Gelatin Free Cornstarch Lemon Curd
Bright, tangy, and silky-smooth, this lemon curd delivers that classic sunshine-yellow spread without a drop of gelatin in sight. Traditional curd recipes sometimes call for egg yolks as the primary thickener, but this version leans entirely on cornstarch to achieve that luscious, spoonable consistency — and it genuinely works beautifully. Fresh lemon juice and zest give it a bold citrus punch, while butter whisked in off the heat adds richness and a glossy finish. The technique is straightforward: constant whisking over medium heat coaxes the mixture from cloudy to translucent, signaling that the starch has done its job. Straining the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve gives it that perfectly smooth, professional texture you'd expect from something far more complicated. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it straight from the jar — no store-bought jar required, and no label-reading anxiety about hidden animal-derived setting agents.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3–4 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- ½ cup water
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small saucepan until evenly combined. Add the water and lemon juice and whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved with no lumps visible.
- 2
Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns from cloudy to translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Once it begins to bubble, continue whisking for 1 full minute — the curd should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and hold a clear line when a finger is drawn through.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!