Homemade lemon curd is easy to make and results in a wonderful, fresh and zingy curd which is not only delicious on toast but also lifts a host of different bakes.
It also makes for a wonderful gift for a foodie friend too.
Fresh, homemade lemon curd is such a treat. Not only is it perfect spread onto a slice of toast in the morning, it also lends itself to be the perfect addition to many bakes.
That delicious, luscious lemon freshness can really lift a bake from being good to amazing. Although I've used lemon curd in a few bakes, I've not as yet shared the recipe for this easy to make preserve....until now!
Not only is lemon curd great to use in your own baking and delicious spread on toast, it also makes a great gift for food lovers. Imagine receiving a jar of lovingly made lemon curd finished with a gingham cloth and ribbon as part of a birthday treat.
You could even consider jarring some as an end of year gift for your child's teacher! Foodies are sure to appreciate it.
Homemade is best
Although there are numerous lemon curds to choose from in the supermarket these days, none of them matches the wonderful flavour of homemade curd. So if you are going to the effort of making your own bakes that require lemon curd then why not go the extra mile to make them the best they can be!
Of course, by making your own lemon curd you are able to make it as lemony as you like. This particular recipe makes just over 500g of homemade lemon curd with the zest and juice of three lemons.
This produces a wonderfully fresh and clear lemon flavour to the curd.
Now, I must admit that making homemade lemon curd does require a little bit of effort in the form of constant stirring. This stirring, along with the slow cooking, allows the eggs to warm evenly and gradually and prevents the curd from scrambling.
This batch took me around 45 minutes to make in total, but that labour of love rewarded me with a jar and a half of delicious lemon curd. It's certainly worth that little bit of effort.
📖 Recipe
Homemade lemon curd
Equipment
- saucepan
- heatproof bowl
- wooden spoon
- sieve
- sterilised jars
Ingredients
- 3 unwaxed lemons zest & juice
- 125 g (4oz) unsalted butter cubed
- 225 g (8oz) caster sugar
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
Instructions
- Zest 3 lemons and squeeze the juice. Place 125g (4oz) butter, 225g (8oz) sugar, the lemon zest,lemon and juice in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of hot water.
- Heat gently stirring frequently until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the bowl from the pan. Strain the lightly beaten eggs through a sieve into the bowl. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon.
- Return the bowl to the pan and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly until the curd thickens. It is ready when you are able to draw a clear line with your finger through the mixture on the back of the wooden spoon.
- Ladle the cooked hot curd into the pyrex jug and then pour into thesterilised jars. Whilst the curd is still hot place a waxdisc (wax side down) ontop of the curd then seal.
- Enjoy!
Jenny - Monkey and Mouse says
It looks absolutely delicious! I never know how to use it though, so will need to test it out some recipes! Thanks so much for linking it up to #HowtoSunday x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Thank you Jenny. I must say I go through loads of the stuff (both shop bought and homemade). Not only do I slather it on slices of toast, it's also great rippled in frostings for cupcakes & bakes and would also be great included in homemade ice cream. You could also include it in swiss rolls or even drizzled over pavlovas. Happy recipe testing testing Jenny 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment,
Angela x
Blissful Domestication says
I've not made lemon curd before, but my daughter loves a lemon curd sandwich, so might just need to try this! Looks delicious! #HowtoSunday
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Ooh you must give it a go when you get chance, homemade curd is bay far yummier than shop bought. I hope your daughter enjoys it as much as we do should you give it a go,
Thanks for popping by,
Angela x
Back With A Bump says
Yummy! I've made homemade lemon curd before as a cake filling and it's lovely. #howtosunday
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Isn't it just, so much yummier than shop bought.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Honest Mum says
Stunning post and this has taken me right back to my childhood-beautiful x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Aw thank you Vicki, than means a lot 🙂
Angela x
Sarah Trivuncic says
I adore lemon curd! Not made my own for a very long time. Have you ever made it in a microwave? It's really quite easy so long as you do it on low blasts with regular stirring!
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I haven't, no, but it does sound very interesting shortening the whole process. I'll certainly have to look into that further.
Thanks for mentioning that method Sarah,
Angela x
Helen says
I haven't made this for years - not sure why, as like all your other comments - it's something everyone loves - thanks for reminding me! H x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Everyone certainly does seem to love lemon curd don't they 🙂 You'll have to make a batch now Helen 🙂
Thanks for popping by,
Angela x
Rebecca Beesley says
I adore lemon curd! It is something I have made a couple of times before with varying success - i think the bain marie method is by far the best as i have ended up with scrambled egg style lemon curd when using a recipe that used direct heat - yuk! I felt so proud of myself on sunday as I managed to make passionfruit curd and it was so nice too. x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I completely agree Rebecca, the slower but safe bain marie method is far more effective at making a fail safe curd - scrambled egg style lemon curd really doesn't sound at all nice. Your passion fruit curd sounds amazing, I hope your posting about it I'd love to read about it.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Corina says
This looks beautiful! I've only recently realised that I actually like lemon curd as I didn't like it as a child so then avoided it for years afterwards. I was definitely missing out! Thank you so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Oh my you certainly were missing out Corina, I trust you've now made up for those years without lemon curd 🙂
Thanks for popping by and of course for hosting,
Angela x
Louise Fairweather says
Oh I love lemon curd but have never made my own! #cookblogshare
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Ooh you have to change that Louise when you get chance, you'll never look back once you've made you're own 🙂
Thanks for popping by,
Angela x
Clare Morfin says
I adored lemon curd! I shall make some 🙂 and i shall use your recipes. Thanks Clare easypeasylemonsqueezy
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Ooh do make some Clare, homemade lemon curd is just the best! Do let me know how you get on with it.
Thanks for popping by and commenting,
Angela x
Alison says
I love your glass serving pot! Lemon curd has been on my must try list for ages. I really must do it now, yours looks lovely
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
It's a cute glass pot isn't it. It actually belonged to my mum and dad but last year I asked to borrow it a few times for some photos for posts (those were without the lid) and each time I returned it to them. Then at Christmas mum and dad wrapped it up for me so I could keep it 🙂
Homemade lemon curd really beats the shop bought stuff Alison. I don't make homemade too often, but when i do there is definately a marked difference (in a good way) to that which comes from the supermarket, even compared to the better quality curds.
Do let me know if you give it a try,
Thanks for popping by and commenting Alison,
Angela x
Jessica Farmer says
I loveeee lemon curd on a piece of buttery toast - mmmmm!! Those jars you've used are a great idea - I never think of making lemon curd for using in general, so perhaps I will one day! Thanks 🙂 x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
ooh isn't it just delicious. The jars I have used are in fact jam jars that I have held aside for this sort of purpose, though you've reminded me that I need to make a note about not using jars which have had strong flavours or tomato in them.
I'm off to enjoy a slice of toast with homemade lemon curd now 🙂
Thanks for popping by and commenting Jessica,
Angela x
Jo says
Beautiful. I completely agree, homemade lemon curd is so much better than shop bought. I don't make it very often but when I do it feels like a proper treat.
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I'm exactly the same Jo. I tend to make it when I have a special cake to make (yup, I have a cake containing lemon curd awating to be posted) or if I want to treat myself. I think it makes it feel that little bit more special like that rather than making some every week or two.
Thanks for popping by and commenting Jo,
Angela x
Hayley @ Snap Happy Bakes says
This is something I keep meaning to make but never find the time to do. Thanks for linking it up to #CookBlogShare
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Oooh you really must put an hour aside to give it ago followed by sampling it on some lovely toast 🙂 It's certainly worth the effort.
Thanks for popping by Hayley, and of course for hosting,
Angela x
Jacqueline Bellefontaine says
love love love Homemade lemon curd - the shop stuff is just not the same. This recipe had already caught my eye on facebook with your lovely pics.
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Aw thank you Jacqueline 🙂
Shop bought lemon curd isn't a patch on the deliciousness of homemade.
Thanks for popping by and commenting Jacqueline,
Angela x
Sarah James says
Your lemon curd looks delicious Angela, homemade is so much better than shop bought, one of my favourite toast toppings! I love your photos, so colourful and bright x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I totally agree Sarah, homemade lemon curd is waaaay better than shop bought. It's one of my favourite toast toppings too.
Thank you for your lovely comments Sarah,
Angela x
Eb Gargano says
This looks lovely, Angela. Love the idea of giving something like this to my kids class teacher at the end of the year. It would make such a nice present! Eb x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
Wouldn't it just Eb, I can imagine it being quite a different sort of gift to those which may usually be given to class teachers.
Thanks for your lovely comments Eb,
Angela x
Eb Gargano says
Ha! Yes - to tell the truth I am a bit rubbish at giving teachers gifts - it's usually a last minute panic purchase - I will try to get myself a bit more organised this year...my kids absolutely love cookign and baking so it would be a great gift...we'll see!! Eb x
Angela - Only Crumbs Remain says
I wonder how many families buy their teachers thank you gifts and cards - I wonder if it's a marketing gimmick. I think a baked item which your youngsters have helped with would be perfect for their teachers 🙂
Angela x