Lime Curd Recipe

Silky Homemade Lime Curd Recipe: Bright & Tangy Citrus Magic

Whipping up a silky lime curd transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Sunshine-bright citrus mingles with rich, creamy ingredients for a tangy sensation.

Sweet and zesty flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Perfectly balanced and smooth, this recipe brings tropical brightness to any plate.

Professional pastry chefs adore this simple yet elegant technique for creating a versatile spread.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful condiment that works magic on tarts, cakes, and toast.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this lime curd becomes the star of your kitchen.

Why Lime Curd Is A Zesty Spoonful Of Joy

  • Craft Culinary Magic: Simple homemade lime curd transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular tangy spread with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Versatile Dessert Companion: Elevate multiple sweet treats like tarts, cakes, scones, and pastries with this zesty, vibrant lime-infused delicacy that adds instant gourmet flair.
  • Foolproof Technique: Master a professional-level recipe using basic kitchen tools and common ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality condiment without advanced cooking expertise.
  • Flavor Explosion: Deliver a perfect balance of bright citrus notes and rich, creamy texture that awakens taste buds and provides a refreshing twist to traditional dessert accompaniments.

What Goes Into Lime Curd

Citrus Base:
  • Lime Zest: Provides intense lime flavor and aromatic essence to the curd.
  • Lime Juice: Delivers bright, tangy citrus notes and primary acidic component.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Create creamy texture and help thicken the curd naturally.
  • Sugar: Balances the lime's tartness and provides sweetness to the mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps balance the sweet-tart profile.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to achieve the perfect custard consistency.
Finishing Components:
  • Butter: Adds rich, smooth texture and creates a glossy, luxurious finish to the curd.

How To Whip Up Lime Curd Easily

Step 1: Create Double Boiler Magic

Set up a cozy double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Make sure the bowl hovers above the water without touching it, creating the perfect steamy environment for your curd.

Step 2: Mix Flavor Powerhouses

Gather your lime curd ingredients:
  • Lime zest
  • Lime juice
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Cornstarch

Whisk these ingredients together in the heatproof bowl until you have a silky-smooth mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Cook with Gentle Care

Stir the mixture continuously over low heat using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Keep a watchful eye as the curd transforms, moving your utensil constantly to prevent any burning or sticking.

Step 4: Watch for Magical Thickening

Continue cooking for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens beautifully and coats the back of your spoon with a luxurious, custard-like consistency.

Step 5: Butter Bliss

Pull the bowl off the heat and add cold butter pieces. Stir until the butter melts completely, creating a glossy, silky texture that screams culinary perfection.

Step 6: Strain to Smoothness

Pour the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any sneaky egg bits or zest pieces. This step ensures an ultra-smooth, velvety final product.

Step 7: Seal and Protect

Transfer the curd to a clean glass container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent any unwanted skin from forming.

Step 8: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the lime curd for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to firm up beautifully.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Dive into your homemade lime curd as a spread, filling, or topping. It’ll stay fresh and fabulous in the refrigerator for up to one week – if it lasts that long!

Smart Tips For Making Lime Curd

  • Prevent Curdling: Stir constantly and maintain low, gentle heat to avoid egg scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture throughout cooking.
  • Zest Boost: Use fresh, organic limes and grate zest carefully to maximize intense citrus flavor without including bitter white pith underneath.
  • Strain for Perfection: Always run the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential egg bits, creating an ultra-silky, restaurant-quality result.
  • Temperature Control: Use cold butter when finishing the curd to help rapidly cool the mixture and create a glossy, luxurious consistency that doesn't separate.
  • Storage Savvy: Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent a skin from forming and maintain the curd's smooth, creamy texture.

Tasty Add-Ons For Lime Curd

  • Tropical Coconut Lime Curd: Replace half the butter with coconut cream, adding shredded coconut for extra tropical flavor and texture.
  • Ginger Lime Fusion: Incorporate finely grated fresh ginger during cooking to create a spicy-tangy version with warm undertones.
  • Passion Fruit Lime Blend: Mix in passion fruit pulp after straining for a vibrant, exotic citrus profile that enhances the original lime curd's brightness.
  • Lavender Lime Infusion: Steep dried lavender buds during the cooking process, then strain out before adding butter for a subtle floral essence.

Foods That Go Well With Lime Curd

  • Complement Citrus Zest: Pair lime curd with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, matching the bright, tangy flavor profile and cutting through the curd's richness.
  • Create Tropical Harmony: Serve alongside coconut macaroons or pineapple-based desserts, enhancing the citrus notes and creating a refreshing tropical experience that elevates the lime curd's zesty character.
  • Indulge in Texture Contrast: Spread on buttery shortbread cookies or graham crackers, providing a delightful crunch that balances the smooth, silky texture of the lime curd while adding complementary sweetness.

Storing Lime Curd Without Losing Flavor

  • Seal the lime curd in an airtight glass container, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin formation and maintain freshness for up to one week.
  • Transfer the cooled lime curd into freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for extended preservation.
  • Always use clean, dry spoons when scooping out the lime curd to prevent bacterial contamination and extend its refrigerator life.
  • Check the curd periodically for any signs of separation, unusual odors, or mold, and discard immediately if any spoilage is detected.

Lime Curd FAQs You’ll Want To Know

  • Why use a double boiler for lime curd?

A double boiler provides gentle, indirect heat that prevents eggs from scrambling and helps create a smooth, creamy texture without burning the delicate mixture.

  • Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lime juice without added preservatives or sweeteners.

  • How do I know when the lime curd is fully cooked?

The curd is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should have a custard-like consistency that doesn’t run quickly.

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Lime Curd Recipe

Lime Curd Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Zesty lime curd delivers a tangy burst of tropical sunshine on your palate. Creamy, silky smooth citrus magic awaits you with each spoonful of this simple yet elegant dessert spread.


Ingredients

Scale

Citrus Ingredients:

  • 4 limes (zest and juice)
  • 3 large eggs

Dairy Ingredients:

  • 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  • 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar

Thickening Ingredients:

  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a double boiler setup by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
  2. Combine lime zest, lime juice, eggs, sugar, salt, and cornstarch in the heatproof bowl, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform mixture.
  3. Cook the mixture over gentle heat, continuously stirring with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent scorching, for approximately 10-12 minutes.
  4. Monitor the consistency carefully, stirring constantly until the curd thickens and coats the back of the spoon, resembling a custard-like texture.
  5. Remove from heat and immediately incorporate cold butter pieces, stirring until completely melted and integrated, creating a glossy, silky finish.
  6. Strain the lime curd through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential egg bits or zest, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
  7. Transfer the strained curd into a clean glass jar or container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation.
  8. Refrigerate the lime curd for at least 2 hours to cool and set completely, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
  9. Serve chilled as a spread, filling, or topping for desserts, with the curd staying fresh for up to one week when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky texture that glides effortlessly.
  • Use fresh lime zest and juice for the most vibrant, punchy citrus flavor that transforms the curd from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Maintain low, gentle heat while stirring constantly to prevent scrambling eggs and achieve that perfect custard-like consistency.
  • Strain the curd through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate any potential egg bits, creating an ultra-smooth, luxurious spread that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 75 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 85 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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