Gelatin Free Eggless Lemon Curd
Bright, tangy, and impossibly silky, this lemon curd delivers everything you want from the classic spread — without eggs and without any animal-derived setting agents. Cornstarch does the heavy lifting here, thickening the curd into a glossy, spoonable consistency that holds its shape beautifully once chilled. Fresh lemon juice and zest give it a bold citrus punch, while butter whisked in off the heat adds richness and that signature smooth finish. The technique is straightforward: constant whisking over medium heat, a quick bubble, and then a careful butter emulsion that comes together in minutes. Straining the finished curd through a fine-mesh sieve keeps the texture ultra-clean and restaurant-smooth. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, layer it in a tart shell, or eat it straight from the jar — no judgment here. It sets up firm and glossy in the fridge, and the flavor only gets better as it chills.
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!