Microwave Lemon Curd (4 ingredients, 10 minutes)

Name: Microwave lemon curd
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 3/4 -1 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 - 1 cup lemon juice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 1 Tablespoon lemon zest (optional.)

An easy 4-ingredient recipe for lemon curd that is a foolproof. Perfect for filling cakes, on ice cream, cookies or simple slather on a toast.

Total time 10

Jump to Recipe

An easy microwave lemon curd recipe made in literally minutes with just 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for cakes, cookies, tarts, ice cream and much more.

Next time, try this easy marshmallow buttercream.

A close up look at a glass cup with lemon curd.

Impress yourself and everyone around with this easy lemon curd recipe.

Jump to:

❓Why This Recipe Works
📝 Ingredients
🥄 Instructions
💡 Tips
🧺 Storage
🍽️ Serve With
💬 FAQs
📣 Related Recipes
More Sauce Recipes
More Lemon Desserts
Microwave lemon curd

❓Why This Recipe Works

Way better and adaptable to your liking than the store bought jars.
This recipe calls for a bit more butter so it is buttery , has a mild tartness and a bit less sugary than many other recipes so feel free to adjust.
Very easy to make, and fun for kids to make under supervision.
This recipe used both egg yolks and whites so you will not end up with one or the other that you do not know what to use it for.
Packed with delicious flavors and works great for your cake filling, cookies or even to top your yogurt.

Although making lemon curd is usually easy, this microwave recipe is even easier as you do not have to deal with double boiler. Also this is the perfect gift -- if you don't eat them all first!

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Eggs: I use large eggs and you can use extra large as well.
Butter: Adds creaminess and rich taste.
Sugar: I've reduced the sugar a bit than the usual recipes calls for so it will not be too sweet.
Lemon: of course and we will need juice and zest.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of 4 imges showing how to make lemon curd in the microwave.

In a deep microwave safe bowl, combine eggs and sugar keep stirring for almost 1-2 minutes until you feel sugar is almost all dissolved.
Pour melted butter slowly over egg mixture while whisking non stop.
Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest if using.
Microwave according to directions below then run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps.

💡 Tips

You will need to use fresh lemons. Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe do not use store bought one.
For my family's taste, I've used ¾ cup of lemon juice and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. You can use 1 cup of each according to your liking.
Cook time will depend on the strength of your microwave. I recommend cooking in 30 seconds intervals and not 1-minute increments so there is very limited chance of overcooking the curd.
I like straining the mixture anyways so I ensure creamy and lump free lemon curd. You can also use an immersion blender.
Lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools down.

🧺 Storage

Wait until the lemon curd has cooled completely then refrigerate in clean jars for up to 3-4 weeks.

🍽️ Serve With

You can slather this lemon curd over anything you like. From toast, waffles to a dollop on your ice cream or yogurt. Great as a cake filling, for pies, cheesecake , make these easy puff pastry raspberry tarts or to top your pavlova.

💬 FAQs

How long does fresh homemade lemon curd last?

According to National Center for Home Food Preservation, homemade lemon curd can be refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.

Can I freeze homemade lemon curd?

Yes, absolutely you can. It should last on the freezer for up to 1 year, just make sure to leave about ½ inch in the container to account for expansion.

Is lemon curd the same as lemon custard?

You can say so as lemon curd is lemon juice sweetened and thickened with eggs.

Small jars of easy lemon curds on a dark surface.

Chantilly cream is the french name for whipped cream, learn how to make the perfect Chantilly cream for all your desserts needs.
Rich and sweet slow cooker apple butter. Simple and totally delicious!
Learn how to make ghee from butter in this east step by step tutorial.
Enjoy this delicious and simple cream cheese frosting on your favorite cakes, cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. Simple cream cheese frosting that can be adjusted to your own liking.
Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is a delightful and fluffy frosting for your favorite cakes and cupcakes. This frosting pairs beautifully with chocolate cakes, cupcakes and S'mores desserts adding a touch of a delightful taste experience.
This aromatic, sweet Carrot Jam will change the way you enjoy breakfast. Spread it over pancakes, bagels, toast, and waffles. Or do as I do and eat it straight out of the jar, by the spoonful.
Add a touch of French elegance to your favorite meals with a fancy ending with this Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee. Creamy rich French custard topped with crunchy caramelized sugar for the perfect dessert.

More Sauce Recipes

Add a touch of richness to your dessert with this easy 10-minute easy hot fudge sauce recipe. Made with simple pantry ingredients this sauce is decadent over ice cream, brownies and much more.
Cherry sauce is a sweet, thick and syrupy condiment that can be used as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, or as a glaze for any recipe you like.
An ultra simple Strawberry Coulis Recipe is a great addition to your desserts. Silky smooth fruit based sauce that is both fresh and luxurious.

More Lemon Desserts

This no bake key lime pie is a sweet creamy and refreshing treat that you can make for a party or family gathering. Tangy lime filling with buttery crust the perfect combination for a quick and easy dessert.