Description
This easy Lemon Curd recipe brings bright, fresh citrus flavor with a creamy texture made from fresh lemons, natural gelling agent, and plant-based butter. Perfect as a spread, topping, or dessert filling, it is quick to prepare and uses simple pantry staples for a versatile and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2–3 Fresh Lemons (for zest and juice, yielding about 1/2 cup lemon juice)
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 1/4 cup Plant-Based Butter (plant-based), cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon Natural Gelling Agent
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Lemons: Wash lemons thoroughly. Zest 2 lemons carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice enough lemons to yield about 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. This zest and juice combination provides the vibrant citrus notes for the curd.
- Combine Ingredients and Heat: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together sugar, lemon zest, and natural gelling agent. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Slowly stir in lemon juice. Set the bowl over gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl’s base does not touch the water. Stir continuously to avoid curdling and encourage thickening.
- Add Plant-Based Butter and Vanilla Extract: When the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat. Immediately whisk in plant-based butter pieces until fully melted and incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract to enrich the flavor.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the lemon curd to sterilized jars or containers. Allow to cool to room temperature; the natural gelling agent will help it set to a smooth, spreadable texture. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
- Stir constantly while cooking to maintain a smooth texture and prevent lumps.
- Cook over low heat patiently to avoid scrambling the eggs and ensure even thickening.
- Prepare sterilized jars ahead of time to enhance storage freshness and avoid contamination.
- Test thickness by checking if the curd coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon curd, citrus spread, plant-based lemon curd, vegan lemon curd, homemade lemon curd, natural lemon curd
