From sophisticated breakfast ideas to delicious dessert recipes, check out these easy and creative uses for lemon curd.
Scroll down for our favorite ways to use lemon curd or PIN IT for later!
A few weeks ago we shared our recipe for easy Homemade Lemon Curd.
Lemon Curd is a common ingredient in many desserts, and while you can certainly fork over $9 for a jar of store bought lemon curd, it’s a pantry staple that is easy to make at home using common ingredients.
Not only is Lemon Curd an ingredient in several of our favorite spring and summer desserts, we love keeping it on hand to add a pop of flavor and velvety texture to many of our favorite baked goods and breakfast recipes.
In fact, if you are hosting any type of summer gathering, from a Pink and Gold Baby Shower to a Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, lemon curd is a lovely and often unexpected condiment that is great to add to a brunch buffet, themed charcuterie board or oatmeal bar.
Since store bought lemon curd is so pricey and because it is such a versatile condiment – it is rich and creamy, tangy, yet sweet; and pairs with everything from fresh berries to cheesecake – it would be a shame to let any bit of it go to waste.
If you find yourself with a half of a jar lingering in the back of your fridge, consider one of these many tasty ways to use up lemon curd, beyond that basic slice of toast.
Because once homemade lemon curd becomes a staple in your kitchen… you’ll never look at that jar the same again.
What Is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a silky, custard-like fruit spread made from lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, salt, eggs and butter. It’s richer and more velvety than jam and has that signature bright citrus flavor that makes it incredibly irresistible and quite versatile.
How to Store Lemon Curd:
- Store lemon curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
- Or, freeze lemon curd in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Cooking and Baking with Lemon Curd:
- Add to desserts and baked goods after baking when possible.
- Don’t overheat as it can curdle or separate.
- Pair with neutral flavors and/or berries to let the bright lemon flavor shine.
- Don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.
What is lemon curd used for?
There are so many ways to use lemon curd to add an extra layer of flavor to your everyday dishes and favorite dessert recipes. Below we go into great detail and share many recommended recipes and ideas. At a glance, lemon curd can be used the following ways:
- Stir it into a favorite dish or recipe like buttercream frosting or overnight oats.
- Use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or cakes.
- Use it as a topping for fresh fruit, vanilla pudding or Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream.
- Use it as an ingredient in a favorite recipe like fruit pizza or lemon bars.
25+ Uses for Lemon Curd
Uses for Lemon Curd in Breakfast Recipes:
1. Spread on sourdough toast, English Muffins, blueberry bagels or croissants
Lemon curd easily elevates homemade or store bought bread and English muffins to something a little more sophisticated.
2. Serve lemon curd with warm Biscuits or Scones
Lemon Curd will definitely elevate traditional biscuits more than jam and butter alone. However, lemon curd paired with our Homemade Blueberry Biscuits is undeniably a perfect combination.
3. Serve with Blueberry Muffins or Banana Bread
In addition to biscuits and croissants, lemon curd is a delightful addition to muffins and banana bread. Specifically we recommend smearing some on our Blueberry Coconut Banana Bread or these Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Muffins.
4. Serve with Pancakes and Waffles
Skip traditional maple syrup for your next batch of Whole Wheat Sourdough Pancakes or Belgian Style Waffles and add a spoonful of lemon curd and fresh berries.
5. Make Lemon Curd Pancakes
Our homemade lemon curd is a key ingredient in these fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.
6. Yogurt Parfaits
Swirl curd into plain or vanilla Greek yogurt and top with fresh fruit and this Big Cluster Maple Walnut Granola for an instantly simple, yet elevated breakfast.
7. Oatmeal Bowls
A spoonful of curd stirred into a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Oatmeal or this Lemon Ricotta Oatmeal, adds brightness and makes a basic oatmeal bowl feel like a breakfast treat.
8. Crepe Filling
Spread lemon curd inside our easy crepe recipe and top with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries for the ultimate French inspired breakfast at home.
9. Donut Filling
Lemon curd is an excellent donut filling. Use curd in place of the jam used in these Polish Donuts or instead of the Nutella in these stuffed donut holes.
Uses for Lemon Curd in Desserts:
10. Cake Filling
Layer it between a vanilla, strawberry, blueberry or lemon cake for a burst of flavor.
11. Cupcake Filling
Spoon lemon curd into the center of our Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes or Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes for a tart surprise filling.
To do this, simply prepare cupcakes according to recipe directions and cool completely. Fill a piping bag with a large round piping tip and lemon curd. Insert piping tip into the center of the cupcake. Gently squeeze about 1-2 teaspoons of curd into the cupcake. Set aside and repeat with remaining cupcakes and frost as desired.
12. Cheesecake Topping
Spread or drizzle curd on top of cheesecake for a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy richness of the cheesecake.
13. Ice Cream Topping
Warm lemon curd in a microwave safe bowl for about 15 seconds and then drizzle over No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or Roasted Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sundaes.
14. Make the Best Homemade Lemon Bars
These Homemade Lemon Bars have been a go to party dessert for years.
15. Tart Filling
Replace the lime juice and zest called for in these No Bake Raspberry Mousse Tarts with ¼ cup lemon curd for a refreshing spring dessert.
16. Lemon Curd Dip
For a quick and easy dessert dip, beat together 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with ½ cup lemon curd. Serve with fresh fruit, vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
17. Strawberry Shortcake Topping
Serve our Vanilla Bean Pound Cake or store bought angel food cake with homemade whipped cream, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of lemon curd for an easy, yet elegant twist on a classic summer dessert.
A drizzle of lemon curd would also be a fabulous addition to this recipe for Grilled Pound Cake with Blueberries and Lemon Honey Whipped Cream.
18. Lemon Whipped Cream/Lemon Mousse Shortcut
Using a wire whisk or electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment, beat 1 cup chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in ¼ cup chilled lemon curd. Add an additional 2-3 tablespoons of lemon curd if needed to reach desired flavor.
19. Trifle Layers
In a trifle bowl or parfait cup, layer store bought or homemade pound cake, angel food cake or lemon cake (shortbread cookies also work well), with whipped cream and/or vanilla pudding, lemon curd and fresh fruit for a show-stopping dessert.
20. Filling for Sandwich Cookies
Lemon curd is perfect for adding a bright lemony filling to delicate French macarons or these Almond Sandwich Cookies.
21. Thumbprint Cookies
Replace the jam in our Lemon Berry Thumbprint Cookies with lemon curd for an even stronger citrus flavor.
22. Make Lemon Berry Fruit Pizza
This Lemon Berry Fruit Pizza is our absolute favorite summer dessert – perfect for Memorial Day picnics or Fourth of July BBQs.
23. Napoleon Pastry Filling
Replace the lime curd called for in this Blackberry Lime Napoleon Recipe with lemon curd for a fancy, yet simple spring dessert.
24. Lemon Milkshake
For a cold and refreshing summertime treat, combine 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 2-4 tablespoons lemon curd and ¼-⅓ cup whole milk in a high power blender. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
25. Make Easy Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Use this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting as a base recipe, however, replace the raspberry jam with lemon curd for a tart and tangy twist.
If you like all these lemon dessert ideas, then you will love these other recipes:
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