How to Make Lemon Curd {& What the Heck to Use It For} (2025)

Ah, tart and tasty Lemon Curd. If you're like me you probably have a few questions about Lemon Curd. Like perhaps:

Why is it called curd? (Curd certainly isn't the most attractive sounding word.)

Is Lemon Curd hard to make?

And, what the heck do you use lemon curd for anyway??

The key is to simply cook Lemon Curd slowly and gently to create the perfect smooth and creamy texture.

While I'm certainly not qualified to explain why it's called curd, I certainly can show how to make it and share what the heck to use Lemon Curd for. And, no ... it's indeed not hard to make at all.

The key is to simply cook Lemon Curd slowly and gently to create the perfect smooth and creamy texture. And then from there, use it to create all kinds of lemony sweet treats. From cake filling to cheesecake topping, lemon tarts to ice cream mix-in, and even lemony cocktails ... the ways to enjoy Lemon Curd are pretty endless.

How to Make Lemon Curd

Step 1: Squeeze Fresh Lemons

Fresh lemon juice is a must for the brightest and best-flavored Lemon Curd.

Start by squeezing fresh lemons to yield the needed juice.

To get the most out of each lemon, pop it whole in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds and then roll it on the counter top a few times with the palm of your hand before squeezing. This method will give you a whole lot more juice than just straight-up squeezing a lemon fresh out of the refrigerator.

Step 2: Whisk Together Ingredients

Off the heat, whisk together sugar, some cornstarch, and a touch of salt in a saucepan.

Then whisk in the freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Next, add in the eggs ... one at a time ... whisking each one in thoroughly before adding the next.

Step 3: Cook the Lemon Curd

Cook the mixture over medium heat. Whisk the curd constantly while it cooks to make sure the eggs cook slowly, gently, and free of lumps.

This is super important to bring the temperature of the mixture up slowly, whisking the entire time. -- Too fast a temperature rise or bits of egg sitting on the bottom of the pan will lead to lumps of cooked egg in the curd.

When the curd is ready, the mixture will thicken and turn from dark bright yellow to pale yellow.

Step 4: Finish with Butter & Zest

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What to Do With Lemon Curd

Let's take a look at some of the wonderful things you can do with Lemon Curd. Other than ... for the die-hard lemon lover ... eat it straight from a spoon, that is! Lemon Curd does amazing things as a filling, topping, mix-in, or even as a base for a beautifully tasty cocktail.

2. Toppings- For a little touch of lemon zing, top waffles, muffins, scones,cheesecake, a slice of pound cake, gingerbread, or even ice cream with a dollop or drizzle of Lemon Curd.

3. Stir-In for Lemon Dessert Creations- Stir Lemon Curd into no-bake and baked creations to make and endless array of luscious lemon desserts. Here are a few delicious ideas to get you started!

4. Cocktails- Whip up a beautifully delicious cocktail with Lemon Curd as the base.