Lemon curd is a creamy, tangy spread made from lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts, such as cakes, tarts, and pies, or simply spread on toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
Here’s a detailed recipe for lemon curd:

Serving size and preparation time

Serving size: This recipe for lemon curd makes about 1 1/2 cups of curd. The serving size can vary depending on how you use the curd, but a typical serving size for a spread or filling would be about 2 tablespoons.
Preparation time: The preparation time for lemon curd is about 20-25 minutes, not including chilling time. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to make, and the curd can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a medium-sized, heat-proof bowl until well combined.
2. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the egg mixture and whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. This creates a double boiler and helps to gently cook the lemon curd without scrambling the eggs.
4. Whisk the mixture constantly for about 10-12 minutes, until the curd has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the butter, stirring until it has melted and is fully incorporated into the curd.
6. Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest.
7. Let the curd cool for a few minutes before covering it with plastic wrap. Make sure the wrap touches the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the curd in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely chilled and set.
8. Once the curd is chilled, it’s ready to use or store. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy your delicious lemon curd!

Serving suggestions:

Lemon curd is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions for how to use your freshly made lemon curd:

1. Spread it on toast or scones for a delicious breakfast or snack.
2. Use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, or tarts. It pairs well with vanilla, white chocolate, and berries.
3. Add a dollop of lemon curd to your yogurt or oatmeal for a tangy twist.
4. Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, along with fresh berries and whipped cream.
5. Mix it into your whipped cream or frosting for an extra lemony flavor.
6. Use it as a dip for fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries.
7. Serve it alongside a cheese board for a sweet and tangy addition to the spread.

These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless! Get creative and experiment with different ways to use your lemon curd.

Here are a few more things to know about lemon curd:

• Lemon curd can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it a great ingredient to have on hand for impromptu dessert-making or to enjoy as a spread on toast or scones.
• It’s important to keep the heat low and whisk constantly while cooking the lemon curd to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Straining the curd through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking helps to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest and creates a smoother, silkier texture.
• Lemon curd can be made with other citrus fruits, such as lime, orange, or grapefruit, for a different flavor. You can also add herbs like thyme or lavender to give the curd a unique twist.
• If you’re looking for a dairy-free version of lemon curd, you can substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter in the recipe. You can also make a vegan version by using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of the eggs.

Overall, lemon curd is a delicious and versatile ingredient that adds a bright, tangy flavor to a variety of desserts and baked goods.