Last Updated on February 8, 2023
The question of today is: can you freeze lemon curd? Yes, you can freeze lemon curd to prolong its shelf life. It can last up to a year as long as stored properly in an airtight container. So, it is best to put your lemon curd in the freezer when you cannot use it all at once. Likewise, lemon curd is still okay if it does not undergo any texture changes when defrosted.
Lemon curd has a tangy and sweet flavor. Because it is a useful filling, it tastes delicious on almost everything. That is why it is a common creamy spread used in various baked goods like plain waffles, muffins, cupcakes, and cakes.
Can You Freeze Lemon Curd and What Happens?
Freezing lemon curd will not affect its texture and flavor. By the time you thaw it, it will regain its appetizing appearance as it was when it was made the first time. If not stored properly in the freezer, expect it to taste differently because of the freezer burn when exposed to the air. Also, it absorbs odors from other products in the freezer, so make sure to seal it properly.
How Long Would it Take For Lemon Curd to Last Frozen?
Homemade lemon curd has a shorter shelf life than store-bought lemon curd, which could last up to six months. It could only last up to two weeks as its maximum. However, its shelf life can greatly prolong when it is securely stored in a freezer. If the homemade lemon curd is well-packaged and kept in the freezer at the right temperature, it could take numerous months up to a year before it could spoil.
Likewise, it is best to store homemade lemon curd in smaller portions than in bigger ones because the larger the portions are, the longer it will take to thaw it. Because of this, it should be consumed immediately after being defrosted since what would be the whole reason for freezing the lemon curd if it takes too long to enjoy it? For that reason, smaller portions of homemade lemon curd are the best approach to freezing it.
Read this Amazing Lemon Zucchini Bread Recipe
How to Make Lemon Curd at Home
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 5/8 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 stick of unsalted butter, cubes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Strainer
- Plastic wrap
Pyrex Prepware 3-Piece Measuring Cup Set
Step by Step: Instructions to Make Lemon Curd
Step 1
Grab a bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water on medium heat. Next, make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water surface. As it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low to keep the water simmering.
Step 2
Place the egg yolks and sugar, then whisk together until it incorporates. Continuously whisk the egg and sugar to prevent it from curdling.
Step 3
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Then whisk continuously for 5 minutes.
Step 4
Add the butter and whisk it into the curd till it melts. Continue whisking until the curd is thick enough to hold whisk marks and bubbles appear on the surface.
Step 5
Remove the curd from the heat, grab your strainer, and strain it onto a jar or container of choice. Set aside to cool.
Step 6
Cover your curd with plastic wrap, that it’s touching the curd’s top closely, to prevent the formation of skinning on top of the curd. Chill and store for at least 2 weeks.
Tips on How to Make Lemon Curd
It is highly recommended to use fresh lemon juice, and avoid using store-bought lemon juice. To make the lemon curd thicker:
- Substitute the two egg yolks with a whole egg without altering the steps and ingredients.
- If you’re using salted butter, eliminate the salt from the recipe.
- Maintain the heat low, and don’t forget to keep on whisking.
- Strain the curd before chilling for a silky-smooth finish.
Can You Freeze Lemon Curd
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Strainer
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 5/8 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 stick of unsalted butter cubes
Instructions
Lemon Curd
- Grab a bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water on medium heat. Next, make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water surface. As it begins to boil, reduce heat to low to keep the water simmering.
- Place the egg yolks and sugar, then whisk together until it incorporates. Continuously whisk the egg and sugar to prevent it from curdling.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Then whisk continuously for 5 minutes.
- Add the butter and whisk it to the curd till it melts. Continue whisking until the curd is thick enough to hold whisk marks and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Remove the curd from the heat, grab your strainer, and strain it onto a jar or container of choice. Set aside to cool.
- Cover your curd with plastic wrap, that it’s touching the curd’s top closely, to prevent the formation of skinning on top of the curd. Chill and store for at least 2 weeks.
How to Freeze Homemade Lemon Curd
- After you have made it, let the lemon curd cool down.
- Use an airtight container and put it in the freezer.
- Afterward, tightly seal the lid of the container.
- To ensure that no air will get inside the lemon curd container, use a cling wrap and cover it around the lid.
- Finally, put a date on the airtight container.
Notes
Substitute the two egg yolks with a whole egg without altering the steps and ingredients.
If you’re using salted butter, eliminate the salt from the recipe.
Maintain the heat low, and don’t forget to keep on whisking.
Strain the curd before chilling for a silky-smooth finish.
The defrosted lemon curd will taste better if you freeze it when it is still freshly made. So, here are simple steps in freezing lemon curd properly.
Step 1
After you have made it, let the lemon curd cool down.
Step 2
Use an airtight container and put it in the freezer.
Step 3
Afterward, tightly seal the lid of the container.
Step 4
To ensure that no air will get inside the lemon curd container, use a cling wrap and cover it around the lid.
Step 5
Finally, put a date on the airtight container.
Servings and Preparation Time
Can I Freeze Lemon Curd in Glass Jars?
The answer to this is: sometimes. It’s important that if you’re using glass jars you fill them around an inch from the top. If they’re too full, the glass may break. As well as this, you should opt for glass jars that are safe to place in the freezer; they will usually say so on the packaging. As long as you’re using freezer-safe glass and not overfilling, you can safely freeze lemon curd in glass jars.
Can You Freeze Lemon Curd Tarts?
Of course! Just like you can safely freeze lemon curd, you can also safely freeze lemon curd tarts. However, before you freeze them, it’s best to allow the tarts to freeze and set. After this point, freeze them as they are until they become firm. Then remove from the freezer, cover in plastic wrap and foil, and place in an airtight container. Place them back into the freezer and your tarts will last around 3 months. You must thaw your lemon curd tarts before eating.
Can You Make Lemon Curd Ice Cubes?
Yes! Making lemon curd ice cubes is my preferred way of freezing lemon curd. This is because it makes it super easy to use in small amounts, and defrosts very quickly. All you need to do to make them is:
- Make your lemon curd by following the recipe above and then leave it to cool entirely before moving on to the next step.
- Using an ice cube tray, add your lemon curd to the cavities in even-sized portions.
- Wrap your ice cube tray in plastic wrap and leave it to freeze for at least a few hours; overnight is ideal.
- Once completely frozen, you can leave it in your ice cube tray as needed, or place it into a plastic freezer bag for extra protection.
- Use within a year for best results. Serve and enjoy!
What Can You Use Lemon Curd For?
Lemon curd can be used in a variety of recipes, in a range of ways. Whether it’s used as a filling, a topping, or simply enjoyed on its own – lemon curd is extremely versatile. Some of my favorite uses of lemon curd are:
- lemon parfait with a lemon curd base
- strawberry shortcake
- lemon meringue pie
- lemon curd tart
- berry pies with lemon curd topping
- almond lemon curd cake
- sponge cake with lemon curd filling
- lemon curd-filled cupcakes
- lemon curd microwave mug cake
- pavlova with lemon curd
What Flavors Work Best With Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a food that pairs well with many flavors, but some of my favorites include:
- other lemony baked goods
- fresh fruit and berries
- cheesecake
- almond
- coconut
- vanilla
- white chocolate
Can You Freeze Lime Curd?
Absolutely. Just like lemon curd, lime curd can also be frozen. It should be frozen in the same method. Wrapped in cling film, and then kept in an airtight container, before being placed in the freezer. It should be usable for around a year. If you’d prefer, you can make your lime curd into ice cubes by using the ice cube method above.
How to Make Lime Curd
If you’re looking for an easy way to make freeze-able lime curd, then look no further. For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tablespoon of lime zest
- 3/4 cup of lime juice (fresh works best)
Now all you need to do is:
- Heat around one inch of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a smaller bowl on top of the saucepan (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the pan) and add the following ingredients: sugar, butter, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Keep mixing until the butter has completely melted and then reduce the mixture to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add a few tablespoons of the mixture from your bowl of hot ingredients. Mix well.
- Gradually pour your eggs into the hot ingredients and leave to simmer in the hot saucepan for around 20-25 minutes. After this point, it should have thickened considerably.
- Remove from heat and leave to cool. Pour into a freezer-safe glass jar and seal tightly.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: can you freeze lemon curd? And gives you an idea of not only how to make lemon curd, but also how to freeze it effectively too. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to making long-lasting lemon curd? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
Can You Freeze Lemon Curd
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Strainer
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 5/8 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon zest
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 stick of unsalted butter cubes
Instructions
Lemon Curd
- Grab a bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water on medium heat. Next, make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water surface. As it begins to boil, reduce heat to low to keep the water simmering.
- Place the egg yolks and sugar, then whisk together until it incorporates. Continuously whisk the egg and sugar to prevent it from curdling.
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Then whisk continuously for 5 minutes.
- Add the butter and whisk it to the curd till it melts. Continue whisking until the curd is thick enough to hold whisk marks and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Remove the curd from the heat, grab your strainer, and strain it onto a jar or container of choice. Set aside to cool.
- Cover your curd with plastic wrap, that it’s touching the curd’s top closely, to prevent the formation of skinning on top of the curd. Chill and store for at least 2 weeks.
How to Freeze Homemade Lemon Curd
- After you have made it, let the lemon curd cool down.
- Use an airtight container and put it in the freezer.
- Afterward, tightly seal the lid of the container.
- To ensure that no air will get inside the lemon curd container, use a cling wrap and cover it around the lid.
- Finally, put a date on the airtight container.
Notes
Substitute the two egg yolks with a whole egg without altering the steps and ingredients.
If you're using salted butter, eliminate the salt from the recipe.
Maintain the heat low, and don’t forget to keep on whisking.
Strain the curd before chilling for a silky-smooth finish.
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
