Microwave lemon curd takes about 5 minutes to cook in the microwave. It’s super easy to make with only 5 ingredients! Spread it on toast and scones or make large batches as gifts.
I am extremely lazy when it comes to making homemade jams and curds. I always say this will be the year I will do it and it still hasn’t happened. But then I came across recipes for microwave lemon curd.
Now this is something I can handle. Instead of cooking it on the stovetop, which takes time and a lot of babysitting, this easy lemon curd recipe is made in the microwave in a fraction of the time.
It takes about 10 minutes to get everything together, and then you cook the lemon curd ingredients in the microwave in one-minute intervals until it’s done. Mine was done at exactly 5 minutes.
This lemon curd is just lovely. It’s thick and spreadable, with just the right balance of tart and sweet. Now I need to make some scones to spread it on!
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Melted butter
How to Make Lemon Curd in the Microwave
Whisk the sugar and eggs in a microwave-safe bowl until the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the lemon juice, zest, melted butter.
Warm the mixture in the microwave at full power for one minute. Stir and then microwave it again in 1-minute increments stirring between each one.
Once the lemon curd is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s done. Mine took about five minutes.
You can serve it warm or chill it before serving. If you chill it, the curd will thicken even more.
How to Use Lemon Curd
Breakfast: Spread it on toast, muffins, scones, or use it as a topping for waffles and pancakes. It’s also great with yogurt.
Desserts: You can use lemon curd as a sponge cake filling or spoon it on top of pudding or cakes along with fresh berries.
How to Store It
Refrigerator: Lemon curd should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers. It will keep for three weeks.
Freezer: You can freeze lemon curd, too. Chill it first and then store it in a freezer container. It will keep for several months. Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving it.
Can you use this recipe to make other citrus fruit curds?
Yes, use the same amount of lime juice and lime zest to make lime curd! You can also make orange curd with fresh orange juice and zest. Or try using grapefruit!
Do you need to strain it?
I don’t strain microwave lemon curd. The only reason to do this is if the curd is not completely smooth. Sometimes this happens with versions made on the stovetop.
If you notice yours has lumps, you can strain it while it’s warm through a fine mesh strainer. Don’t wait until it’s cooled to do this.
I’ll definitely make more homemade lemon curd this summer once I get more lemons.
More Easy Microwave Recipes
- 10 Minute Microwave Cheesecake Mug Cake
- 2 Ingredient Microwave Bread
- 5 Minute Peanut Butter Fudge
- Microwave Deep Dish Cookie
Tools I Used
Wooden Reamer* | Hand Grater* | Weck Jars*
*Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. Much like referral codes, this means I earn a small commission if you purchase a product I referred (at no extra charge to you).
Microwave Lemon Curd
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice from about 3-4 large lemons
- zest of 3 lemons
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth. Add in lemon juice, zest and butter and whisk until everything is combined.
- Cook in the microwave at full power at 1 minute intervals, stirring in between each minute, until lemon curd is thickened and can coat the back of the spoon. It should take about 5 minutes.
- Pour into sterile jars and allow the curd to cool in the fridge where it will thicken even more. Keep curd in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
I would love to try lemon curd…it sounds good and easy.
We hope you try it soon!
Love the lemon curd recipe, it is a real time saver, always made it previously on top of cooker the long way. Thank you.
We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Your easy lemon curd is a life saver…I make a lot of lemon squares, lemon streusel, lemon eclairs, etc. This recipe will cut down on my time in the kitchen.
I will be trying your microwave lasagna this week. I am not a lasagna lover but my husband is; hopefully your recipe will allow me to make it more often (no he does not like Stouffers).
Glad you like the recipe!