Lemon Curd with Egg Yolks

Welcome to the bright and zesty world of homemade Lemon Curd! This classic recipe creates a silky-smooth, intensely flavorful fruit custard that can elevate any dessert. Made with just a few simple ingredients, our version uses only egg yolks, resulting in an incredibly rich and velvety texture that's simply irresistible. Whether you're looking to fill a tart, layer a cake, or simply spread it on a warm scone, this sun-kissed lemon curd is a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your kitchen.

Cooking: 20 minutes
Quantity: 280 Grams
Per 100g/ml
Calories: 406 kcal
Proteins: 1 g
Fats: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g

Ingredients for Lemon Curd with Egg Yolks

  • 120 g lemon juice
  • zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 7 g potato starch
  • 120 g sugar
  • 80 g butter
  • pinch of salt

How to Make Lemon Curd with Egg Yolks

Two whole lemons and a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice on a wooden surface.

If the lemons are juicy, you'll get exactly 120 g of juice from two.

A bowl with two egg yolks, separated from the whites.

Crack the chicken eggs into a bowl, separating the yolks from the whites.

Pouring sugar and salt into a heavy-bottomed saucepan to start the lemon curd.

Pour granulated sugar and a pinch of salt into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.


Wash the lemons well, first with warm running water and a sponge, then pour boiling water over them and let them sit for a couple of minutes. Press a lemon against the table with your palm and roll it around to soften it; this makes it easier to squeeze out the juice. First, remove a thin layer of the yellow lemon zest, trying to avoid the white pith, which is bitter. Then, squeeze the lemon juice. If the fruits are juicy, you’ll get about 120 g of juice from two lemons.

Crack the chicken eggs into a bowl, separating the yolks from the whites. You can put the egg whites in a jar and freeze them; they can be used to bake meringue or make protein pancakes for a diet-friendly recipe.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the egg yolks.

Adding a spoonful of potato starch to the saucepan with other ingredients.

Add the potato starch.

Adding freshly grated lemon zest to the mixture in the saucepan.

Add the grated lemon zest.

Straining fresh lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into the saucepan.

Strain the freshly squeezed lemon juice through a sieve.


Add the potato starch. It’s better to use potato starch for custards and cornstarch for breading.

Add the grated lemon zest.

Strain the freshly squeezed lemon juice through a sieve to remove any seeds.

Whisking the lemon curd mixture in a saucepan over low heat.

Whisk the ingredients together and slowly heat over low heat or in a water bath.

Whisk the ingredients together and slowly heat over low heat or in a water bath, stirring constantly to prevent the curd from burning. As soon as the cream thickens and small bubbles appear around the edge of the pot, you can remove it from the heat.

Straining the thickened lemon curd through a sieve into a clean bowl.

Strain the cream through a sieve one more time.

Adding cubes of butter to the warm, strained lemon curd.

Add the butter.

A bowl of perfectly smooth and vibrant yellow lemon curd, ready to be used.

The finished lemon curd looks amazing and tastes divine.


Strain the cream through a sieve one more time. The lemon zest has released its aroma into the cream and is no longer needed. As a resourceful cook, I understand that there’s still plenty of flavor left in the zest, so you can find another use for it, such as adding it to baked goods.

Add the butter. Heat the curd over low heat, stirring, until the butter is completely melted. You can also use a hand mixer to blend it in.

The finished lemon curd looks stunning and tastes divine. The cream shines like the sun, making it the best filling for cakes and pastries. You must try making it!

A jar of chilled lemon curd, showing its thick, spreadable texture.

After a few hours, the lemon curd will thicken to a consistency similar to a thick, gooey jelly or jam and will be ready for use.

Transfer the lemon curd into clean, dry jars. Once cooled, seal them tightly with lids and store in the refrigerator. After a few hours, the lemon curd will thicken to a consistency similar to a thick, gooey jelly or jam and will be ready for use. By the way, it makes a delicious sandwich for breakfast on a slice of toasted bread.

And there you have it—a jar of pure, golden sunshine! This homemade Lemon Curd with Egg Yolks is not just a recipe; it's a versatile delight that can transform your desserts. Enjoy its creamy, tangy flavor swirled into yogurt, spread on toast for a luxurious breakfast, or as the star filling in your next baking project. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy a taste of brightness whenever you need it. We hope you love making and sharing this divine treat!