This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.
Microwave Lemon Curd couldn’t be easier, or more delicious. It’s perfect for topping yogurt, ice cream, cheesecake and so much more!
If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you are well aware of the fact that I am a sucker for lemon desserts.
From lemon lime cupcakes and glazed lemon blueberry bread to this microwave lemon curd, I’m all about lemons – all summer long.
If you’re a lemon lover and have never made homemade lemon curd, print this recipe, head to the store, grab yourself a bunch of lemons, and get to making this microwave lemon curd.
While you’re at the store, be sure to also grab some vanilla bean ice cream, a cheesecake AND mini tart shells because you’re going to eating this sweet and tart spread on ALLTHETHINGS.
If you have never made lemon curd before, it’s a very basic process of heating eggs, butter, sugar, lemon juice and zest.
This combination of ingredients creates a thick, tart lemon spread that you’ll want to eat with a spoon. No shame here, I’m totally guilty of eating spoonfuls of the stuff with a little spray of whipped cream.
There are numerous methods for making lemon curd, but my absolute favorite way is in the microwave.
WHY I LIKE TO MAKE MICROWAVE LEMON CURD
Yes, the microwave.
Now before you tell me it’s easier to make lemon curd on the stove, I hear what you’re saying. And while I agree that making it on the stovetop is pretty simple as well, I find that cooking it in the microwave is just easier.
With this microwave method, you don’t have to mess with a double boiler, or really worry about cooking the eggs too much and ending up with little specks of scrambled eggs in your curd.
You may kind of feel like you’re cheating a bit and possibly become lemon curd obsessed since you can whip up a batch in about 5 minutes!
HOW TO MAKE LEMON CURD IN THE MICROWAVE
To make lemon curd in the microwave, start by whisking together all of the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.
Then cook the curd on full power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each minute. After about 3-5 minutes (depending on your microwave), the curd will have thickened so it coats the back of a metal spoon.
At this point, I like to run it through a fine metal sieve, just to remove any bits of egg that may have scrambled during cooking.
After the lemon curd cools, pop it into the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. It will continue to thicken as it cools, making that thick, luscious lemon curd that we all love so much.
HOW DO I SERVE LEMON CURD? ON EVERYTHING
Once you taste this easy lemon curd, you’ll be digging through your pantry and fridge just searching for something to slather it on. Whether you spread it on scones, waffles, or mascarpone pancakes, or spoon it over your favorite angel food cake, this lemon curd is sure to become one of your new favorites!
If you need some ideas to use up your microwave lemon curd, I love to use it in baking recipes, too! I’ve added it to No-Baked Layered Lemon Pie, Roasted Berry Napoleons, Mini Lemon Cheesecakes and Lemon Cheesecake in a Jar, just to name a few.
Microwave Lemon Curd
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs yolks and whites
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 4-5 lemons
- zest of 3 lemons
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth and thoroughly combined. Whisk in lemon juice, lemon zest and melted butter.
- Cook in the microwave on full power for one minute intervals, stirring after each minute. This process will take about 3-5 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave. You will know the lemon curd is done cooking when it coats the back of a metal spoon.
- Remove from the microwave, push through a fine, mesh sieve and pour into sterile jar or container.
- Once the curd has cooled to room temperature, cover it with a lid and store it in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. The curd will thicken as it cools.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Awesome recipe thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daphne! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
I forgot to put in the butter!!! ย it seems okay…nice and thick after about 5 mins.ย
Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
Can this be frozen?
I think you could definitely freeze it and just it defrost in the refrigerator before using.
-Jamie
This is delicious! It took me 5min 30sec in the microwave and was a big hit! I put it on a New York Style cheesecake.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elise! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
Hi I made this with a cup of mandarin juice and instead of rind I put in a couple of torn up fresh kaffir lime leaves (like you put in Thai cooking). I only had salted butter. It”s still divine! I am going to serve it with pavlova at my husband’s 50th birthday dinner.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback.
-Jamie
I made this several weeks ago, have made it before, just wanted u to know, itโs excellent, and Iโm making it again today for my mailman, as Iโm handicapped & he delivers my mail to the door( the association) we( my husband is in hospital w/broken hip) whereย we live normally doesnโt deliver mail. Thank you for this recipe. I still have the first batch, use it on toast & ice cream.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the curd, Jacqueline! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback!
-Jamie
Instead of 3 whole eggs, can I maybe only use yolks. I have 8 yolks left over from another recipe which I want to use for something else instead.
Hello! I haven’t attempted this recipe with this substitution, so I am not sure of the result. If you happen to give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie
No comment in this case , so quick and easy. Love it.
Thanks Jamie
Thank you so much! Glad to hear you liked it!
-Jamie
Has anyone tried to can this or freeze it? Iโd like to know what process works to make this last longer than two weeks.
Oh my! I made this with fresh passion fruit(Lilikoi) juice. Had to add more sugar. Fabulous!