Description
Italian Lemon Spread Delight is a luscious, tangy lemon curd made from fresh lemon juice, egg yolks, and butter. This smooth and creamy spread balances bright citrus flavors with a rich, velvety texture, perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on desserts, or incorporating into pastries. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic Italian-inspired lemon curd is a refreshing addition to your breakfast or dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Set up a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a saucepan to ensure you have everything ready for the cooking process.
- Juice the Lemons: Juice enough lemons to yield one cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds if needed.
- Whisk Sugar and Egg Yolks: In the mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and thick, which helps create a smooth custard base.
- Add Lemon Juice: Gradually pour in the fresh lemon juice while continuously whisking to combine the ingredients evenly and prevent curdling.
- Cook the Mixture: Transfer the lemon mixture to a saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula to avoid lumps or burning, cooking for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the softened unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until the spread turns smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Store: Let the lemon spread cool completely before transferring it into jars for storage. Keep refrigerated and consume within a week for best flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Constant stirring during cooking is essential to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- For smoother texture, you can strain the mixture after cooking before adding butter.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within one week.
- This lemon spread can be used as a filling for tarts, a topping for pancakes, or simply enjoyed on toast.
