Easy step-by-step instructions on how to make the creamiest Meyer lemon curd. It's sweet and tangy, creamy and buttery, silky smooth and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.
I started making lemon curd when the boyfriends parents started bombarding me with SO MANY LEMONS from their lemon tree. I had to find a way to use them.
It is a great way to preserve an abundance of lemons (you can also use up your limes in this homemade lime curd). You can also make preserved meyer lemons or find other ways to use meyer lemons.
While I was learning how to make this recipe, I discovered that it's not hard at all. You guys know I'm not a baker by nature, and I have no problem making this.
And you may have heard that a jar of lemon curd is hard to make, but it's really not! It's ready in under 30 minutes and just requires a little bit of whisking. And it's SO GOOD, creamy and tangy.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Using egg yolks instead of the whole egg enables the mixture to thicken without getting pieces of cooked egg whites in your lemon curd.
- Adding the butter one piece at a time helps the citrus curd to get that perfectly thick and creamy texture.
- Fresh lemon juice, ideally from a sweeter lemon variety like Meyer lemons, gives the lemon curd and amazing fresh and tangy flavor (it's what gives this blueberry curd it's tanginess also).
- Whisking the mixture constantly while it cooks prevents the eggs from cooking resulting in a perfectly creamy texture. (if you hate whisking, this sous vide lemon curd doesn't require it!)
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Went Here 8 This.
Meyer lemon vs other lemons
Meyer lemons have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than a typical Eureka lemon (the kind most often found in grocery stores). They tend to be a touch less tart and really great when used in desserts that are very lemon forward.
A Meyer lemon tastes like a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange (just a slight sweet orange flavor).
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Fresh Meyer lemon juice is an absolute must when making this recipe. I do not recommend using bottled juice as the flavor is not the same. It is also important to use fresh lemon zest as well.
Unsalted butter is used. While salted butter won't change the consistency, it could be an unlikeable flavor with the extra salt. The butter should be cut into individual tablespoon pieces.
We only use egg yolks to make this recipe. Reserve the egg white to make these almond meringue cookies or this no bake chocolate mousse pie.
Variations and substitutions
- Make dairy free lemon curd by eliminating the butter, The curd will be much thick and gloppier, but will still taste incredible.
- Substitute any type of lemon or lime for the Meyer lemons. You can also make other fruit curds, but I always make sure to use lemon juice for at least ¼ cup of the citrus juice to give it some tanginess. Lemon and a mandarin orange is one of our favs!
- Substitute brown sugar for the white sugar. Note brown sugar has more moisture so your curd may be slightly runnier.
- If using regular (Eureka) lemons, substitute ¼ of lemon juice for mandarin orange juice to get a similar flavor.
Step by step instructions to make meyer lemon curd
- Beat the egg yolks with a fork in bowl.
- Add the lemon zest to the sugar and mix well to combine.
- Heat lemon juice, granulated sugar and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. We don't need to boil it, it just needs to be warm enough for the sugar to dissolve.
- Pour ¼ of the lemon juice mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking to temper the eggs. Tempering the eggs prevents them from cooking. Add another quarter of the lemon mixture to the egg yolks and whisk.
- Combine the remaining lemon mixture and yolks in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
- Add once piece of butter at a time, whisking until melted. Continue adding the butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly, until it has all been incorporated.
- Once all the butter has been incorporated, continue whisking until the mixture thickens and the whisk leaves lines across the mixture. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let cool on the counter for an hour or so. The mixture will thicken as it cools.
After the mixture has cooled, place in a airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. I typically use mason jars to store the lemon curd.
Expert tips
- ALWAYS use fresh lemon juice to make curd.
- When heating the lemon juice mixture, it does not need to boil, it only needs to get warm enough that the sugar dissolves.
- When tempering the eggs, it is very important to add only a SMALL amount of the heated lemon juice mixture to the egg yolks at a time. This will help prevent the eggs from cooking.
- When adding the heated lemon juice mixture, make sure to be whisking constantly while you add any hot liquid.
- Whisk constantly while adding the pieces of butter to ensure the texture is ultra creamy.
- OPTIONAL: Strain through a mesh strainer or fine mesh sieve to smooth out lumps and remove any pieces of zest to make your citrus curd ultra creamy.
How to use Meyer lemon curd
It can be used as a spread for scones, toast and muffins, as well as used in cakes, cookies, pies, tarts, pancakes and cream puffs.
- We love using lemon curd to make mini lemon tarts or this amazing no bake lemon chiffon pie.
- You can use it to fill cream puffs, to fill cake layers or even just to spread on english muffins, scones or toast.
- It's great spooned over pancakes like these cornmeal blueberry buttermilk pancakes or waffles.
- Use it as topping for pavlovas or these mini pavlovas.
- It's also great stirred into yogurt, on top of ice cream or as a topping to our favorite sous vide cheesecake recipe.
Frequently asked questions
If your lemon curd doesn't seem thick enough after cooking it the recommended time, don't worry. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Typically, if it's too thick it means you cooked it for too long.
If you don't temper the egg yolks, you can partially cook the eggs causing there to be chunks in your curd. Also, if you let it boil, it could become chunky and/or grainy.
While lemon curd uses a lot of lemons, it should never taste eggy. This typically means you have overcooked your eggs (it will likely also be chunky if you have this problem).
It will safely last in the fridge for 1-2 weeks in a covered airtight container or jar.
Lemon curd can be frozen in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 1 year. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. I recommend freezing in batches so you can thaw out portions at a time as needed.
More lemon recipes
If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂
Recipe
Meyer Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 whole egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut in single tablespoon pieces
Instructions
- Beat the egg yolks in bowl.
- Heat lemon juice, sugar and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium-low until warm.
- Pour ¼ of the lemon juice mixture into the egg yolks and whisk to temper the eggs. Add another quarter of the lemon mixture to the egg yolks and whisk.
- Combine the remaining lemon mixture and yolks in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat.
- Add one piece of butter at a time, whisking until melted. Continue adding the butter, one piece at a time, until it has all been incorporated.
- Continue whisking until the whisk leaves lines across the mixture, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let cool on the counter for at least an hour.
- After the mixture has cooled, place in a airtight container and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Expert Tips:
- ALWAYS use fresh lemon juice to make lemon curd.
- When heating the lemon juice mixture, it does not need to boil, it only needs to get warm enough that the sugar dissolves.
- When tempering the eggs, it is very important to add only a SMALL amount of the heated lemon juice mixture to the egg yolks at a time. This will help prevent the eggs from cooking.
- When adding the heated lemon juice mixture, make sure to be whisking constantly while you add any hot liquid.
- Whisk constantly while adding the pieces of butter to ensure the texture is ultra creamy.
- OPTIONAL: Strain through a mesh strainer or sieve to smooth out lumps and remove any pieces of zest to make your citrus curd ultra creamy.
Victoria Popiel- Machnicki says
So how much in either grams or ounces is a stick of butter? I live in Australia and butter is bought in either 250 grams or 500 grams packets. In future please put amounts of butter by weight not sticks. Have no idea how much a stick of butter, and as a result I can’t make this recipe 🙁
Danielle says
I do apologize for not including a better measurement. One stick is equal to 8 tablespoons of butter, and it looks like that converts to about 113 grams. A huge majority of my audience is in the US, so I use US measurements. However, I should be using the measurement, and not "sticks" for my instructions. The recipe has been updated going forward.
Blair says
Lemon cake, lemonade,lemon meringue pie and lemon curd yum. Top of my list for desserts and snacks. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Danielle says
You're welcome Blair! Isn't lemon just the best?
Elizabeth O says
I didn't know we can make curd over lemons. This is a perfect breakfast spread.
Danielle says
Definitely great for breakfast!
Kaycee Enerva says
waaaaaa I love lemon anything! Sweet tart and delicious!
Danielle says
Right? Isn't lemon just the best??
Jennifer Pompaski says
Okay, when i first read lemon curd, i was like, what is it used for?! I love having a warm lemon drink when i wake up in the morning. After reading this and all the details from preparation to preservation, i am like wow! I love this and i am definitely going to try my hands on this. Thanks for sharing this very detailed recipe darl!
Danielle says
Lemon curd is really amazing stuff! I hope you decide to give it a shot!
Hailey says
I absolutely LOVE lemon curd and I can only imagine how much better the homemade version is than the store bought. With Easter coming up, this would be great to use on breads and muffins. I can't wait to give it a try.
Danielle says
Homemade is so much better Hailey! I hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
Joseph Abimbola says
I love the fact that lemon is a healthy fruit. Will like to practice this recipe really soon.
Danielle says
Hope you love it Joseph!
Clare Minall says
These look delicious! Never tried lemon curds before but I guess I now need to try them, thanks for sharing the recipe
Danielle says
Lemon curd is so delicious. I hope you get a chance to try it!
Alexandra Cook says
Yum! That looks wonderfully easy and tasty. I’m new to lemon curd and this was super helpful in making me feel more knowledgeable about it.
Danielle says
Thanks Alexandra!
Terri Beavers says
I've always been intimidated by trying to make lemon curd but you've given me the courage to try. Just seeing yours has me drooling and I can't wait to set aside a day to make some myself. I'm obsessed with anything that has a lemon flavor.
Danielle says
It can totally be done - it's not hard! I hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
brie says
I keep seeing a lot of lemon inspired recipes. I love them especially for the summer, I will definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing
Danielle says
It's definitely the season for lemons!
shelby says
I know the struggle of having family members give you the leftovers from their garden lol! But i'm not complaining!
Danielle says
Right? It's great to get all that free extra food!
Joanna says
It does not sound hard to make at all. I do love lemon curd, especially when it's made out of fresh lemon juice and not concentrate.
Danielle says
Definitely! Thanks Joanna!
Hailey Householder says
YUM I love lemon curd! I can't even imagine how much better it takes homemade than from the jar. The steps you laid out are really clear, I can't wait to try this!
Danielle says
It's so much better homemade!!
Maartje van Sandwijk says
Great recipe 🙂 Huge fan of lemon curd so definitely trying this...
Danielle says
Lemons curd is the best! Thanks Maartje!
Michael says
Thank you for this. Hard to do with the right concentration so I'll refer to this soon
Danielle says
You're welcome Michael!
Alexa says
I’m not good at anything when it comes to the kitchen but you’ve made this recipe seem like something I might be able to do. I’ll try anything with lemon so I’ll be giving it a shot this weekend!
Danielle says
You can do it Alexa! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Sudipa says
I have never had lemon curd before. But seeing this post I am craving for some. It looks delicious and the steps are simple too.
Definitely try this
Danielle says
I hope you get a chance to try it - lemon curd is delicious!
huda says
ive never had it but it looks delicious and easy enough to do! i'll be trying 🙂
Danielle says
Thank Huda!
Lydia Smith says
Thanks for sharing this now my lemon won't go waste again. Lemon curd here I come.
Danielle says
It's a perfect way to use ll those lemons.
Tammie says
This sounds delicious. I'm going to have to give it a try!
Danielle says
Thanks Tammie!
GiGi Eats says
When I read the heading I immediately thought - WHAT is lemon curd even used for... And YOU ANSWERED MY QUESTION! So thank you for that! 😉
Danielle says
Well yay! Glad I explained it well.
Snehal says
I have never heard of lemon curd before. I have all the ingredients so quite excited to make this. 😊
Danielle says
Lemon curd is one of my favorite things ever. I hope you try it out!
Nathan says
Lemon curd. Interesting recipe. I am a foodie. Rest assured i will be trying this tonight and I hope it turns out well. The recipe looks rad.
Danielle says
That's great! I hope you love it Nathan!
Debbie Carr says
Ah I adore lemon curd! Use it in lemon meringue pie!
Thanks for this lovely recipe!
Debs
Danielle says
Lemon curd is the best!
Swathi says
Yes lemon season is going to start. I love this lemon curd recipe. Good lemon curd is always best treat to make dessert.
Danielle says
Thanks Swathi! Lemon curd is one of the best sweet treats IMO 🙂
Hannah Marie says
This looks so good to me. I never thought the process will be this easy. It is certainly a must try.
Danielle says
Thanks Hannah! I hope you get a chance to try it.
Jennifer Tanney says
I've never made lemon curd. I always wondered if it was super hard to make. Your recipe looks really easy to follow. I will have to try it.
Danielle says
It's definitely not hard to make if you follow the instructions. It's totally worth it!
Priya Srinivasan says
Wow, that lemon curd looks so delicious, that beautiful and gorgeous color is totally tempting!! Love how beautifully you have explained the process!!!
Danielle says
Thanks Priya!
Jo says
I don't need anything else with this delicious lemon curd at all! I could simply eat by spoon straight from the bottle. It looks so vibrant and tempting, Perfect for the upcoming season
Danielle says
I totally agree! I can just eat it with a spoon 🙂
Mahy Elamin says
This was SOOO yummy and easy to make! We ate this with blueberry scones - it was perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Danielle says
Oh how happy i would be if i had some blueberry scones 🙂
Michelle Cannon says
This looks so good! I love anything lemon (I even have a Pinterest board JUST for lemon recipes). Too often lemon-y recipes aren't so lemon-y in the end, but my hopes are high with this one. 🙂
Danielle says
This one is definitely lemony! I hope you get the chance to try it!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love lemon curd, it's the epitome of spring time! This looks great - definitely a keeper.
Danielle says
Lemon curd is the best! Thanks Kylee 🙂
Waren Jean Go says
Your recipe looks, easy. I should be able to do this on the weekend!
Danielle says
I hope you get the chance to try it!
What Corinne Did says
I love lemon curd! it is so delicious! perfect for lemon pie or on toasts in the morning!
Danielle says
Definitely!
Brittany Charnley says
OMG YUM!!! It's so pretty and yellow! I love all your pictures! Looks like a fun recipe.
Danielle says
Thanks Brittany!
Aishwarya Shenolikar says
I'm hearing about lemon curd for the first time and it does look qiluiye delicious! I'm definitely trying this!!
Danielle says
It's totally delicious! I hope you try it!
Shubh says
I haven't read this recipe anywhere before. Yeah when you have too much of stock of any item, you need to explore different recipes for it. I don't know many recipes of lemon. This sounds interesting as a dessert. I will give it a try . something new to do 🙂
Danielle says
Totally! It's always great to know how to use your stuff so you don't waste 🙂
Kelsey says
Yum, this looks like a super tasty recipe! I will add to my cooking bucket list lol
Danielle says
Thanks Kelsey!
Annie Cho says
The recipe seems very easy. I've actually never tried lemon curd and am very curious!
xoxo
Annie
Danielle says
Lemon curd is so amazing - I hope you get the chance to try it!
Chad says
This is amazinggggg! I had no idea lemon curd is that easy to make. Gonna do it this weekend. Thanks a lot.
Danielle says
It's super easy! I hope you love it!
FloArtStudio says
Thanks for the recipe! I love everything lemon!
Danielle says
You're welcome!
Sarah Meh says
Yummy! This seems so delicious and enriched in vitamin C. I'd love to try it.
Danielle says
Thanks Sarah!
Tara Pittman says
Now I have a purpose for my Meyer lemons. I love the step by step recipe.
Danielle says
Thanks tara! I hope you enjoy 🙂
christinea says
Beautiful pictures. I love hearing new ways to preserve fruits and veggie. Great post!!
Danielle says
Thanks Christina!
Michael says
Yehey. Thanks for sharing. Lemons are my favorite. Will make one soon
Danielle says
You're welcome Michael.
Valentina says
Lemon curd was one of my mom's favorites. She loved desserts with it -- so now I love it too. This is a great recipe! Love how it can also tbe he perfect (super delicious) gift!
Danielle says
I learned to love it through my mom too. It's a great gift!!
Sarah Bailey says
Thank you so much for this step by step guide. I've never made lemon curd but this makes it seem like something I could really do!
Danielle says
You're welcome Sarah! I hope you get a chance to try it out!
Rosa says
Mmmmm can't wait to try this one! This is perfect for so many desserts.
Danielle says
Totally! Hope you love it Rosa!
Amber Myers says
Yum, I might need to try this. I tend to love all lemon desserts, and this looks so amazing!
Danielle says
If you love lemon, you will def love this!
Noelle says
I used this to fill a lemon meringue pie that I made for the weekend! it was superb, so flavorful!
Danielle says
Thanks Noelle! Lemon Curd really is the best 🙂
Demeter says
When spring rolls around, I am so ready for all things lemon. This looks fantastic!
Danielle says
That's the best part about spring!
Jen says
This couldn't have come at a better time! My sister just gave me bags of lemons off of her tree, haha! Can't wait to try this.
Danielle says
Perfect! Now you have something to make 🙂
Bea says
Hello Danielle! I come.by this recipe because I was actually looking at the candied lemon slices recipe. Now I'm making both. I have about a dozen Meyer lemons I need to use. Also I'm thinking about making blood orange curd using.this same recipe & candying them too. Oh my, I'm probably going to make a blood orange upside down cake for sure. Love your blog!!!
Danielle says
I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog Bea! The lemon curd is so great, i hope you love it too. And I have totally been meaning to try making blood orange curd - I'd love to know how it turns out for you!
Soniya says
On my goodness!! This the the exactly the way I like it.. sweet and tangy! Lived that you have explained the recipe so well.. can't wait to try it !
Danielle says
Thanks Soniya! I hope you love it if you try it!
Joyce says
I'm a HUGE lemon curd fan but to be honest, I am so intimidated when it comes to making it. I always think I'll end up making lemon scrambled eggs haha! 🙂 This looks so simple! and I can finally tweak it the way I want which is more tart and lemony! Awesome recipe!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
I used to worry about the same thing! But once I started making it, I realized how easy it was. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for visiting!