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Chutneys & CondimentsBritishVegetarianHealthy / low-calorieLemon CurdDessert FillingTart FillingBritishHomemadeVegetarianBakingFamily Recipe

Classic Lemon Curd

🍽 9 servingsPrep 10 min · Cook 15 min🔥 ~233 kcal / serving
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Ingredients (7)

Servings
  • fresh lemons3.5
  • lemon zest1 tbsp
  • granulated sugar1 cup
  • eggs3
  • egg yolks3
  • unsalted butter0.5 cup
  • salt1 pinch

Method

  1. 1

    Wash the lemons thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Finely grate the zest from two lemons, avoiding the white pith.

  3. 3

    Juice the lemons until you have ½ cup (120 ml) of fresh lemon juice.

  4. 4

    In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks and sugar until well combined.

  5. 5

    Whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest and salt (if using).

  6. 6

    Place the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler method). Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

  7. 7

    Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8–10 minutes). Do not allow it to boil.

  8. 8

    Remove the bowl from the heat.

  9. 9

    Add the butter a few cubes at a time, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.

  10. 10

    For an extra smooth curd, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.

  11. 11

    Cover the surface directly with cling film to prevent a skin from forming.

  12. 12

    Allow to cool completely.

  13. 13

    Refrigerate until well chilled before using.

Notes & variations

Fill tarts and tartlets Spread on scones, toast or muffins Layer in cakes Fill cupcakes Swirl into yoghurt Serve with pancakes or waffles Spoon over pavlova or cheesecake Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavour. Do not overcook, as the eggs may curdle. Store in a sterilised airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Lemon curd can also be frozen for up to 3 months. For Lime Curd, substitute fresh lime juice and zest. For Orange Curd, substitute fresh orange juice and zest.

Nutrition

estimated
Servings
233
Calories
25.1
Carbs
4.7
Protein
13.5
Fat
0.7
Fibre
Per1 serving9 servings
Calories233 kcal2097 kcal
Carbs25.1 g225.9 g
Protein4.7 g42.3 g
Fat13.5 g121.5 g
Fibre0.7 g6.3 g