Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Curd is a zesty, creamy spread that adds vibrant citrus flavor to a variety of dishes. It can be used as a rich filling for cakes, spread on toast, or drizzled over desserts, bringing a tangy brightness and smooth, buttery finish. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to create a fresh, homemade treat that’s bursting with flavor.
What is Hairy Bikers’ Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a sweet, tangy spread made from fresh lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs. The Hairy Bikers’ recipe balances the tartness of lemons with the richness of butter to create a creamy and silky curd. It can be used in various ways, from a cake filling to a topping for scones or tarts. This homemade version tastes far superior to anything you’ll find in the store.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd
- 4 large lemons (zested and juiced)
- 200g caster sugar
- 100g unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by finely grating the zest of all four lemons and then squeezing the juice. You should get about 150ml of lemon juice. Set aside both the zest and juice.
Step 2: Set Up a Double Boiler
- In a heatproof bowl, place the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler), ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has fully melted and everything is combined.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk until they are smooth. Gradually pour the beaten eggs into the lemon mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Step 4: Cook the Lemon Curd
- Continue cooking the mixture over simmering water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. After about 10-15 minutes, the mixture will thicken and coat the back of the spoon. You want the curd to be thick but still pourable. Be patient as the thickening process takes time.
Step 5: Strain and Store
- Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any lumps or zest, leaving you with a silky-smooth curd. Pour the lemon curd into sterilized jars and allow it to cool completely before sealing. Store in the fridge.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd
- Stir constantly: To prevent the eggs from curdling, whisk continuously while the curd is cooking.
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key to getting that bright, tangy flavor that makes lemon curd so delicious.
- Cook gently: Always cook the curd over gentle heat in a double boiler to ensure it thickens slowly and evenly.
- Strain for smoothness: Straining the curd removes any bits of zest and ensures a silky texture.
How Do I Store Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd?
Once made, lemon curd should be stored in sterilized jars and kept in the fridge. It will last for up to 2 weeks when properly stored. If you want to freeze lemon curd, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
How long does homemade lemon curd last?
Homemade lemon curd lasts for up to 2 weeks when stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before using it.
Can I freeze lemon curd?
Yes, lemon curd freezes well. Store it in an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.
Why is my lemon curd not thickening?
If your lemon curd is not thickening, it might need more time to cook. Continue to heat it gently over a double boiler, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon. Be patient, as this can take up to 15 minutes.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon curd?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to use fresh lemons. Bottled lemon juice may lack the vibrant, tangy flavor that fresh lemons provide and can affect the overall taste of the curd. Fresh zest also adds more aromatic notes that enhance the curd.
Final Words
This Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd Recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to your pantry.
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Hairy Bikers Lemon Curd
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 small jars 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
Lemon curd is a sweet, tangy spread made from fresh lemons, sugar, butter, and eggs. The Hairy Bikers’ recipe balances the tartness of lemons with the richness of butter to create a creamy and silky curd. It can be used in various ways, from a cake filling to a topping for scones or tarts. This homemade version tastes far superior to anything you’ll find in the store.
Ingredients
- large lemons (zested and juiced)
- 200g caster sugar
- 100g unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely grating the zest of all four lemons and then squeezing the juice. You should get about 150ml of lemon juice. Set aside both the zest and juice.
Step 2: Set Up a Double Boiler
In a heatproof bowl, place the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler), ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has fully melted and everything is combined.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk until they are smooth. Gradually pour the beaten eggs into the lemon mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Step 4: Cook the Lemon Curd
Continue cooking the mixture over simmering water, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. After about 10-15 minutes, the mixture will thicken and coat the back of the spoon. You want the curd to be thick but still pourable. Be patient as the thickening process takes time.
Step 5: Strain and Store
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat and strain it through a fine sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any lumps or zest, leaving you with a silky-smooth curd. Pour the lemon curd into sterilized jars and allow it to cool completely before sealing. Store in the fridge.
