Clean Sugar-Free Lemon Curd Recipe: A Tangy Dessert Delight
Lemon curd is one of those versatile treats that can brighten up any dish, from spreading on toast to being dolloped on pancakes or used in desserts. The best part about this Clean Sugar-Free Lemon Curd is that it’s not only sugar-free, but it’s also low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary needs. With a bright lemon flavor, creamy texture, and a subtle sweetness from stevia or erythritol, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional lemon curd recipes that are laden with sugar.
Whether you’re looking to create a quick, sugar-free treat or add an elegant topping to your favorite desserts, this easy-to-make lemon curd will meet your needs perfectly. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook!
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unwaxed lemons (juice and zest) | 4 lemons |
| Stevia or erythritol (your choice of sweetener) | 1/3 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (115 grams) |
| Whole eggs | 3 |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs and dairy (unsalted butter). Please note if you’re allergic to either of these ingredients. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider substituting the butter with a plant-based butter, such as coconut or almond-based options.
Dietary Preferences
- Sugar-Free: This recipe is made with erythritol or stevia, making it suitable for those following a sugar-free lifestyle or managing blood sugar levels.
- Low-Carb: With only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this recipe fits well into a low-carb or keto diet.
- Gluten-Free: All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Contains eggs and butter, making it vegetarian-friendly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
Preparation & Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Lemons: Begin by squeezing the juice from the lemons into a medium-sized bowl. Don’t forget to zest half of their skin to get all the aromatic oils from the lemon peel. The zest will bring that fresh, tangy flavor to the curd.
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Add Sweetener and Butter: Add the stevia or erythritol (depending on your sweetener preference) to the lemon juice and zest. Then, drop in the unsalted butter. This will help create the creamy base for the curd.
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Set Up the Bain-Marie (Double Boiler): Heat a pot of water to a boil. Place the bowl with your lemon and butter mixture over the pot, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. This double boiler method (known as Bain-Marie) will gently heat the ingredients, allowing them to combine smoothly without the risk of curdling the eggs later.
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Melt the Butter: Stir occasionally, allowing the butter to melt completely into the lemon mixture. This should only take a few minutes.
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Whisk in the Eggs: Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat to low. Slowly and carefully whisk in the whole eggs and the egg yolk. Keep stirring constantly to ensure the mixture is smooth and doesn’t cook too quickly or curdle. Continue stirring for about 10 minutes until the curd thickens to a consistency similar to conditioner. The curd should have a silky, creamy texture.
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Finish the Curd: Once the curd has reached the desired thickness, remove the bowl from the heat. Let the curd cool for a moment before transferring it to sterilized jars for storage. The curd will thicken further as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this Clean Sugar-Free Lemon Curd as a topping for a variety of dishes:
- Spread it on toast: Enjoy it as a sweet spread on your morning breakfast toast or scones.
- Layer it in desserts: Add it to cakes, cupcakes, or layer it in parfaits for a tangy bite.
- Use it as a filling: Perfect for filling pastries, tarts, or even crepes.
- Serve with yogurt: Add a spoonful on top of plain or Greek yogurt for a refreshing dessert.
Tips and Tricks
- Make It Creamier: If you want an even richer lemon curd, you can add a splash of heavy cream after it has cooled. Just stir it in for added smoothness and richness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the curd before transferring it to jars, and if you want it sweeter, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more stevia or erythritol. Different sweeteners vary in strength, so it’s important to personalize the flavor to your liking.
- Storage: Store the lemon curd in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it in small portions for future use.
Conclusion
This Clean Sugar-Free Lemon Curd is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, making it an ideal treat for those who are mindful of their sugar intake. With just a few simple ingredients and a minimal cooking time, you can create a delicious, homemade lemon curd that can elevate any dessert or be enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a daily indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
