Easy Homemade Meyer Lemon Curd Recipe

This Meyer Lemon Curd recipe is pure citrus perfection! As a lemon lover, I can never get enough—especially when my generous neighbors share their homegrown Meyer lemons. I freeze the juice for year-round treats like lemonade, lemon syrup, and of course, this silky, tangy-sweet lemon curd.

This foolproof recipe is perfect for lemon pies, cake fillings, toast, and more! Whether you’re making a lemon curd tart, cake icing, or a special dessert, you’ll love the bright, refreshing flavor of homemade Meyer lemon curd. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients in Meyer Lemon Curd

• Meyer Lemon Juice: Meyer lemons have a sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons. Their juice brings a delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness to the curd, with a subtle floral note that adds complexity.
• Meyer Lemon Zest: The zest of Meyer lemons infuses the curd with an intense citrus fragrance and a burst of concentrated lemon flavor. It enhances the overall citrusy profile of the curd.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the curd, complementing the tartness of the lemon juice. It balances the flavors and contributes to the curd’s creamy texture.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks provide richness and creaminess to the curd. They also act as a natural thickener, creating a luscious and smooth consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the curd. It contributes a rich, creamy taste and helps bind the ingredients together.

Combined, these ingredients create a Meyer Lemon Curd that is bright, tangy, sweet, and exceptionally smooth, with the unique flavor and fragrance of Meyer lemons taking center stage.

Two Methods for Making Lemon Curd

• Method 1: Adding Butter Before Cooking: One common method for making lemon curd involves adding the butter before cooking the eggs and sugar. This approach can result in a smooth and silky texture but may require extra attention to prevent curdling or overcooking.
• Method 2: Adding Butter After Cooking: Alternatively, you can add butter after cooking the eggs and sugar. This method can help control the texture and minimize the risk of curdling. However, it may result in a curd that’s not as smooth or glossy.

The choice between these two methods ultimately comes down to personal preference and technique. Personally, I prefer adding butter with eggs and sugar to create a smooth and silky texture that I find irresistible.

Tips to keep in mind when making lemon curd

• Separate the eggs while they are still cold, but allow the egg yolks to come to room temperature before using them. This will help them incorporate more easily into the other ingredients and prevent any curdling.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the curd after cooking, to remove any bits of cooked egg or other impurities and ensure a smooth texture.
• Cut the butter into small pieces before adding it to the mixture. This will help it melt and incorporate more evenly and quickly.
• Cook the curd over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, to prevent burning or sticking to the pan.
• Don’t rush the cooking process. The curd should be cooked until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes.
• Allow the curd to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This will help it set and thicken further.
• Lemon curd can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Uses for Lemon Curd Recipe

Recipes with lemon curd are versatile and can be used in various delectable ways. So, if you’re looking for a lemon curd cake recipe, wish to make mini lemon curd tarts, or any other recipes that use lemon curd, this recipe is perfect. Moreover, below are some ideas on how to use this delicious filling:

• Mix it into plain yogurt or cottage cheese for a tangy and sweet breakfast or snack.
• Use it as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, and tarts. It pairs particularly well with vanilla, almond, or coconut flavors.
• Spread it on toast, scones, biscuits, or muffins for a sweet, tangy breakfast or snack.
• Swirl it into ice cream for a lemony twist on a classic dessert.
• Use it as a topping for cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. 
• Incorporate it into your baking recipes to add a lemony flavor and moisture, such as in muffins, quick bread, or coffee cakes.