Chef John's Lighter Lemon Curd

This healthy lemon curd has all the rich lemony goodness of regular lemon curd with fewer calories and a little less fat. Use it for lemon tarts, on pancakes, or as a filling for layer cakes.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 225 Calories

Ingredients

• ¾ cup white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature - cut into 1-tablespoon chunks

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Fill a saucepan with water several inches deep and place over medium heat; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 2

Place eggs into a metal mixing bowl; add sugar and lemon juice. Place the bowl over the saucepan with simmering water and whisk continuously until mixture foams and becomes thick, hot, and smooth, 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Remove from heat; whisk in lemon zest and unsalted butter. Continue whisking until butter melts and incorporates into lemon curd.

Step 4

Press plastic wrap onto the curd's surface to prevent skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and set, about 1 hour. Stir before serving.