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This Homemade Lemon Curd is great with scones, muffins, waffles, or used in your favorite desserts! This thick, sweet, and citrusy spread is so easy to make at home – it’s like sunshine on a spoon!

closeup lemon curd in glass jar

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Homemade Lemon Curd

What do you do when one of your neighbors gives you about 30 lemons?! You make lemon everything … and you still have lemons leftover! ?

I must admit that lemon treats are one of my favorite things – especially on a gloomy day! The kids love to spread this on everything, a favorite being to put it in crepes

This homemade lemon curd comes together so easily with just a few ingredients. Grab the butter, some sugar, eggs, and a few lemons, and let’s make this tasty treat!

lemon curd in glass jar with lemons in background

Recipe for Homemade Lemon Curd

  • butter
  • granulated sugar
  • large eggs
  • lemon juice
  • grated lemon zest
lemon curd in glass jar

How to make Homemade Lemon Curd

  1. Combine the butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Mix in the lemon juice.
  2. Transfer the butter and egg mixture to a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Cook and stir the mixture over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture looks smooth. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
  3. Remove the lemon curd from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Transfer the lemon curd to a container and press plastic wrap onto the surface, covering the lemon curd, to keep a skin from forming on the top. Refrigerate.

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lemon curd in glass with spoon

Homemade Lemon Curd FAQ’s

If you have questions about making Homemade Lemon Curd recipe, I have answers! Take a look at this section before leaving a comment if you run into trouble or just want some suggestions.

  • The curd will thicken slightly as it cools.
  • Be sure to use this within a week! Keep refrigerated.
  • You can also make lime curd or orange curd by switching out the juice and zest!
lemon curd on spoon and in glass jar

How did you like this recipe

Didn’t I tell you – this lemon curd is just like sunshine on a spoon!! It’s the perfect addition for so many desserts, on top of biscuits or scones, or just by the spoonful. I won’t judge! ? Did you make any additions? Leave anything out? Was something confusing for you? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!!

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lemon curd in jar on yellow napkin
closeup of lemon curd in glass jar
4.27 from 23 votes
Servings: 16 servings

Homemade Lemon Curd

By Jamie Sherman
This Lemon Curd is great with scones, muffins, waffles, or used in your favorite desserts! This thick, sweet, and citrusy spread is so easy to make at home – it's like sunshine on a spoon!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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Ingredients 

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted Challenge Butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • cup lemon juice, that was about 6 lemons for me
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions 

  • Combine the butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Mix in the lemon juice.
  • Transfer the butter and egg mixture to a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Cook and stir the mixture over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture looks smooth. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
  • Remove the lemon curd from the heat and stir in the lemon zest. Transfer the lemon curd to a container and press plastic wrap onto the surface, covering the lemon curd, to keep a skin from forming on the top. Refrigerate.

Notes

  • The curd will thicken slightly as it cools.
  • Be sure to use this within a week! Keep refrigerated.
  • You can also make lime curd or orange curd by switching out the juice and zest!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons, Calories: 104kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 11mg, Potassium: 23mg, Fiber: 0.04g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 196IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on February 5, 2015. Updated on July 5, 2020.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.27 from 23 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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18 Comments

  1. Elise says:

    I couldn’t help wondering about the eggs cooking while heating this up. Is that something I need to worry about?

  2. Suzanne says:

    This is amazing -I’ll never buy lemon curd from a shop again!

  3. g says:

    I used organic sugar it thickened but I had lots of brown speckles I hope it tastes good ..when I made it with regular sugar it was fantastic

  4. Joe says:

    Made This using limes, OMG its good. I have this cheep Black and Decker juicer. Only needed 2 lemons and 2 1/2 limes to get needed juice

  5. C. LaSalle says:

    This has become my favourite lemon dessert. Everyone asks for it when they are coming to dinner!