Chef John's Lighter Lemon Curd

Chef John's Lighter Lemon Curd
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    10 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 25 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    274

Indulge in the bright, tangy flavor of lemon curd without the guilt! This lighter version captures all the lusciousness of traditional lemon curd, boasting a vibrant citrus flavor and a smooth, velvety texture, while being kinder to your waistline. Perfect for topping scones, filling pastries, or simply enjoying by the spoonful.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    28 g
  • Cholesterol
    118 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    3 g
  • Saturated Fat
    7 g
  • Sodium
    37 mg
  • Sugar
    26 g
  • Fat
    12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View Prepare a double boiler: Fill a saucepan with several inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. (5 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View Combine ingredients: In a heatproof bowl (stainless steel or glass) that fits snugly over the simmering water without touching it, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice. (2 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View Cook the curd: Place the bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk continuously and vigorously until the mixture thickens, becomes glossy, and coats the back of a spoon. This will take approximately 8-10 minutes. The curd should reach a temperature of 170-175°F (77-79°C).

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View Incorporate butter and zest: Remove the bowl from the heat. Immediately whisk in the room-temperature butter, one piece at a time, until fully melted and incorporated. Stir in the lemon zest. (3 minutes)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View Chill and set: Transfer the lemon curd to a clean jar or container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully chilled and set. (60 minutes)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View Serve: Stir before serving. Enjoy your delightful, lighter lemon curd!

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
Be patient while the curd cooks. Constant whisking is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
If you don't have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Just be sure the bowl doesn't touch the water.
Lemon curd will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Alayna White

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 91 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Marlin Hickle

    I was a bit intimidated to make lemon curd, but this recipe was so easy to follow. The instructions are clear and the estimated times were very helpful. My curd turned out perfectly!

  • Erin Beatty

    This recipe is fantastic! The lemon curd is so smooth and tangy, and it really is lighter than other recipes I've tried. I used it to fill mini tart shells for a party, and they were a huge hit!

  • Beatrice Stiedemann

    Made this recipe for my afternoon tea party. My guests loved it!

  • Jean Gutmann

    I love that this recipe uses less sugar than traditional lemon curd. It's still sweet enough, but the lemon flavor really shines through. I've been putting it on everything!

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