Yeast Free Cornstarch Lemon Curd
Bright, tangy, and impossibly silky, this lemon curd delivers that classic citrus punch without a single packet of yeast in sight. Many store-bought curds and even some homemade recipes sneak in unexpected ingredients, so making your own from scratch puts you fully in control. Instead of egg yolks — which appear in traditional versions — cornstarch does the thickening work here, giving you that luscious, spoonable texture while keeping the ingredient list clean and straightforward. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring real citrus depth, while butter whisked in off the heat adds a rich, glossy finish that feels genuinely indulgent. The straining step is worth every second — it produces a curd so smooth it looks almost too pretty to eat. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it straight from the jar; it sets up beautifully after a short chill and keeps well in the fridge for whenever the craving hits.
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!