This Lemon Curd Recipe Makes A Great Cheesecake Topping
If you love that tart lemon flavor and are looking for a great cheesecake topping or filling, then you should try this lemon curd recipe!
Not only does this lemon curd recipe make a great filling or cheesecake topping, but it is also a great way to use up egg yolks from recipes that only use the whites. It is also much cheaper to make it homemade than to buy store-bought.
One great way to use this lemon curd recipe is in our Instant Pot Lemon Cheesecake With Lemon Curd Topping or our Lemon Meringue Cheesecake.
While we made this as a large batch as you normally need a lot for toppings and fillings, you can easily reduce it. If you will only be needing a small amount, simply cut the ingredients in half.
Ingredients Needed:
- 12 Egg Yolks
- 1 Cup Splenda (or sugar)
- 1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 Cup Butter
- Zest From 1 Lemon
How To Make Homemade Lemon Curd:
In a small saucepan on low heat melt butter.
Remove pot from heat then whisk in the Splednd (or sugar). Add in the lemon zest and juice.
When sweetener is fully dissolved, whisk in the egg yolks.
Return the pot to low heat. Be sure to whisk continually.
When the curd starts to thicken remove it from the heat. You can strain at this point into a small bowl if you like. I just normally just pour it into a bowl as I don’t normally find any lumps or anything.
Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then cover the bowl and store it in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is lemon curd made from?
There are many variations now of what lemon curd is made of. The traditional way is made from butter, sugar, lemon juice, and zest as well as egg yolks.
What are the uses for lemon curd?
There are so many different ways to use it. We love to use lemon curd as cheesecake topping or filling. But here are some other ideas you could use it for too.
- Cake Filling
- Pie Filling
- Pancake Topping
- Crepe Topping
- Waffle Topping
- Ice Cream Topping
- Donut FIlling
- In Lemon Bars
- On Toast or Biscuits
What lemons do you use?
It is normally made using Meyer lemons as they are not as sour and normally have more juice. However, it can be made with other lemons as well.
You can also make other flavor curds using other citrus fruits such as limes, oranges, or grapefruits.
Is curd the same as lemon custard?
Lemon curd is very similar to a custard however it is not as sweet and it has a tart bite to it.
Is lemon curd a jam?
It is more creamy and rich than jam is. But it can be used as a jam or topping if you are looking for a rich creamy and tart topping.
Can you eat lemon curd by itself?
Yes! You can eat it by itself. It can be rather rich and tart, so you may not want to eat too much of it.
Can I use lemon pie filling instead?
While lemon pie filling is normally commercially made filling that uses eggs and cornstarch, it is also normally a lot sweeter than lemon curd.
If having it a little sweeter does not bother you, it can replace curd in most recipes.
Lemon Curd Recipe (Sugar or Sugar Free)
Ingredients
- 12 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 Cup Lemon Curd Recipe or sugar
- 1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3/4 Cup Butter
- Zest From 1 Lemon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan on low heat melt butter.
- Remove pot from heat then whisk in the Splednd (or sugar). Add in the lemon zest and juice.
- When sweetener is fully dissolved, whisk in the egg yolks.
- Return the pot to low heat. Be sure to whisk continually.
- When the curd starts to thicken remove it from the heat. You can strain at this point into a small bowl if you like. I just normally just pour it into a bowl as I don’t normally find any lumps or anything.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then cover the bowl and store it in the refrigerator.
Know that estimated nutrition facts are just a guideline and will vary depending on any variation you make or brand you use from what we have listed.
