Homemade Meyer Lemon Curd Recipe

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As a lover of all things citrus, there’s nothing quite like the tangy and sweet flavor of homemade lemon curd. This easy recipe combines the bright taste of Meyer lemons with rich egg yolks and butter to create a velvety-smooth spread that’s perfect for slathering on toast, filling cakes and cupcakes, or enjoying by the spoonful. If you’re looking for the best Meyer lemon curd recipe for cake, tarts, or other treats, check out this recipe!



What can I say about this Meyer lemon curd recipe besides its absolutely delightful? As someone who loves all things lemon, I can’t get enough of them when they’re in season. Luckily, my neighbors have two lemon trees, one regular, and one Meyer. They generously share their bountiful harvest with me every year. I squeeze and freeze the lemons in ice trays and use them throughout the year to make lemon syrup, lemonade, and lemon curd. Today I will share with you how to make Meyer lemon curd. Are you ready? If so, let’s begin!

This simple and easy Meyer lemon curd recipe is foolproof and great for making lemon pies, cake toppings, or simply spreading on toast. There are many other uses for recipes using lemon curd (more on that below), and I’m sure you’ll find them all quite tasty! Read on for the recipe, and get ready to fall in love with this tangy and sweet treat. Whether you’re looking for small tasty desserts like lemon curd tart, cake icing, and more, there are many delicious ways to incorporate homemade lemon curd. By the way, I absolutely love making lemon curd cake filling for birthdays, holidays, and many other special occasions!

What is Lemon Curd?

Lemon curd is a sweet, tangy spread made from lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Despite its name, it does not contain any actual dairy curd. The mixture is cooked until it thickens and smooths, resulting in a spreadable texture. This delicious filling is commonly used for making a lemon cake with curd, pies, your favorite lemon curd tart recipe, and more! In addition, it can also be used as a topping or spread for toast, scones, biscuits, and muffins. If you wish to purchase lemon curd, it can be found in the jelly and jam section of most grocery stores. 

Uses for Lemon Curd Recipe

Needless to say, recipes with lemon curd are very 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.

How long does homemade lemon curd last

Homemade lemon curd lasts up to two weeks when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s important to ensure the curd is sealed correctly to prevent spoilage. It can be frozen for up to six months for longer shelf life. In addition, if you have some upcoming special occasions, it’s great to make extra in advance and store it in the freezer so you can make a cake with lemon curd filling, pies, and more! Needless to say, this is a great time saver.

Two Methods for Making Lemon Curd:

Two common methods for making lemon curd are adding butter before or after cooking the eggs and sugar. While both methods can result in a delicious final product, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and technique. Adding the butter before cooking the eggs and sugar can create a smooth and silky texture but may require extra attention to prevent curdling or overcooking. Adding butter after cooking the eggs and sugar can help to control the texture and minimize the risk of curdling, but it may result in a curd that’s not as smooth or glossy. Personally, I prefer to add butter with eggs and sugar to create a smooth and silky texture that I find irresistible.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Start by squeezing fresh Meyer lemons, using about 5 to 6 lemons, until you have approximately 3/4 cup of fresh juice.
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2.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, granulated sugar, and egg yolks until thoroughly combined.
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3.
Add the small pieces of unsalted butter to the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
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4.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, until the butter melts and thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes. You'll know the curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a visible line when you run your finger through it.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This step helps remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.
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5.
Allow the curd to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled and set.

Once chilled, give the curd a gentle stir to loosen it up. Transfer it to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
3/4 cup Meyer lemon juice (about 5-6 lemons)
1 tbsp Meyer lemon zest
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 large egg yolks
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation

1
Start by squeezing fresh Meyer lemons, using about 5 to 6 lemons, until you have approximately 3/4 cup of fresh juice.
2
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Meyer lemon juice, Meyer lemon zest, granulated sugar, and egg yolks until thoroughly combined.
3
Add the small pieces of unsalted butter to the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
4
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or spatula, until the butter melts and thickens. This should take about 10-15 minutes. You'll know the curd is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a visible line when you run your finger through it. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This step helps remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture.
5
Allow the curd to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled and set. Once chilled, give the curd a gentle stir to loosen it up. Transfer it to a clean jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Tips and tricks 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 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.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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