Lemon Pastry Cream

Creamy, thick, and citrusy sweet, this lemon pastry creme made from egg yolks and lemon juice is great for tarts and pies.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 268 Calories

Ingredients

• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 5 large egg yolks
• 3 cups heavy cream, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

Combine remaining 2 cups heavy cream, sugar, and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to dissolve sugar. Bring to a gentle boil; boil until mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Add egg yolk mixture slowly, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Mixture will break; pour into a glass bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture to prevent skin forming. Let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 3

Pour cooled mixture into a mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer fitted with a wire whip until thick and creamy.