Lemon Curd
Bright, silky, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, homemade lemon curd is the sweet-tart spread you’ll want to slather on everything.
👩🍳 Homemade doesn’t have to be hard. Case in point: Lemon Curd
When I first started this blog in 2023, it was because I wanted to cut preservatives out of my life and figured other people might want to do the same. Eating healthy can be tricky. Between kids, work, and grocery aisles full of convenience food, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s fastest without even checking the label. That’s why I put together a section called Stocking the Pantry. It’s where you’ll find homemade sauces, seasoning blends, canning and preserving recipes, and cooking tips that make it easier to stay ahead without relying on packaged shortcuts.
Now, let’s get into one of my favorite pantry staples: lemon curd. This lemon curd recipe is smooth, bright, and full of fresh citrus flavor. With just lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter, you get a creamy spread that’s amazing on everything from biscuits and pancakes to yogurt and French toast.
One of my favorite ways to use it is in my Lemon Blueberry Overnight French Toast Casserole. The custard soaks into the brioche, and when you swirl in lemon curd, it bakes right into the layers. Every bite has a hit of citrus that pairs perfectly with the blueberries. It’s a simple step that makes the whole dish taste special without adding much extra effort.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Making Lemon Curd
Squeeze 1/4 cup of juice from fresh lemons.
In a cold sauce pan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar and eggs.
Stir with a wooden spoon until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon.
Add butter, cool and store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
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Lemon Curd
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (3-5 lemons)
- zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan (off heat), whisk together ½ cup fresh lemon juice, zest of 2 lemons, ½ cup sugar, and 2 large eggs until smooth.
- Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a spatula until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup unsalted butter and 1 pinch of salt until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then store covered in the fridge until ready to use. It will thicken more as it sits.
Notes
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice for lemon curd?
Technically you could, but fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference. Bottled juice can taste flat or bitter, while fresh lemons give your curd that bright, sunny flavor that makes it so special.
Why is my lemon curd runny?
If your lemon curd is runny, it probably didn’t cook long enough. Lemon curd thickens as it cooks and even more as it cools. Make sure you’re cooking it gently over medium-low heat until it coats the back of a spoon.
Why did my lemon curd curdle?
Curdled lemon curd usually means the heat was too high or you didn’t stir constantly. Always cook lemon curd low and slow, and whisk the whole time to keep it silky smooth.
Stock your pantry like a home cooking pro!
If you’re just starting to stock your own pantry, seasonings are one of the easiest (and smartest) places to dive in. They’re quick to make, way better than store-bought, and they usually last about six months if you store them in a cool, dry place. Plus, having a stash of homemade seasoning blends on hand makes weeknight cooking so much easier and way more delicious.
One of my personal favorites is my Potato Seasoning. It’s bold, zesty, and packed with dill, tarragon, and a secret weapon, tomato powder. Sprinkle it over roasted veggies and just watch how fast they disappear. If tacos are more your vibe, my Homemade Taco Seasoning brings that smoky, savory punch you want, with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and spice. It’s a total game-changer for taco night.
For something a little fresher, my Greek Burger Seasoning is full of lemon zest, dill, and herbs, and it’s amazing on burgers, grilled chicken, or even sprinkled over crispy roasted potatoes. If you’re craving bold, fiery flavors, my Nashville Hot Chicken Rub delivers that sweet, smoky, perfectly spicy magic you want for killer hot chicken at home.
I also have an easy Homemade Chicken Seasoning that’s packed with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s perfect for anything from grilled chicken breasts to fried chicken sandwiches. And if you really want to turn up the flavor, don’t miss my Famous Jerk Seasoning (it’s spicy, sweet, and totally addictive) or My Favorite Pork Butt Rub, which guarantees juicy, flavorful pulled pork every single time.
Bottom line: a few jars of homemade seasoning blends can seriously level up your kitchen and make pantry cooking feel like a breeze. Plus, you know exactly what’s going in them. No weird preservatives, just bold, fresh flavor.