Description
This stovetop recipe for velvety lemon curd offers a lusciously smooth, vibrant texture and irresistible fresh citrus aroma, perfect for brightening any meal with homemade elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolks until well blended.
- Cook Gently: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it visibly thickens to coat the back of a spoon and reaches 170-175 degrees F (77-79 degrees C).
- Strain for Smoothness: Immediately pour the cooked mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any zest and ensure a perfectly smooth curd.
- Incorporate Butter: Whisk in the cold, cubed unsalted butter, one piece at a time, until completely melted and smoothly incorporated.
- Chill Curd: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the lemon curd to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm and cold.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, bright lemons and quality eggs. Cook gently over low heat to prevent lumps. For a tarter curd, reduce sugar by 0.25 cup. If lumps occur, strain vigorously or use an immersion blender. Store with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: lemon curd, stovetop, velvety, citrus, easy dessert, homemade, tangy, smooth