Tangy Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe for Zesty Sweet Treats

Bright sunshine dances through kitchen windows when crafting this silky lemon curd masterpiece that promises pure delight.

Citrus magic happens with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Whisking together eggs, sugar, and fresh lemon juice creates a smooth, velvety spread perfect for toast or pastry fillings.

Zesty notes will transport you to sunny Mediterranean orchards with each spoonful.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this classic recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor.

Summer memories sparkle in this versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with scones, tarts, or as a decadent cake filling.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let tangy elegance transform your dessert experience.

FAQs On Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

• Why use a bain-marie for lemon curd?

A bain-marie prevents direct heat, ensuring gentle cooking and reducing the risk of scrambling eggs, which helps create a smooth, silky texture without burning.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness, but bottled juice can work if fresh lemons aren’t available. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without preservatives.

• How do I know when the lemon curd is ready?

The curd is done when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should have a pudding-like consistency and take about 10-15 minutes of constant stirring.

Why Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe Is Bright And Zingy

• Craft Silky Smoothness: Straining the curd through a sieve ensures a velvety, luxurious texture that glides across your palate, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
• Master Versatile Treat: Perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, topping desserts, or gifting to friends, this lemon curd adapts to countless culinary adventures with ease.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Using basic kitchen tools like a double boiler and whisking technique, anyone can create a professional-grade condiment without complex cooking skills.
• Preserve Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest captures a burst of citrusy brightness, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, tangy sensation that awakens taste buds.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

• Eggs: Fresh eggs that provide structure and richness to the lemon curd.
• Butter: Unsalted butter that creates a smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar that sweetens and balances the tangy lemon flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice that gives the classic bright and citrusy taste.
• Lemon Zest: Finely grated lemon peel that adds intense lemon aroma and flavor.

• Sieve: Optional tool to ensure a silky smooth and refined lemon curd texture.

• Sterilised Jars, Lid: Clean containers for storing and preserving the lemon curd safely.

Steps To Cook Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Bain-Marie

Set up a bain-marie by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Melt butter gently in this bowl, stirring occasionally until completely smooth and liquid.

Step 2: Blend Citrusy Mixture

• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolk
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Blend until the mixture becomes light and well-combined, creating a vibrant yellow base.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Slowly

Gradually pour the egg mixture into the melted butter, stirring continuously. Keep the heat low and maintain a gentle, consistent stirring motion. This prevents scrambling and ensures a silky smooth texture.

Step 4: Thicken the Curd

Continue cooking and stirring for 10-15 minutes. Watch for a significant thickening – the curd should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run a finger through it. The consistency will resemble a soft pudding.

Step 5: Strain for Perfection

Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve. This step eliminates any potential egg bits and creates an ultra-smooth, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Store and Chill

Transfer the warm curd into clean, sterilized glass jars. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jars and refrigerate. The curd will continue to thicken as it chills.

Pro Tips For Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

• Gentle Heat Mastery: Use low, steady heat to prevent egg scrambling and ensure smooth, silky lemon curd texture.
• Strain for Silkiness: Push the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits and create an ultra-creamy consistency.
• Zest Boost: Add fresh lemon zest directly into the mixture for an intense, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Storage Savvy: Keep lemon curd in sterilized glass jars in the refrigerator for up to one week, perfect for spreading on toast or using in desserts.
• Whisking Wisdom: Continuously stir the mixture while cooking to prevent burning and create a uniform, glossy texture.

Simple Variations For Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

• Lime Zinger Curd: Replace lemon juice and zest with lime, creating a tangy tropical version that's bright and refreshing.
• Passion Fruit Paradise: Swap half the lemon juice with passion fruit pulp for an exotic, more intense citrus profile.
• Vegan Silky Curd: Use coconut cream instead of butter, plant-based egg replacer, and maple syrup as a sweetener for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calories while maintaining the classic creamy texture.

Tasty Matches For Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe

• Elevate Zesty Lemon Curd Pairings
• Spread Creamy Scones: Freshly baked English scones provide a buttery, crumbly canvas that perfectly complements the bright, tangy lemon curd. The rich, warm scones balance the curd's sharp citrus notes.
• Complement Crisp Prosecco: Light, sparkling Prosecco cuts through the lemon curd's richness, creating a refreshing palate experience. The wine's delicate bubbles and subtle sweetness enhance the dessert's vibrant flavors.
• Layer Delicate Pavlova: Crisp meringue base topped with lemon curd creates a heavenly dessert combination. The airy, sweet meringue contrasts beautifully with the intense, zesty lemon curd, delivering a sublime texture and flavor profile.

Store Nigella Lemon Curd Recipe With Care

• Store lemon curd in airtight glass containers for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, ensuring a tight seal to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled lemon curd to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Warm small portions in 10-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and prevent curdling, until just heated through.
• Gently warm lemon curd in a heat-safe bowl placed over simmering water, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency and prevent separation.

Lemon Curd Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smooth Lemon Curd delights palates with its tangy, creamy essence, whisking citrus magic into a luxurious spread. Dessert enthusiasts will savor this classic British treat, perfect for spreading on scones or swirling into pastries.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium eggs
• 1 medium egg yolk
• 4 lemons (juice and zest)

Sweeteners:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) sugar

Fats:

• 140 grams (4.9 ounces) butter

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Instructions

1. Establish a double-boiler setup, gently melt butter until fully liquefied and smooth.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine eggs, additional egg yolk, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest using a whisk.
3. Gradually incorporate the egg mixture into the melted butter, maintaining continuous and gentle stirring to prevent ingredient separation.
4. Maintain low heat, constantly stirring the mixture for approximately 10-15 minutes until the consistency transforms into a thick, custard-like texture that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Optional: Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential lumps and achieve an ultra-silky, refined texture.
6. Transfer the warm lemon curd into sterilized glass containers, ensuring a secure seal, then allow to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator for chilling and further setting.

Notes

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor that elevates the entire curd.
• Maintain low, steady heat while stirring constantly to avoid scrambling eggs and achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Consider storing in airtight glass containers for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 303
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 170mg