Lemon Curd Recipe

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You can make this lemon curd up to two weeks in advance; just be sure to store in the refrigerator. This recipe is used in our Dreamy Lemon Cheesecake, a creamy confection that's perfect for any occasion. Top the cheesecake with lemon curd, a dollop of whipped cream, and candied lemon slices for a show stopping presentation. If you're looking for more delicious ways to use this sunny recipe, try it as a filling for layer cake, on lemon bars, or even as a tart topping on ice cream. You can use it to flavor whipped cream by folding in a dollop or two. Top pancakes, crepes, or use as an unexpected (and delicious) spreading on biscuits. It also makes a delicious glaze for pound cake. The possibilities are endless. You can even gift it to friends and neighbors, just be sure to enclose a recipe card—or else they'll be asking for it the minute they take their first taste. Once you start cooking you'll soon realize how many delicious ways there are to use our tasty Lemon Curd.

Generic Recipe Card Graphic
Photo: Southern Living
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 25 mins
Yield:
Serves 8 (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus 1 cup fresh juice (about 4 large lemons)

Directions

  1. Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended, about 45 seconds. Add eggs and egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Gradually add lemon juice to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in zest. (Mixture will look curdled.)

  2. Transfer mixture to a heavy 4-quart saucepan, and cook, whisking constantly, over medium-low until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, 14 to 16 minutes.

  3. Transfer curd to a bowl, and place plastic wrap directly on warm curd (to prevent a film from forming). Chill until firm, about 4 hours. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

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