Small Batch Lemon Curd (Easy Homemade Recipe!)

Small Batch Lemon Curd is a great recipe to have on hand to make about a cup of lemon curd. Homemade lemon curd is so easy and is made with just four simple ingredients!

Once you make small-batch lemon curd, you’ll never buy store again! All you need is fresh lemon juice and zest, butter, whole eggs, and sugar! 

This lemon curd is perfect to have on hand when making my Limoncello Tiramisu or Lemon Curd Cookies. Another great way to use lemon curd is for topping my Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake! 

Easy Small Batch Lemon Curd Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and easy lemon curd, you have to give this simple four ingredient recipe a try. It cooks in just minutes and is perfect if you need just a small batch of lemon curd. 

If you’ve never had it before, lemon curd is a smooth, creamy spread made from lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. The mixture thickens as it cooks over low heat, creating a rich, tangy texture. 

Delicious lemon curd has a bright, citrusy flavor that works well as a filling for tarts, cakes, and pastries, or as a topping for scones and pancakes. This small batch recipe is perfect when you just need a bit of lemon curd in your recipe. 

You’ll love that this recipe comes together in minutes and has a silky texture and bright citrus flavor. Plus, it’s so much better than any store-bought lemon curd and is perfect for any lemon lovers. 

So, if you need a bit of lemon curd for your lemon desserts, be sure to give this recipe a try. You’re going to love it! 

Ingredients

• Lemon Juice: you’ll need about half a cup of lemon juice, which is approximately two large fresh lemons. 
• Lemon Zest: be sure to zest the lemons before juicing and only take zest from the yellow part of lemon skin. 
• Butter: use either salted or unsalted butter. 
• Sugar: use granulated sugar. 
• Eggs: you’ll need two whole eggs. This recipe uses both the egg yolks and whites. 

How to Make Small Batch Lemon Curd

This quick and easy recipe for small batch lemon curd comes together in minutes and makes a delicious and smooth curd perfect for adding to desserts. You’ll need at least an hour for the recipe to cool, so be sure to plan accordingly. 

Step 1: cook the lemon curd

Start by juicing and zesting your lemons. Then, add to a small stainless steel saucepan along with butter, sugar, and whole eggs. 

Over medium-low heat, cook the curd whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling, until mixture starts to get thick and bubbles rise to the surface, about 5 to 6 minutes.

You’ll know the curd is ready when it thickens up and coats the back of a spoon. 

Step 2: strain in fine sieve

To ensure a smooth curd, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve. (You can do this before you chill the curd or afterwards.) 

Just pour the lemon curd into a fine mesh strainer and press it through using a small rubber spatula or spoon into small bowl. 

Step 3: cover and chill

Place a piece of plastic wrap on top to prevent a skin forming. The curd will thicken more as it cools. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

Stir and serve at chilled or at room temperature. 

How Long Does Lemon Curd Stay Fresh?

Homemade small batch lemon curd stays fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to prevent a skin from forming. 

For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the refrigerator before using. Always check for changes in texture, smell, or taste before consuming.

How to Use Lemon Curd? 

Lemon curd can be used in many ways, including:

1. Tart and Pie Filling – Use it as a rich, tangy filling for lemon tarts, pies, or pavlovas.
2. Cake and Cupcake Filling – Spread it between cake layers or pipe it into cupcakes for a citrusy surprise.
3. Spread for Toast, Scones, or Biscuits – Enjoy it as a flavorful alternative to jam.
4. Topping for Pancakes, Waffles, or Crepes – Drizzle it over breakfast favorites for extra brightness.
5. Yogurt or Ice Cream Mix-In – Swirl it into yogurt or ice cream for a creamy, tangy twist.
6. Parfaits and Trifles – Layer it with whipped cream and crumbled cookies for an easy, elegant dessert.
7. Macaron or Cookie Filling – Sandwich it between macarons or shortbread cookies.
8. Cheesecake Topping – Spread it over cheesecake for a burst of citrus flavor.

Lemon Desserts