Sweet Spread, Dessert Component | Vegetarian

Lemon Curd

N/A (Sweet Spread) Allergens: Eggs, Milk
Lemon Curd

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Rutaceae (lemon)
  • Primary Cuisine British, European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Lemons, Eggs, Sugar, Butter

What Is Lemon Curd?

A thick, sweet, and tangy fruit spread made from lemon juice, zest, eggs, sugar, and butter, cooked until creamy.

What Does Lemon Curd Taste Like?

Lemon Curd has a tangy, sweet, buttery, citrusy taste with bright, zesty, lemon aromas.

Taste
Tangy, Sweet, Buttery, Citrusy
Texture
Smooth, Creamy, Thick, Velvety
Aroma
Bright, Zesty, Lemon
Acidity
High

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 30g (2 tbsp)
Calories350
Total Fat18
Saturated Fat10
Trans Fat0.5
Cholesterol180
Protein4
Total Carbohydrate45
Dietary Fiber0
Total Sugars40
Calcium20
Iron0.5
Potassium80

Chef’s Secret

For the smoothest lemon curd, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest.

Lemon Curd Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Lemon Curd is Lime Curd, used at a 1:1 ratio. Similar texture and tanginess, offering a slightly different citrus flavor profile.

Substitutes for Lemon Curd with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Lime Curd Best 1:1 Similar texture and tanginess, offering a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
Passion Fruit Curd 1:1 Provides a tropical, tangy, and sweet profile with a similar creamy consistency.
Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière) + Lemon Zest Variable Good for filling tarts and pastries, less intense lemon flavor, can be customized.
Apple Butter (tart variety) 1:1 Provides a thick, sweet-tart fruit spread, though flavor profile is different, good for toast.

How to Choose & Store Lemon Curd

  1. Look for natural ingredients, avoid artificial colors/flavors.
  2. Refrigerate after opening.

What Pairs Well With Lemon Curd?

  • Scones
  • Toast
  • Tarts
  • Meringue
  • Cheesecake
  • Yogurt
  • Fresh Berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lemon Curd taste like?

Tangy, Sweet, Buttery, Citrusy Bright, Zesty, Lemon

What is a good substitute for Lemon Curd?

The best substitute is Lime Curd (1:1). Similar texture and tanginess, offering a slightly different citrus flavor profile.

How do you choose and store Lemon Curd?

Look for natural ingredients, avoid artificial colors/flavors. Refrigerate after opening.

Need a substitute for Lemon Curd right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.