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Homemade Lemon Curd | prettysimplesweet.com

Lemon Curd

This smooth and luscious lemon curd can be used as a filling, topping, or spread. The recipe is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your own taste.
YIELD 1 ½ cups

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (150g/5.3 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (2-3 lemons for both zest and juice)
  • ¼ cup (½ stick/56 g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Note: Before you start, you may want to refer to the above post which contains useful information.
  2. In a medium heatproof bowl, place eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and juice and whisk to combine. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie). Cook on moderate heat, whisking constantly, until mixture becomes thick (mine was ready in 10 minutes). If you have a thermometer, it should register 170F/75C; otherwise, it should coat the back of a wooden spoon and leave a clear pass if you run your finger through it. The curd will thicken more once cooled.
  3. Remove from heat and immediately strain mixture through a sieve. Add butter and whisk until completely melted and incorporated, and mixture is smooth.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Sometimes a “skin” can form on the surface of the curd. To prevent it, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
  5. Lemon curd can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, place overnight in the fridge.