Nutmeg Free Cornstarch Lemon Curd

Total time1 hr 25 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time15 min

4.7

(27)

Bright, tangy, and silky smooth, this lemon curd delivers serious sunshine in a jar using nothing but pantry staples and fresh citrus. Many classic curd recipes lean on egg yolks for thickening, but this one uses cornstarch instead — and the result is a glossy, spoonable spread that sets up beautifully without any fuss. The method is straightforward: whisk, cook, stir in cold butter piece by piece, and strain for that perfectly clean, lump-free texture. That final butter incorporation is what gives the curd its rich, velvety body despite the short ingredient list. It's worth noting that store-bought curds and spice-heavy baked goods often sneak in warming spices you didn't ask for, so making your own means you control every single thing that goes into the jar. Spread it on scones, swirl it into yogurt, layer it in a tart shell, or honestly just eat it off a spoon — no judgment here.

About Fig

Fig 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!