Mary Berry is a household name when it comes to baking. Her lemon curd recipe is no exception to her reputation for creating simple and delicious recipes that are easy to follow. With just four ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your own homemade lemon curd that is perfect for spreading on toast, filling cakes, or topping scones.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness or tartness of the curd by adding more or less sugar and lemon juice. Additionally, you can use different citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, to create a variety of curd flavors. Mary Berry’s recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for most diets.
Making your own lemon curd is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients used. Homemade lemon curd is free from preservatives and artificial colors or flavors, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. With Mary Berry’s recipe, you can create a delicious treat that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 20 Mins
- Cook Time: 10 Mins
- Total Time: 30 Mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 8 People
What Is Mary Berry Lemon Curd Recipe?
Mary Berry Lemon Curd is a smooth and creamy spread that is made by combining eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and butter. It is a versatile recipe that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a filling for cakes, tarts, and pastries, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and toast.
The recipe for Mary Berry Lemon Curd is simple and easy to follow. It requires only a few ingredients and can be made in under 20 minutes. The eggs are whisked together in a saucepan with the lemon zest and juice, sugar, and butter. The mixture is then heated over medium heat until it becomes thick and creamy.
The result is a tangy and sweet spread that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. Mary Berry Lemon Curd is also a great alternative to store-bought spreads, as it contains no preservatives or additives.
Mary Berry Lemon Curd Recipe Ingredients
You need the following ingredients to make this Lemon Curd:
- 4 unwaxed lemons
- 300g caster sugar
- 225g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 large free-range eggs
Time needed: 30 minutes
Steps to Make Mary Berry Lemon Curd
- Prepare the Lemons
Grate the zest of the lemons and squeeze their juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Mix Ingredients
In a heatproof bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, sugar, and butter. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bowl.
- Add Eggs
Lightly whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add them to the lemon mixture, stirring constantly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook the Curd
Continue to cook the mixture over the simmering water for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
- Cool and Store
Once thickened, remove the curd from the heat and let it cool. Pour it into sterilized jars and store it in the refrigerator.
Tip: Ensure constant stirring while cooking to avoid the eggs scrambling.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for Mary Berry Lemon Curd per serving (considering 8 servings in total):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
- Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 37g)
- Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love Mary Berry Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is a versatile and delicious spread that can be used in a variety of ways. Mary Berry’s Lemon Curd recipe is a favorite among many due to its unique combination of fresh lemon zest and juice that creates a burst of invigorating citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and uplifting.
One of the best things about Mary Berry’s Lemon Curd is its versatility. It can be used in a wide range of dishes, including spread on toast or scones, layered in cakes, tarts, or swirled into yogurt. The possibilities are endless.
Mary Berry’s Lemon Curd is also incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a jar of homemade lemon curd ready to go in no time. Plus, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, making it a great option for meal planning and batch cooking.
Also Try: Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Variations and Substitutions
Lime Curd
For those who prefer a brighter and fresher flavor, lime curd is a perfect substitute for lemon curd. As lime is more acidic than lemon, it will require a bit more sugar to balance the flavor. To make lime curd, replace the lemons in the recipe with an equal amount of freshly squeezed lime juice and zest. Increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two to balance the acidity. The rest of the ingredients and the method remain the same.
Orange Curd
Orange curd is another great alternative to lemon curd. It has a sweeter and milder flavor than lemon curd, making it perfect for those who prefer less tangy desserts. To make orange curd, replace the lemons in the recipe with an equal amount of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. Reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two as oranges are naturally sweeter than lemons. The rest of the ingredients and the method remain the same.
Dairy-Free
For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free diet, there are a few substitutions that can be made to the recipe. Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as margarine or coconut oil. Use cornstarch instead of eggs to thicken the curd. And replace the caster sugar with a vegan-friendly sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients and the method remain the same.
Overall, Mary Berry’s lemon curd recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you prefer a tangy or sweet flavor, or you are lactose intolerant, there is a variation or substitution that can be made to the recipe to achieve your desired taste.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing Mary Berry Lemon Curd, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Scones
Scones are a classic pairing for lemon curd. The buttery, crumbly texture of the scones pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the lemon curd. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving your scones with whipped cream or meringue.
Cupcakes
Lemon curd is a great filling for cupcakes. Simply use a piping bag to fill the center of your cupcakes with lemon curd, and top with a dollop of whipped cream or meringue for a delicious and visually appealing treat.
Muffins
Lemon curd muffins are a great way to start the day. The tartness of the lemon curd balances out the sweetness of the muffin, making for a perfectly balanced breakfast or snack. For an extra burst of lemon flavor, try adding lemon zest to your muffin batter.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your Mary Berry Lemon Curd, there are plenty of options to explore. Whether you prefer scones, cupcakes, muffins, or something else entirely, the tangy sweetness of lemon curd is sure to delight your taste buds.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Lemon curd can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. It is important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to consume. When storing, make sure to place the container in the back of the refrigerator where it is coldest.
To reheat lemon curd, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This should take around 30 minutes. Once it has reached room temperature, give it a good stir to ensure it is smooth and creamy.
If you need to reheat it quickly, you can do so in the microwave. Place the lemon curd in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the curd to separate.
FAQs on Mary Berry Lemon Curd Recipe
Lemon curd should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks when stored properly.
Yes, some ingredients can be substituted in Mary Berry’s Lemon Curd Recipe. For example, if you don’t have caster sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar instead. If you don’t have unwaxed lemons, you can use regular lemons and wash them thoroughly before using.
When making lemon curd, it is important to use low heat and to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from curdling or burning. It is also important to strain the mixture after cooking to remove any bits of cooked egg or lemon zest.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Lemon Curd recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to any kitchen. The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a burst of invigorating citrus flavor that’s both refreshing and uplifting. It’s tangy, sweet, creamy, and versatile, making it an excellent companion for your kitchen adventures.
If you’re looking to make homemade lemon curd, Mary Berry’s recipe is an excellent place to start. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.