Chef John's Lighter Lemon Curd

4.8
(90)
73 Reviews
10 Photos

This healthy lighter lemon curd has all the rich lemony goodness of regular lemon curd with fewer calories and a little less fat. Use it for lemon tarts, on pancakes, or as a filling for layer cakes.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on October 10, 2024
10
10
10
10
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
1 1/2 cups
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 3 large eggs

  • ¾ cup white sugar

  • ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 1-tablespoon chunks

  • 1 ½ tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest

Directions

  1. Fill a saucepan with water several inches deep and place over medium heat; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  2. Place eggs into a metal mixing bowl; add sugar and lemon juice. Place the bowl over the saucepan with simmering water; whisk continuously until mixture foams and becomes thick, hot, and smooth, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and lemon zest. Continue whisking until butter melts and incorporates into lemon curd.

  4. Press plastic wrap onto the curd's surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and set, about 1 hour. Stir before serving.

130 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

225 Calories
12g Fat
28g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 225
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 118mg 39%
Sodium 37mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 3g 7%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 73mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.