Learn how to make the best citrus curd using your favorite fruits. This smooth, tangy, and sweet spread is perfect for cakes, tarts, toast, and more.
Best Citrus Curd (Choose Your Favorite Flavor)
I spent a weekend making citrus curd with every fruit I could find, and the results were amazing. From lemon and lime to orange, grapefruit, and even blood orange, each one has its own unique flavor and color.
If you have never tried citrus curd before, it is a thick, creamy spread that is both sweet and tangy. It works beautifully in desserts or simply spread over toast or scones.
What Is Citrus Curd?
Citrus curd is a smooth and creamy spread made from eggs, sugar, butter, and fresh citrus juice. It is gently cooked until thick and silky, creating a rich and flavorful dessert component.
It is commonly used in classic desserts, like lemon curd served with scones, or as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Best Citrus Options for Curd
- Lemon, bright and tangy
- Lime, fresh and slightly sharper
- Orange, sweet and floral
- Grapefruit, lightly bitter and refreshing
- Blood orange, sweet with a deep color
Which Citrus Flavor Is Best?
Everyone has a favorite. During our taste test, lime and grapefruit were the winners, while orange had a softer, floral sweetness.
The best part is that you do not have to make all five. Just pick your favorite citrus and follow the same method.
How to Use Citrus Curd
- Spread on toast or scones
- Fill cakes, cupcakes, or pastries
- Layer into trifles
- Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
- Use as a tart filling
How to Make Citrus Curd
- In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, yolks, citrus juice, sugar, salt, and zest
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted
- Strain to remove zest and any bits of cooked egg
- Chill in the refrigerator until set
Tips for the Best Citrus Curd
- Cook slowly and stir constantly to avoid curdling
- Strain for a smooth texture
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface while cooling to prevent a skin
- Adjust sugar depending on how tart your citrus is
This citrus curd is simple to make and incredibly versatile. Once you try it, you will want to use it in everything.
I hope you can try this best citrus curd at home. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet.
Citrus Curd (Lemon, Lime, Orange & More)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup citrus juice lemon, orange, or blood orange
- 1/4 cup citrus juice lime or grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons citrus zest match your fruit
- 2 large eggs lightly whisked
- 2 egg yolks lightly whisked
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, citrus juice, zest, sugar, and salt
- Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes
- Do not let the mixture boil to prevent curdling
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and smooth
- Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest and any bits of cooked egg
- Transfer to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and set
Notes
- Use 1/2 cup juice for sweeter citrus like orange, blood orange, or lemon
- Use 1/4 cup juice for more tart citrus, like lime or grapefruit
- Always stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs
- Straining ensures a smooth, silky texture
- Citrus curd thickens more as it chills
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Nutrition
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Thank you Tiffany, this citrus crud tastes yummy. I’ll surely try this.
You’re welcome! thanks for the feedback
Thank you, Tiffany, for this crud taste I’ll surely try this. So yummy
you’re welcome!
Hi!
Try one with raspberry juice and just a lemon juice for acid, color and taste is top!
That sounds delicious!!! thanks for the tip!