Classic Stovetop Lemon Curd

📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Sauces A classic recipe for a rich and tangy lemon curd made directly on the stovetop. A simple but decadent filling for tarts or a spread for scones.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
10 mins10 minsNoneApprox. 1 cup

🔪 Key Equipment

  • medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • wire whisk
  • heatproof spatula
  • fine-mesh sieve

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
6 oz (3/4 cup)Sugargranulated
2 oz (4 Tbsp)Margarine or Buttercubed
2Eggslarge
2Lemonsgrated rind and strained juice

Instructions

Step 1: Combine and Cook

  1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 6 oz sugar until well combined.
  2. Stir in the grated rind of 2 lemons, the strained juice of 2 lemons, and the 2 oz margarine or butter.
  3. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or heatproof spatula, ensuring you scrape the bottom and corners of the pan.
  4. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon; do not allow the mixture to boil, or the eggs will scramble.

Step 2: Finish and Cool

  1. Once thickened, remove from the heat and optionally strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-smooth texture.
  2. Let the curd cool completely, covering the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week; the curd will thicken further as it chills.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card