Bright, tangy, and luxuriously smooth, "Lemon Curd by Fine Cooking" is a classic citrus spread that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with zesty lemons, fresh eggs, creamy butter, and just the right touch of sugar, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a silky curd that thickens beautifully without boiling, thanks to precise cooking techniques like tempering the eggs and straining for a flawless finish. Perfect as a topping for scones, a filling for tarts, or a luscious accompaniment to yogurt, this homemade lemon curd is guaranteed to elevate any dish. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s a must-try for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
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Zest the lemons to yield about 1 tablespoon of zest. Juice the lemons to yield approximately 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice. Set both aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and salt until smooth.
Slowly pour the warm lemon mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Transfer the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any bits of zest or cooked egg.
Let the curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to fully set.
Serving size | (593.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1683.6 |
Total Fat 89.6g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 50.6g | 0% |
Cholesterol 928.7mg | 0% |
Sodium 307.7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 219.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.8g | 0% |
Total Sugars 204.7g | |
Protein 19.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 170.8IU | 0% |
Calcium 163.3mg | 0% |
Iron 4.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 434.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories