Lemon Curd Filling

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min

Lemon curd filling offers a tangy, sweet citrus flavor with hints of mandarin peel, perfect for tarts, desserts, or spreading on baked goods, appealing to citrus lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped mandarin peel
  • 3 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter or lightly salted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 beaten egg yolks

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, stir together sugar and cornstarch.
  2. Stir in the mandarin peel, lemon juice, and water.
  3. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
  4. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Gradually whisk in the beaten egg yolks, cooking for another minute until thickened.
  6. Pour into a jar or container and cool before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, strain the lemon curd filling through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to remove any lumps. If you don't have mandarin peel, orange peel can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart filling.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon curd filling is perfect for spreading on scones, pancakes, or crepes (These Are Also Called Pollachinglas By My Grandmother.). It also makes a delightful filling for pastries or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. Consider pairing it with whipped cream or fresh berries for a refreshing dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon curd filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Curd Filling contains roughly 660 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.

660 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 67.6g 87% DV
Carbs 11.8g 4% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 29.5mg 1% DV
Potassium 139mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 420.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 572.2mcg 64% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 1.2mcg 6% DV
Calcium 60.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg yolks?

Using whole eggs will change the texture of the lemon curd, making it less rich and creamy. If you want to use whole eggs, consider cooking the mixture a bit longer to ensure it thickens properly.

How can I make my lemon curd less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the lemon curd, simply decrease the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can also increase the lemon juice slightly to enhance the tartness, balancing the flavors.

What are some other uses for lemon curd?

Lemon curd can be used in various desserts such as tart fillings, layered cakes, or as a filling for cream puffs. It can also be topped on yogurt or mixed into smoothies for a zesty flavor boost.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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