Craving something sweet and quick? This instant lemon curd delivers restaurant-quality results with just four simple ingredients and no baking required! Ready in minutes, this silky smooth dessert captures the perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy richness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this foolproof recipe transforms basic pantry staples into an elegant dessert that will have everyone asking for the secret.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs
- 3½ tablespoons (65g) sugar or equivalent sugar-free sweetener
- 50ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
- 60g (4 tablespoons) cold butter, cubed
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- In a medium saucepan off the heat, whisk together 2 eggs and sweetener until well combined.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
Cook the Curd
- Place the saucepan over very low heat and stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon.
- Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
- The mixture should never boil – keep the heat low to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Once thickened, immediately remove from heat.
Finish and Set
- Add the cold butter cubes to the hot mixture and whisk vigorously until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- Continue whisking for 30-60 seconds until the curd is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the warm curd into 2-3 small glass jars or ramekins.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Time, Servings & Nutrition
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 2-3 portions
Nutrition (per serving with sugar-free sweetener): Calories: 180, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 3g, Fat: 16g, Vitamin C: 25% DV
Why This Recipe Is Healthy and Good
This instant lemon curd offers surprising nutritional benefits while satisfying your dessert cravings. Fresh lemon juice provides a powerful dose of vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production for healthy skin. The eggs contribute high-quality complete protein and essential nutrients like choline for brain health. When made with sugar-free sweetener, this dessert becomes suitable for diabetic and low-carb diets while maintaining incredible flavor. The healthy fats from butter provide satiety and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The quick cooking method preserves the maximum nutritional value of all ingredients, while the bright citrus flavor can help improve digestion and provide natural mood-boosting properties. This dessert proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence.