Posted by Effortless Instant Pot Lemon Curd Recipe for Perfect Results
If you’ve ever hesitated to make lemon curd because stovetop recipes seem too complicated, this Instant Pot Lemon Curd will change your mind. This foolproof method requires minimal hands-on effort and delivers a creamy, tangy, and velvety lemon curd that tastes fresh and homemade. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, layering it in desserts, or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe will become your go-to!
Why Choose an Instant Pot for Lemon Curd?
The Instant Pot provides a controlled cooking environment that eliminates the guesswork typically involved in making lemon curd. Traditional stovetop recipes require constant stirring and careful monitoring to prevent curdling. With an Instant Pot, you achieve perfectly smooth and creamy lemon curd with much less effort.
The Secret to Perfect Lemon Curd
The key to making the best lemon curd lies in balancing the ingredients and using fresh, high-quality components. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, making it both accessible and delicious.
Ingredients for Homemade Lemon Curd
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious lemon curd:
- Salted Butter (1/4 cup or 57 g): Melted butter provides a rich, creamy base for the curd. You can use unsalted butter if preferred and add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup or 106 g): Sweetens the curd while balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Large Egg (1): The whole egg helps create the silky texture that makes lemon curd so luxurious.
- Large Egg Yolk (1): Adding an extra yolk enhances the curd’s richness and depth.
- Fresh Lemon Zest (1–2 teaspoons): Zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Adjust the amount based on how zesty you prefer your curd.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1/2 cup): Squeeze juice from 3–4 lemons for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t have the same brightness and freshness.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Lemon Curd in an Instant Pot
1. Blend the Ingredients
Begin by combining all the ingredients in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This ensures the curd is uniform and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl or liquid measuring cup. Cover the bowl tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during cooking.
2. Set Up the Instant Pot
Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and add 1 ½ cups of water to the pot. The trivet will keep the bowl elevated, ensuring even cooking without direct contact with the water.
3. Cook the Lemon Curd
Carefully place the covered bowl on the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook setting and adjust to high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Natural Release for Best Texture
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This step is essential for the curd to set properly. After 10 minutes, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
5. Whisk for Creamy Perfection
Carefully remove the bowl from the Instant Pot and uncover it. At this stage, the curd will look slightly jiggly, similar to custard or gelatin. Use a whisk to stir it until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it looks curdled initially—vigorous whisking will bring it together.
6. Optional: Strain the Curd
For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of zest. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a silky texture.
7. Cool and Refrigerate
Transfer the curd to a clean container and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The curd will thicken as it cools, developing a spreadable consistency.
Tips for Customizing Your Lemon Curd
- Double the Batch: This recipe doubles beautifully. Increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes to ensure the larger quantity sets properly.
- Thicker Lemon Curd: If you prefer a thicker curd, reduce the lemon juice to 1/3 cup or add an extra egg yolk.
- Experiment with Citrus: Swap some of the lemon juice with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Quick and Simple Lemon Curd Recipe
Duration:
Prep time: 15 MINUTES
Cook time: 10 MINUTES
Additional time: 20 MINUTES
Total time: 45 MINUTES
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (57 g) salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (106 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3–4 lemons)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and cover tightly with foil.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot with 1 ½ cups water. Set the bowl on the trivet.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the bowl and whisk the curd until smooth. Optional: strain for a finer texture.
- Cool and refrigerate. Enjoy spread on toast, as a dessert filling, or by the spoonful!
This Instant Pot Lemon Curd recipe is a game-changer for citrus lovers. Its vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and simplicity make it an essential addition to your repertoire. Perfect for desserts, breakfast, or gifts—this curd is a citrusy delight you’ll make again and again!
