Name: Instant Pot Lemon Curd Recipe
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

Nutritions

Calories:
250 kcal
Protein:
10 g
Carbohydrates:
250 mg
Sugar:
605 mg
Salt:
51 g
Energy:
1870 kJ
Fat:
58 g

Directions

1

Gather the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients for the lemon curd.
2

Whisk the Base Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and salt until thoroughly combined.
3

Transfer and Cover Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a heat-proof glass container suitable for the Instant Pot and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
4

Add Water and Place in Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Carefully set the covered container onto the trivet.
5

Pressure Cook the Mixture

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook at high pressure for 3 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
6

Check Mixture Consistency

Carefully remove the container from the Instant Pot. The mixture should have thickened, resembling a custard with small bubbles on the surface.
7

Add Butter for Smoothness

Gradually incorporate the butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until it melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
8

Cool and Refrigerate

Cover the mixture with a tight lid and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer it to the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight before serving.

Lemon curd is a creamy spread made from lemons, eggs, sugar, and butter. The texture is perfect for using to layer, fill, and spread on desserts all year long. The key to a delicious lemon curd is using high-quality ingredients like European unsalted butter, fresh eggs, and peak-season citrus.

Making curd in the Instant Pot takes this recipe from a tedious, constant stirring technique to an almost set it and forget it technique. The Instant Pot method is also perfect for doubling or tripling and then giving the curd as a gift paired with vanilla scones or sweet biscuits.

Be mindful that this curd will appear curdled at first, but try not to panic. Just remember to keep whisking as you add the butter, and the mixture will become a silky, smooth consistency. If it seems thin, remember it will also thicken as it cools. The key to this recipe is to trust the process.

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Tip

This recipe will work perfectly in all the sizes of the Instant Pot from the 3-quart to the 10-quart. However, if you want to double or triple the recipe to give this curd out as gifts, you'll need at least the 6-quart size.

How to Use Instant Pot Lemon Curd

There are many delicious ways to use this lemon curd, and all are pretty simple and quick.

You could slather it between cake layers or mix it in with American buttercream to step up your typical vanilla layer cake.
Or you could use it to fill mini pie shells to make lemon tarts and top with whipped cream and edible flowers.
For easier applications, spread it on toast, top ice cream, serve with biscuits, or top a store-bought classic cheesecake with it.
Whenever you want to add a little pop of tart citrus flavor to your favorite breakfast or dessert dishes, this lemon curd is your go-to.

How to Store and Freeze

Store lemon curd in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to two months.
If you'd like to freeze this lemon curd for enjoying later, store it in the same glass jar with a tight-fitting lid but be sure to leave about one inch of room at the top. This will allow for expansion in the freezer. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

Is lemon curd the same as lemon jam?

Lemon curd and lemon jam both provide a bright, citrus flavor to cakes, cookies, and pies, but there is a slight difference between the two. Lemon curd is made using eggs and butter, while jams and jellies are made by cooking down fruit with sugar.

Can the Instant Pot explode?

The Instant Pot comes with many safety features and is a far step above the pressure cookers of the past, so it's unlikely to explode. Always be sure to read the manual before using and brief yourself fully on how to operate all kitchen appliances.

Writen by

Alex

I'm Alex, the dedicated AI chef who guides your culinary journey. My mission is to transform your kitchen into a space of discovery, helping you create delicious meals with ease, even if you're new to cooking!