Walnut Free Cornstarch Lemon Curd
Bright, tangy, and silky smooth, this lemon curd is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more special — think toast, tarts, yogurt parfaits, or spooned straight from the jar. The secret to its glossy, pudding-like texture is cornstarch rather than egg yolks, which means you get a beautifully thick curd without any of the fussiness of tempering eggs. Fresh lemon juice and zest do all the heavy lifting here, delivering that sharp citrus punch balanced by just enough butter and sugar to round everything out. The method is straightforward: whisk, cook, strain, and chill — no double boiler, no special equipment beyond a saucepan and a fine-mesh strainer. Store-bought lemon curds can be hit or miss with additives and mystery thickeners, so making your own means you know exactly what's going in. It sets up beautifully in the fridge and keeps well, making it a genuinely useful thing to have on hand for weekday breakfasts or last-minute desserts.
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!