Zesty Sunshine: Irresistible Homemade Lemon Curd Recipe

Lemon Curd Filling Recipe 🍋

Overview:

Lemon curd is the epitome of tangy sweetness, a versatile delight perfect for spreading on scones, layering between cake tiers, or swirling into buttercream frosting. This recipe yields a luscious cup of lemony goodness, invitingly zesty and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, yolks only
• 4 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 pinches of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a non-reactive saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

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2. Add the Essence: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, infusing the mixture with vibrant citrus flavor that will dance on your taste buds.

3. Butter It Up: Introduce the unsalted butter into the saucepan, letting it melt into the lemony concoction, enriching it with creamy indulgence.

4. A Pinch of Balance: Sprinkle in a couple of pinches of salt, just enough to elevate the flavors and bring out the best in the tangy sweetness.

5. Heat Things Up: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, and with tender care, stir the mixture constantly. Remember, patience is key; we’re aiming for a thick, velvety consistency.

6. Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the mixture as it simmers. We’re looking for the first bubble to emerge, signaling that our lemon curd is thickening beautifully. Remember, though, we don’t want it to boil, so keep the heat gentle.

7. Strain and Zest: Once the curd has thickened to perfection, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits. Then, stir in the freshly grated zest of one lemon, infusing the curd with bright, aromatic citrus notes.

8. Chill and Set: To ensure our lemon curd achieves its dreamy texture, cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the curd. This prevents a pesky skin from forming as it chills in the refrigerator, allowing it to set into a velvety-smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spread this lemony delight generously over warm scones or flaky biscuits for a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea treat.
• Use it as a sumptuous filling between cake layers, adding a burst of citrus freshness to each bite.
• Whip up a batch of lemon buttercream frosting, incorporating this tangy curd for a zesty twist that will elevate any cake or cupcake creation.

Nutritional Information (per cup):

• Calories: 1139
• Total Fat: 64.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 35.7g
• Cholesterol: 859.7mg
• Sodium: 196.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 136.2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugars: 130g
• Protein: 11.6g

Tips and Tricks:

• For a richer flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality lemons when zesting and juicing.
• Ensure your saucepan is non-reactive to acidic ingredients to prevent any metallic taste from affecting the delicate flavor of the curd.
• Don’t rush the cooking process; slow and steady heat is the secret to achieving the perfect texture.
• Store any leftover lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though it’s unlikely to last that long once you’ve tasted its deliciousness!

With its vibrant flavor and creamy texture, this homemade lemon curd is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, adding a burst of sunshine to any dish it graces. Enjoy the zesty bliss! 🍋✨