Meyer Lemon Curd

Introduction

Meyer lemon curd is one of those recipes that feels like a secret treasure. The soft, aromatic lemons bring such a delicate sweetness that really transforms this classic treat. Unlike traditional lemon curd, which tends to have a sharp, tangy edge, Meyer lemons create a curd that’s wonderfully balanced, with just the right touch of sweetness and a mild tartness that makes it so smooth and irresistible. The floral fragrance that Meyer lemons impart only adds to the allure, making it feel like a little jar of sunshine.

Making Meyer lemon curd is surprisingly simple, and the results are fantastic. The curd has that velvety, rich texture that makes it a perfect addition to everything from breakfast dishes to decadent desserts. It’s incredibly versatile too—you can spread it on toast, stir it into yogurt, or use it as a filling for cakes, tarts, or even as a topping for ice cream. The possibilities are endless!

What’s great about this recipe is how you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste. Want it a little sweeter? Just add a little more sugar. Prefer it on the tangy side? A bit more lemon juice will do the trick. Once you make this, I’m sure you’ll find so many ways to enjoy it. It’s just one of those recipes that makes everything a little more special. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Meyer Lemon Curd recipe:

• Bright & Refreshing: The sweet yet tangy flavor of Meyer lemons makes this curd burst with fresh, citrusy goodness.
• Versatile: Use it as a topping for desserts, spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or enjoy it by the spoonful!
• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time, you can have a jar of homemade lemon curd ready to enjoy.
• Perfect Gift: Packaged in a cute jar, this curd makes for an amazing homemade gift that anyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your personal preference.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 1 cup
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, calcium, and healthy fats from butter

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 large Meyer lemons (for about 1/2 cup of juice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Ingredient Highlights

• Meyer Lemons: These lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, making them ideal for curd. The zest and juice create a fragrant, delicious base.
• Butter: The butter helps create that smooth, creamy texture we love in curd, while adding richness to the citrusy flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs act as the thickening agent for the curd, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemons, creating that perfect sweet-tart contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your own Meyer lemon curd:

Prepare the Lemon Ingredients

1. Zest the Lemons: Using a fine grater or zester, zest the Meyer lemons, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
2. Juice the Lemons: Squeeze the juice from the lemons until you have about 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Make sure to strain out any seeds.

Cook the Curd

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir Constantly: Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency. Be sure to stir the entire time to prevent the eggs from curdling.
3. Test the Thickness: To check if the curd is ready, dip a spoon into the mixture. If it coats the back of the spoon and you can run your finger through it to leave a trail, it’s done.

Finish the Curd

1. Add the Butter: Once the curd has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter, one piece at a time, until fully incorporated and the curd is smooth.
2. Strain the Curd (Optional): For an ultra-smooth curd, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any bits of zest or egg solids.

Cool and Store

1. Cool the Curd: Let the curd cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar or container.
2. Refrigerate: Store the curd in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage, but be aware it may lose a bit of its smooth texture upon thawing.

How to Serve

Meyer lemon curd is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

1. Spread on Toast: Spread it on a slice of buttered toast for a zesty breakfast or snack.
2. Fill Pastries: Use it as a filling for tarts, pies, or puff pastry.
3. Mix into Yogurt: Swirl it into Greek yogurt for a sweet and tangy treat.
4. Top Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a burst of citrus flavor.
5. As a Cake Filling: Meyer lemon curd makes an excellent layer for cakes or cupcakes, adding a light, refreshing layer of flavor.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Meyer Lemon Curd turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:

1. Whisk Continuously: Constant whisking for this recipe is key to avoiding scrambled eggs and getting a smooth curd.
2. Don’t Rush the Process: Take your time with the cooking process, allowing the curd to thicken gently over medium heat.
3. Taste and Adjust: If you prefer your curd a little sweeter or more tart, adjust the sugar or lemon juice to taste while cooking.
4. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh Meyer lemons are best for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, regular lemons will work—just be prepared for a slightly more tart flavor.

Recipe Variations

While Meyer lemon curd is already perfect on its own, you can mix it up with these variations:

• Berry Lemon Curd: Add a few tablespoons of fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries or strawberries) to the curd while cooking for a fruity twist.
• Herb-Infused: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the mixture while cooking for a subtle herb-infused lemon curd.
• Ginger Lemon Curd: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the curd for an aromatic zing that pairs beautifully with the citrus.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store your Meyer Lemon Curd:

• Refrigeration: Keep the curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. If it starts to separate, just give it a quick whisk to bring it back together.
• Freezing: You can freeze lemon curd for up to 3 months. To freeze, transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

Special Equipment

• Medium Saucepan: To cook the curd.
• Whisk: To blend everything together smoothly and avoid lumps.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Optional, but great for achieving a silky-smooth curd.
• Jar or Container: For storing your homemade curd.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Meyer Lemon Curd:

• Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
  Yes! Regular lemons will work, but the curd will be slightly more tart. Adjust the sugar to taste if needed.
• Can I make this curd ahead of time?
  Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. It’s a great make-ahead recipe!
• Can I use this curd for baking?
  Absolutely! Meyer lemon curd makes a wonderful filling for cakes, tarts, and pastries.
• Is there a way to make this curd without eggs?
  You could try a vegan version using cornstarch as a thickening agent, but the texture might differ slightly.

Print

Conclusion

Meyer Lemon Curd is one of those recipes that brings a little sunshine into your kitchen. Its smooth, creamy texture paired with the bright, tangy flavor of Meyer lemons makes it a versatile treat that can elevate everything from your morning toast to a decadent dessert. The slight sweetness of Meyer lemons adds a unique twist to this classic curd, making it less tart than regular lemon curd but just as irresistible.
Use it as a filling for tarts, as a topping for pancakes, or simply spread it on your favorite bread for a delightful snack. You can even swirl it into yogurt or add it to your favorite desserts for that perfect burst of citrus flavor.
Making your own lemon curd is surprisingly easy, and the result is a luxurious treat that will make your dishes stand out. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll find yourself looking for new ways to enjoy it.
So go ahead, whip up some Meyer Lemon Curd, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!