips to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
- Use fresh organic lemons for the best flavor and avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
- Stir the lemon curd constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the bowl.
- Make sure the jars or containers used for storage are completely dry to prolong the shelf life of the lemon curd.
FAQs
- Can I freeze homemade lemon curd? Yes, you can freeze lemon curd in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Why is my lemon curd not thickening? Make sure to cook the mixture over low heat and continue stirring until it reaches a custard-like consistency.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons? Fresh lemon juice is always recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
