Easy Classic Lemon Curd: So easy to make, this simultaneously sweet and mouth-puckeringly tart lemon curd sauce is the perfect topping for cheesecake, ice cream and sponge cake. Layer in parfaits or between cake layers. Or just grab your spoon!
This simple recipe uses four fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand: lemons, butter, sugar and eggs.
True confession. If you’d mentioned ingesting Lemon Curd when I was a kid I probably would’ve freaked out.
Remember Little Miss Muffet who sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey?
Yeah curds.
So little kid me, thought curds were…
CAT FOOD. (Eek!)
Friends, lemon curd is most decidedly NOT Purina Cat Chow.
(If you’re confused about Miss Muffet, apparently I am too. When I initially wrote this post, I was remembering Little Miss Muffet from my childhood as the kitty cat in Beatrix Potter’s book. However the Beatrix Potter cat is Miss Moppet. Miss Muffet was a little girl in the Mother Goose nursery rhyme I mentioned. My thanks to a reader here who kindly pointed out to me that Miss Muffet and Miss Moppet are two different characters! Somehow I morphed them into one. Eek.)
Curds are actually just the soft, white substance formed when milk sours, often used to make cheese.
And classic Lemon Curd is one of the creamiest most delightful culinary creations ever. Great as a fruit dip, layered in parfaits, slathered between cake layers, or as an ice cream or cheesecake topping. Try dipping my Gingersnaps in them….utter bliss!
Why not slurp it from a spoon? (Not that I’d know anything about that.)
Lemon Curd is simultaneously sweet and mouth-puckeringly tart. Eggs, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, sugar and pure butter combine to silky smooth perfection. Lemon Curd is fit for royalty. (Suitable for the likes of you and me.)
This easy version from Southern Living includes both a microwave and stove-top version, your choice. Cooks for a measly 5-7 minutes in the microwave or 14-16 minutes on the stove-top.
You may also like: Candied Lemon Cheesecake
Easy Classic Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 fresh lemons
- for 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Grate enough zest from lemons to get 2 tablespoons.
- Squeeze lemons 'til you get the 1 cup needed.
- Separately, in a microwave proof bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer 'til blended.
- Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, blending just until incorporated.
- Slowly add lemon juice, beating at low speed until blended.
- Stir in lemon zest.
- (At this point, it will look curdled.)
- Microwave Method:
- Microwave at high for 5 minutes, stirring once every minute.
- Then microwave a little longer, stirring at 30 second intervals, just for 1-2 more minutes.
- Lemon curd will thicken and coat the back of a spoon, and start to mound slightly.
- Cover warm curd with plastic wrap directly on it (to prevent a film from forming).
- Chill a minimum of four hours or 'til firm.
- Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Stove-top Method:
- Cook in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk continuously for 14-16 minutes.
- Lemon curd will thicken and coat the back of a spoon, and start to mound slightly.
- Cover warm curd with plastic wrap directly on it (to prevent a film from forming).
- Chill a minimum of four hours or 'til firm.
- Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
You may also enjoy this classic: Lemon Poppy Seed Bread w/Almond Glaze
Karla @SmallTownRambler says
“Friends, lemon curd is most decidedly NOT Purina Cat Chow.” Hahaha! Too funny! Isn’t it something the things we think in our mind’s as kids? Well, I’m glad you got past thinking it was cat food. This sounds delicious! I haven’t ever thought of something like that as a cheesecake topping…YUM!
Tina Sneed says
i, too, thought lemon curd sounded yucky . . . Until I had it at Farmer’s Hall in Pendleton. I was hooked!
Allie says
Tina, did I ever go to Farmer’s Hall in Pendleton with you? It sounds like a delicious place we might have visited together once upon a time.
Tina Sneed says
I’m not sure, but I think we did lunch there once. Chip and I would always go for our anniversary dinner!
Kristen Chidsey says
Oh Allie, I am so glad you shared this. I used a package lemon curd for my berry trifle, because I did not know how to make my own. This is perfect.
Aunt Pinkie says
Mmmmm- looks soooo good – can’t wait to try it!
carrie says
The first time I had this was at Bill and Beth Welborn’s home probably 20 years ago. It is delicious!
Allie says
Sounds exactly like something Beth would serve out of her kitchen!
Catherine says
Dear Allie, Admittedly I have never made my own lemon curd though I would love to. It is so good and I love lemon everything. Pining for later. xo, Catherine
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I have never tried making lemon curd but given how much everyone loves to cook with lemons around here, it’s probably time I start! Thanks for the recipe!
Melissa says
I truly don’t care what Lemon Curd is made from because I absolutely LOVE it! Allie – you scored big again. This recipe looks delicious.
Christine from Cook the Story says
I love how simple ingredients can come together into something so delicious!
Susie Mandel says
I used to think the same way about lemon curd until I saw a baking show on cable TV where the chef made some. Yummm! It is delicious!! Can’t wait to try yours. 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Great idea to dip gingersnaps into lemon curd – yum! My last batch was a disaster, so I’m happy to have your easy version on hand – thanks!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I LOVE lemon curd but I agree, such a weird name. Young me would not have eaten it either.
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
I just love lemon curd! When I was in high school I attended and international school for a year and on of my British friends would have me over for tea, and we almost always had scone and lemon curd. This is a food that brings back wonderful memories!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Hahah, I know what you mean. Lemon curd is a cat food! 😉 For me lemon curd was always so intriguing! 😉 This one looks so classic indeed. And loved the idea to dip gingersnaps into lemon curd. Happy Friday, Friend! 🙂
Heather M says
That settles it. I need to make scones and lemon curd this morning. I’ll pack them for our trip this weekend because homemade scones and lemon curd sound much better than hotel breakfast.
Sarah says
I’m all for quick recipes, and this looks delicious!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Haha – love the logic of your kid self, Allie! I gotta admit, my kid self and your kid self sure would have gotten along real well because I avoided every and all “curds” like they were the plague – just because of that darn nursery rhyme! Now that I am older and wiser (debated by some) I love lemon curd – but I’ve never made it – think I should change that?
Hope you and your family has a wonderful weekend, dear.
Mandy @Mandy's Recipe Box says
I love lemon curd, but have yet to make it. I better change that!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Lemon desserts are my favorite. I love lemon curd and have made it before but not for a long time. I have a bunch of goat milk to use up so maybe I’ll make some yogurt and try lemon curd on it.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Lol, I used to think curd was some nasty animal food too! So I totally love your little miss muffett comment!! This lemon curd looks sensational! That last shot of it on the pie of pie gave me a “OMG, NEED!” moment!! Love how easy this is, Allie! Pinned! Cheers to a fantastic weekend, girlfriend!
Carina says
I don’t know if I have ever tried lemon curds. Judging by the mouth-watering pictures, I probably should!! xo Have a wonderful weekend, Allie.
Eva says
Je suis d’accord avec toi, quand j’étais petite, surement je n’aurais pas aimé le lemon curd, alors que maintenant j’adore!! Ta tarte est terrific!
Old Fat Guy says
This lemon curd looks delicious. Going on the to do list!
The Old Fat Guy
Allie says
Hope you love it! So easy and so many uses… 🙂
YankeeKitchenNinja (Julianne) says
Miss Muffet was a freakin’ cat?? Who knew! 🙂
Elizabeth Morris says
Cat food, lol! I wouldn’t eat yogurt when I was younger after I read “live and active cultures” on the tub. So silly! Anyway, I am making a pound cake tomorrow for a friends birthday and instead of icing, I am going to make your Lemon Cream with Lemon Curd. Looks delish!!
Sakshi says
Hi, a great recipe!
One ques, Anything which we can use to replace eggs? Possible??
Allie says
Hi Sakshi, not sure what you would use to replace eggs in lemon curd. Eggs are the thickening agent in this recipe and one of the main ingredients. But if I get a brainstorm, I’ll let you know!
Sakshi says
Thankyou Allie! That would be lovely 🙂
theoldfatguy says
I love lemon curd and this one has such a great colour!
The Old Fat Guy
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I’m with you on the cat food thing–I’ve long thought that “curd” should be called something else because it’s not a lovely enough name for something so delicious :). This looks awesome. I love how quick it is! Have a great weekend, Allie!
Louise Achor says
Looks yummy!
Susie Mandel says
Lemon curd is one of my most favorite things ever. I used to think of lemon curd the same way you did, Allie, and then I actually saw it and tried it…oh wow. One of the best things on earth!! I am looking forward to trying your version. 🙂
Nisha @ Honey, What's Cooking says
I had no idea lemon curd consisted of butter.. it tastes so light and lemony and sweet, wow, you learn something new everyday. 🙂
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Allie – I have yet to make this lemon curd (it’s bookmarked from the first time you shared it) am thinking at this point am gonna have to have y’all come over when the sale of your house goes through and y’all are waiting to close on your next one and make me ALL the Lemon curd ma belly can hold – deal?!
Hoping everything goes better than planned on the 14th of June!
Luci's Morsels says
Love the simplicity of this recipe! Lemon curd is so delicious, and the versatility is an added bonus!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Yummy! Such a delicious and finger-licking treat, Allie! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
I have a confession to make — I love lemon curd but I have never made it myself. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but that’s true. 🙁 This recipe is on my to-make list for so many years. And I am so glad that you shared this now, can’t wait any longer. I will have to make this classic, sweet and mouth-puckeringly tart lemon curd sauce. And I don’t even need a spoon to lick this beauty! 🙂 Thank you so much for this. Hope everything is good with you, my friend. 🙂
Balvinder says
Im a sucker for lemon curd!
Adina says
Oh, I love lemon curd and this looks just perfect. I can feel the taste on my tongue. 🙂
Heikki says
Little Miss Muffet was a human girl in the nursery rhyme. Beatrix did not write that nursery rhyme. Beatrix wrote a book about Miss MOPPET, who was a cat. I guess i could see the confusion. 🙂
Allie says
Dear Heikki – You are exactly the kind of person I need in my life! Thank you. And this is a perfect example of why one (me!) should not edit posts past my bedtime. Yes you are correct – Miss Muffet was from Mother Goose!!! Ha ha. Thanks for setting me straight – apparently I’m easily confused by my childhood memories!:) I will correct that in my post.
Liz says
I’ve made that fabulous cheesecake, too! I love, love lemon curd, and don’t know why I don’t make it more often!!
Anne says
How many cups does this recipe make?