Add a burst of citrus to your desserts with this easy lemon curd recipe. It takes just 15 minutes to make and has the most dreamy texture. Spoon it over angel food cake, layer it in trifles, or use it to fill buttery tart shells for a fresh and easy dessert.
If you love lemon desserts, try these easy lemon bars and lemon coconut cupcakes.
This post on lemon curd was first published in April 2021 and then updated and republished in May 2025.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]Lemon Curd with Whole Eggs
I used to think making lemon curd was way too complicated. For years, I would always buy it from the store.
Making it yourself is surprisingly easy and consistently turns out perfectly. Plus, it tastes so much better than anything you’ll find in a store-bought jar.
My biggest dilemma with making homemade lemon curd was that most recipes I found only used egg yolks. Since I didn't want leftover egg whites, I developed a lemon curd recipe using whole eggs.
Another difference in my recipe is that I add the butter and melt it with the sugar at the beginning. It results in a smooth, sweet, and tart lemon curd.
Why I Love This Recipe
- No preservatives or fillers here! It’s made with simple, real ingredients like eggs, sugar, butter, and fresh lemon juice.
- The texture is super silky smooth. Once it cools, the curd is rich and buttery. It's perfect for spreading, filling, or just eating right from the jar.
- It may seem fancy, but it’s actually quite easy to make. It looks and tastes like something from a bakery, yet you can make it in just about 15 minutes on the stovetop.
- There are so many ways to use it! It’s great for filling cupcakes, topping scones or pancakes, swirling into yogurt, or layering in parfaits and tarts.
