Description
Bright and tangy lemon curd with a smooth, creamy texture made from fresh lemons, plant-based butter, and a natural gelling agent. Perfect as a spread, filling, or topping to add a burst of citrus sunshine to your dishes. Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (finely grated, avoiding white pith)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter (cream style)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather fresh lemons, grate the zest carefully avoiding the white pith, and squeeze the juice to measure it. Separate the egg yolks and have all other ingredients ready.
- Whisk Together Eggs and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow and smooth, which helps ensure even cooking and a silky texture.
- Heat Lemon Juice and Zest Gently: Combine the lemon juice, zest, and natural gelling agent in a small saucepan, then warm over low heat to dissolve everything smoothly without boiling.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm lemon mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling and achieve a creamy blend.
- Cook Until Thickened: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in Plant-Based Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in plant-based butter (cream style) until fully melted and incorporated for a smooth, rich finish.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the lemon curd to clean jars and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to set completely.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest, most authentic flavor with fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Keep the heat low and stir continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs and ensure even texture.
- Strain the curd through a fine sieve for extra smoothness by removing zest pulp or lumps.
- Monitor thickness: the curd should coat the back of a spoon but remain spreadable; thickens more as it cools.
- Use clean, sterilized jars to store lemon curd and keep it fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon curd, citrus spread, plant-based butter, natural gelling agent, vegan option, easy lemon curd, gluten free, tangy dessert spread
