Chicken Free Eggless Lemon Curd
Bright, tangy, and impossibly silky, this lemon curd gets its luscious texture from cornstarch rather than the egg yolks found in traditional versions — making it a genuinely brilliant option for anyone avoiding eggs without wanting to sacrifice that classic, glossy finish. Fresh lemon juice and zest do all the heavy lifting here, delivering a punch of citrus flavor that tastes anything but compromised. The cornstarch-and-water base cooks up thick and translucent right on the stovetop, and whisking in cold butter piece by piece gives it that rich, velvety body you'd expect from a far more fussy recipe. Straining the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve is a small step that makes a big difference — you get a perfectly smooth, spoonable result every single time. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, layer it into a tart shell, or eat it straight from the jar with a spoon (no judgment). It sets up beautifully in the fridge and keeps well, so it's worth making a full batch to have on hand all week.
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
- ½ cup water
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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 remaining.
- 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!