The Zesty Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe Everyone Adores

Whipping up a delightful lemon curd always brings sunshine to my kitchen.

Bright citrus notes dance across the surface of this creamy, velvety spread.

My grandmother’s secret recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Silky smooth textures mingle with sharp, tangy flavors that wake up your taste buds.

Fresh lemons create a vibrant canvas for this classic dessert companion.

Rich and luxurious, each spoonful promises pure culinary joy.

You’ll want to slather this incredible curd on everything from scones to morning toast.

Why Delia Smith Lemon Curd Is So Popular

• Craft Homemade Delicacy: Create a luxurious spread that transforms ordinary desserts into gourmet experiences with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Preserve and Enjoy: Store this versatile lemon curd in sterilized jars, perfect for gifting or keeping in your pantry for spontaneous sweet moments.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn a classic cooking method that builds confidence in creating smooth, silky custard-like spreads with just a few basic ingredients.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Spread on scones, use as cake filling, swirl into yogurt, or enjoy straight from the jar – this recipe adapts to countless delicious scenarios.

What To Use For Delia Smith Lemon Curd

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide the creamy and rich base for the lemon curd.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus zest adds intense lemon flavor and aromatic oils to the curd.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy fresh lemon juice gives the signature sharp and zesty taste.

• Sugar: White granulated sugar balances the tartness and adds sweetness to the curd.
• Cornflour: Helps thicken the mixture and provides a smooth, silky texture.

• Butter: Adds richness, smoothness, and a luxurious mouthfeel to the lemon curd.

Simple Guide To Delia Smith Lemon Curd

Step 1: Crack and Whisk Eggs

Crack fresh eggs directly into a medium saucepan. Use a wire whisk to beat the eggs until they are smooth and fully combined, creating a uniform yellow base for your lemon curd.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Ingredients

• Fresh lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Cornstarch

Step 3: Heat and Stir Continuously

Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Begin whisking the mixture constantly and steadily. Continue stirring for approximately 7-8 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and develop a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Texture

Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring. Let the lemon curd simmer for an additional minute, which helps develop a rich, velvety texture and ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Transfer and Preserve

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour the hot lemon curd into sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars immediately while the curd is still hot to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Lemon Curd

• Zest Carefully: Use only the bright yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a smoother, more refined flavor.
• Whisk Consistently: Maintain constant stirring to prevent egg scrambling and ensure a silky, smooth texture throughout cooking.
• Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium-low and watch carefully to prevent burning, which can make the curd taste bitter and unpleasant.
• Strain for Smoothness: Pour the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits or zest pieces for an ultra-creamy result.
• Store Smartly: Refrigerate in sealed sterilized jars for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time.

Different Ways To Enjoy Delia Smith Lemon Curd

• Citrus Fusion Curd: Swap lemon for a blend of orange and lime zest and juice, creating a vibrant, tangy spread with multi-citrus complexity.
• Vegan Silk Curd: Replace eggs with silken tofu and use coconut butter, maintaining creamy texture while offering plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Curd: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener and add chia seeds for enhanced nutrition and reduced calorie content.
• Herbal Infusion Curd: Incorporate fresh lavender or thyme during cooking to introduce subtle herbal undertones and aromatic depth.

What Goes Great With Delia Smith Lemon Curd

• Elevate Citrus Freshness: Pair this zesty lemon curd with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements its bright, tangy profile and doesn't overpower the delicate butter notes.
• Spread Sweet Harmony: Layer the lemon curd on toasted brioche or lavender scones, creating a perfect breakfast or afternoon tea companion that balances the curd's intense citrus flavor.
• Dessert Companion Magic: Serve alongside a light, airy pavlova or meringue, where the lemon curd's creamy tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds a vibrant, refreshing contrast.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Drizzle over vanilla panna cotta or cheesecake, allowing the silky lemon curd to provide a zingy, palate-awakening counterpoint to creamy, rich desserts.

Best Way To Store Delia Smith Lemon Curd

• Store lemon curd in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep sealed tightly to prevent bacterial growth and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled lemon curd to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Warm small portions in the microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation.
• Always inspect for signs of spoilage like mold, off-smell, or color changes before consuming. Discard if any unusual characteristics are noticed.

FAQs For Delia Smith Lemon Curd Fans

• What equipment do I need to make lemon curd?

You’ll need a medium saucepan, whisk, zester, measuring cups, and sterilized glass jars for storing the curd.

• How long will lemon curd last?

When stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, it typically lasts 1-2 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightest taste. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but may lack the same vibrant citrus notes.

• Is lemon curd difficult to make?

Not at all! With careful attention and constant whisking, anyone can make smooth, creamy lemon curd. The key is maintaining a steady medium-low heat and stirring continuously.

Lemon Curd Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 84 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky smooth lemon curd brings sunshine to your dessert table with its tangy, rich flavor. Creamy and versatile, this classic spread elevates pastries, toast, and baked goods, offering you a delightful taste of culinary magic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 350 grams (12.35 ounces) golden caster sugar
• 225 grams (7.94 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature

Citrus Components:

• Zest of 4 large lemons
• Juice of 4 large lemons

Thickening Agent:

• 1 level dessertspoon cornflour (cornstarch)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crack eggs into a medium saucepan, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth base for the lemon curd.
2. Incorporate lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and cornflour into the egg mixture, stirring until ingredients are fully blended.
3. Position the saucepan over medium-low heat, continuously whisking the mixture to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking for approximately 7-8 minutes until the consistency begins to thicken.
4. Adjust the heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer while maintaining constant stirring for an additional minute to develop a rich, velvety texture.
5. Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source, immediately transferring the hot lemon curd into sterilized glass jars.
6. Seal the jars while the curd is still piping hot to create an airtight environment, which helps preserve the vibrant flavor and smooth consistency.

Notes

• Prevent curdling by maintaining low, steady heat and whisking continuously during cooking process.
• Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother texture and even thickening.
• Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve for ultra-silky, lump-free consistency.
• Store in sealed glass jars in refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 79 mins
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 20mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 110mg