Description
Bright and tangy lemon curd made with fresh lemons, natural gelling agent, and plant-based butter for a smooth, creamy, and versatile spread. Perfect for toast, desserts, or gifts, this quick and easy recipe delivers a burst of citrus flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Fresh Lemons (zest and juice) – from 3 medium lemons
- Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup
- Egg Yolks – 4 large
- Plant-Based Butter – 1/4 cup
- Natural Gelling Agent – 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract (natural) – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice fresh lemons to obtain about 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tablespoon zest. Separate the egg yolks. Measure out sugar, plant-based butter, natural gelling agent, and vanilla extract (natural) to have everything ready.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, forming the smooth base of the curd.
- Gently Heat Lemon Juice and Zest: Warm the lemon juice and zest over medium heat in a saucepan. Slowly add the egg yolk and sugar mixture while whisking constantly to combine and prevent curdling.
- Cook Until Thickened: Stir gently and continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the natural gelling agent to ensure a smooth, set texture.
- Incorporate Plant-Based Butter and Vanilla Extract: Remove from heat and whisk in the plant-based butter and vanilla extract (natural). Mix until smooth and creamy. Let the curd cool slightly before transferring into sterilized jars for storage or immediate use.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemons for the brightest flavor.
- Whisk constantly during cooking to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- Strain the curd through a fine sieve for extra silkiness.
- Let curd cool at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
- Adjust sweetness by adding sugar gradually to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon curd, plant-based lemon curd, citrus spread, vegan lemon curd, natural ingredients, quick lemon curd