Recipe: Lemon Curd with Strawberry Chunks

Recipe: Lemon Curd with Strawberry Chunks

Lemon curd with strawberry chunks is a delightful, refreshing dessert that combines the tangy richness of lemon curd with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. This dessert is incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it as a standalone treat, a topping for cakes and pastries, or even as a spread for toast. The creamy texture of the lemon curd pairs beautifully with the fresh, juicy strawberry chunks, making this an irresistible dessert.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this delicious lemon curd, with a fresh strawberry twist. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Lemon Curd:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• A pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Addition:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and chopped into small chunks)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if strawberries are tart)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Curd

1. Whisk the Ingredients
   In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and egg yolks. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

2. Cook the Lemon Curd
   Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it over low to medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. It is important to stir continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

3. Thicken the Curd
   As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. This process can take around 10 minutes. When the curd has thickened enough to coat the back of the spoon, remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Add the Butter
   Once removed from the heat, immediately whisk in the butter, a little at a time, until it melts completely into the curd. This will make the curd smooth and rich.

5. Strain the Curd
   For a smoother texture, strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any bits of cooked egg and the lemon zest. Allow the curd to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Chunks

1. Chop the Strawberries
   While the curd is cooling, prepare the strawberries by washing them thoroughly, hulling them, and cutting them into small chunks.

2. Sweeten the Strawberries (Optional)
   If the strawberries are tart, you can sprinkle them with a tablespoon of sugar and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This will help draw out some of their juices and enhance the sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Lemon Curd and Strawberries

1. Mix the Strawberry Chunks into the Curd
   Once the lemon curd has cooled and thickened, gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to break up the strawberry pieces too much as you stir.

2. Chill the Curd
   After combining, refrigerate the lemon curd with strawberries for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the curd firm up further.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Lemon Curd
   Once chilled, spoon the lemon curd with strawberry chunks into individual bowls or use it as a topping for cakes, scones, or pastries.

2. Garnish (Optional)
   For a decorative touch, you can garnish the curd with fresh mint leaves, additional strawberry slices, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Tips and Variations

1. Make it Thicker
   If you prefer a thicker lemon curd, cook it for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overheat it, as the curd may curdle. You can also adjust the amount of butter to your liking for added creaminess.

2. Use Other Berries
   While strawberries are a classic choice, you can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to cut the berries into small pieces to match the texture of the curd.

3. Make it Lighter
   If you want a lighter version of this curd, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or reduce the amount of sugar used.

4. Use as a Filling
   This lemon curd with strawberry chunks works wonderfully as a filling for cakes, tarts, or even layered in parfaits. It’s also an excellent topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Health Benefits

1. Lemons
   Lemons are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which support immune health, improve skin health, and protect the body from inflammation.

2. Strawberries
   Strawberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

3. Butter
   While butter adds richness, it also provides essential fatty acids that are beneficial for skin health and brain function when used in moderation.

Storage

Store any leftover lemon curd with strawberry chunks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the curd for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon curd with strawberry chunks is a vibrant and flavorful dessert that combines the tangy richness of lemon with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This creamy, refreshing treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it as a simple dessert or use it as a topping for other dishes. Easy to make and full of delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of citrus and berry goodness in every spoonful!