Lemon curd has been a beloved culinary ingredient since the early 19th century in England. Initially, it was made by curdling cream with lemon juice and separating it from the whey. Today, lemon curd is a smooth, tangy, and velvety spread that resembles jam more than cheese. It differs from custard in that it is based on fruit juice rather than dairy, making it bright and tart.
While lemon curd is the most common variety, other fruits such as passion fruit, lime, grapefruit, cranberry, mango, and pineapple can also be turned into curd. If you prefer to make your own lemon curd rather than buy it from the store, here are some excellent recipes to get you started.
Classic Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150g granulated sugar
- 120ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 100g unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Method:
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, a few cubes at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove any lumps.
- Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Honey Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 120g honey
- 120ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 100g unsalted butter, cubed
Method: Follow the same instructions as the classic lemon curd recipe, substituting sugar with honey.
14 Ways to Use Lemon Curd
- With Crepes – Spread lemon curd on crepes and serve with Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
- On Toast, Muffins, or Pancakes – Use lemon curd instead of jam for a tangy twist.
- Swirled Into Breakfast Buns – Incorporate into cinnamon roll dough before baking.
- Baked Into Flaky Pastries – Use as a filling for puff pastries or turnovers.
- For Lemon Bars – Spread over a shortbread crust and bake for a classic treat.
- As a Tart Filling – Fill a baked pastry shell with lemon curd and top with berries.
- In Bread Pudding – Add dollops of lemon curd into the batter before baking.
- Folded Into Whipped Cream – Whisk into whipped cream for a flavorful topping.
- Sandwiched in Cookies – Use as a filling for shortbread or Linzer cookies.
- In Cakes and Cheesecakes – Spread between cake layers or mix into cheesecake batter.
- Swirled Into Ice Cream – Add lemon curd to softened ice cream before freezing.
- In Cocktails – Use as a sweetener in lemon-based drinks.
- For a Lemon Vinaigrette – Whisk with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a zesty salad dressing.
- As a Marinade for Roast Chicken – Use lemon curd to glaze roasted chicken for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Lemon curd is more than just a dessert ingredient—it can add vibrant flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Which of these ideas will you try first?
