Bright, cheery and all types of delicious, this lemon curd is lightened up! I promise it is still just as yummy as the classic dessert spread.
When I was home recovering from my surgery, I saw a recipe from my friend Ina Garten, (in my head we are besties). Her recipe for lemon curd looked and sounded lovely and brought me back to my childhood days. I knew I had to make it and maybe even lighten it up a bit.
Ina's recipe looked amazing, but I wanted to see how it would come out if I made it a little healthier. And I am SO happy I did.
Because let me tell you, this one isn't missing anything (well besides butter and extra eggs and sugar). It's like lick-the-spoon-and-all-of-your-fingers outrageously delicious.
Lemon curd can be used for a filling for pastries, cakes and tarts, in crepes, on toast, spread on muffins, on butter cookies or alone with a big spoon! The possibilities are endless so go ahead and get creative.
If you are looking for some more delicious lemon recipes, you will love this Low Carb No Bake Lemon Mousse Pie, Low Carb Lemon Blueberry Cake, Gluten Free Lemon Pound Cake, Lemon Chia Seed Pancakes and definitely these Iced Lemon Cookies! All of these would be even more yummy with some Apple Chai Latte, Chamomile Latte and my Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate!
Why Should You Make This Lemon Curd
I never realized how easy this delicious treat was to make before I created this recipe.It will be ready in no time and can be stored so easily in the refrigerator.
Typically lemon curd contains more sugar and eggs, but this version is slightly healthier and lightened up. Any way I can save some calories and sugar I am all for it.
This yummy dessert also makes delicious homemade gifts for friends. I gave a few jars to my friends last year for Mother's Day.
Recipe Tips
When cooking in a saucepan, be careful not to bring it to a boil or it will be lumpy. Continue to stir and allow to simmer without boiling.
With eggs in the recipes it will come out more as lemony scrambled eggs rather than curd and no one wants that.
Lemon curd is so extremely versatile and adds a wonderful light touch to so many treats. Personally I love to make my easy gluten free crepes and fold some lemon curd in the middle, it makes the perfect treat for brunch.
This also freezes really well, just make sure it is completely sealed in an airtight container. The best way to defrost is to simply place in the refrigerator overnight. It will be perfect the next morning.
Related Recipes
Gluten Free Buttercream Crepe Cake with Lemon Curd Topping from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Lemon Curd Cookies from Chenee Today
Lemon Shortbread Cookies from A Pretty Life In The Suburbs
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Easy Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- zest from 2 lemons
- ½ cup unrefined sugar or sugar free alternative like Monk fruit
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix the beaten eggs, lemon juice, zest, sugar and coconut oil over low heat.
- Stir constantly for 5-7 minutes being careful not to bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to simmer.
- After completely mixed and thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool.
- If using right away as a filling, allow to cool completely before using.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several weeks.
Sue
I was wondering what unrefined sugar you used. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
lauren.kelly
Hi Sue! Please find below the unrefined sugar I used. I hope you like it!
https://amzn.to/2RCHYEe
Kat
Great base recipe! Highly suggest throwing the whole mixture when done through a mesh strainer just incase to get rid of any unwanted textures.
lauren.kelly
Great tip, Kat! Thanks for sharing with us!
Sarah O'Lachlan
I love lemon curd, but if your looking for something to eat it with, try it with meringue kisses. My idea of a perfect snack.
lauren.kelly
That sounds amazing, Sarah! Thanks for stopping by!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos
I LOVE what you did with this recipe - the coconut oil is genius!! I think I'm going to take Brandy's idea and use it in a summer milkshake 🙂
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
I loooove lemon curd! Became addicted to it when I lived in England and have loved it ever since. I love adding it to a variety of baked goods, as a filling, in frosting, and just slathered on thick on toast! Your looks delicious!
Kim Beaulieu
This looks freaking amazing. I just want to eat it out of the jar with a giant spoon. Lemon curd is everything!!!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish
I love that you lightened this up!! I used it once in a cranberry lemon tart. It was good but probably like 6,832 calories per slice, lol. Can't wait to try this!!
Ann Marion
I love to mix lemon curd into my yogurt with a bit of coconut sprinkled on top. Like you said, lemon is such a great spring flavour and it makes for a nice light breakfast on sunny days.
lauren.kelly
Great idea to add some protein Ann!
Lora @savoringitaly
Lemons add so much flavor to so many things and they do scream spring to me, too! I love them in different desserts, but may be like you and just eat it with a spoon right out of the jar.
lauren.kelly
Me too! Lemon Everything Lora 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny
Homemade lemon curd is the best! It's so perfect for eating by the spoonful, over top ice cream or blended into milkshakes. I love that yours is lightened up 🙂
lauren.kelly
Thank you Brandy!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
Mmmm! What a good friends mom to introduce you to Lemon Curd. One of my very favorite things! This looks perfect!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Colleen!
Brenda@SugarfreeMom
Lemon screams Spring to me as well! The photos are beautiful and I would just need a spoon, nothing else required to enjoy this!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Brenda!!
Danae @ Recipe Runner
I love lemon curd, it's one of my favorite spreads. This lightened up version using looks so thick and creamy, no one would ever know the difference!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Danae!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I love lemon curd - especially with whipped coconut cream - but, I've never made my own so I am loving this version with coconut oil! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
lauren.kelly
Oh whipped coconut cream sounds amazing too!
Catherine
Dear Lauren, homemade lemon curd is wonderful...it reminds me of spring and warmer days and I just absolutely love it! Your lightened up version is perfect. xo, Catherine