Homemade microwave lemon curd is fresh, zesty and so easy to make when compared to the traditional version. This grown up recipe adds a twist with a dash of gin for an extra layer of flavour.
Hot buttered toast shining with zesty yellow lemon curd is a real treat, especially at tea time, and here we’ve made things a bit more grown up with our easy microwave gin lemon curd. The juniper flavours of the gin work well with the lemon; unsurprising, as lemon is such a classic garnish for gin drinks, a similar idea to whisky marmalade. The secret to lemon curd is not to over sweeten it; we far prefer a spread with a noticeably (but not overpoweringly) acid edge rather than an over sweet, over set commercial spread.
Lemon curd became popular during the Victorian age – something to do with plentiful supplies of sugar the country house orangery where citrus fruit could be grown. Unlike jam curd doesn’t really keep that well without a fridge so you do need to make it in smaller quantities. It can be frozen, but given that it’s so easy to make with a microwave, it’s probably easier to just whip up a small batch as and when you feel the craving for homemade lemon curd.
If you don’t want the gin then just leave it out, adding a little more lemon juice, or maybe for an extra lemony treat add a little limoncello in its place!
Fruit curds are one of those things that seem a lot more difficult to make before you’ve had a go. But making them in the microwave makes the process far easier.  No bain-marie, no need to watch and stir constantly.  Simply bung the ingredients into a bowl, zap it for a few minutes, take it out, stir, and if needed zap it again. If, once cooled, it’s not set to your satisfaction, pop it back for another go.
As with making a traditional egg custard the curd thickens slowly during cooking but will only achieve its final consistency when cool (although unlike a custard this microwave lemon curd uses whole eggs rather than just the yolks). You can test during the cooking process by seeing how it coats the back of a spoon or spatula; if you clear a stripe down the back of the spoon with your finger, when the curd is ready it will stay clear and not be quickly re-covered with runny curd.
Once made, transfer the curd into clean jars that have been sterilized in a hot oven for a few minutes. If using Kilner jars with rubber seals, boil the seals in plenty of water. Let the filled jars cool, and then keep in the fridge. The curd will keep for up to a month; if it lasts that long, or freeze it.
- 115 g unsalted butter
- zest of 3 lemons (finely grated)
- 240 ml lemon juice
- 260 g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbs gin
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Zest the lemons before you cut them in half to juice them.
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Place all the ingredients, apart from the gin, into a microwave safe bowl and cook on full power for 6 minutes.
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Cooking timings will vary - see the notes below.
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Whisk thoroughly after every minute of cooking time until the curd has thickened - and will thickly coat the back of a spoon.
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Stir in the gin and cook for a further minute or two until thick.
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Strain through a sieve into small sterilized jars. Seal.
- Timings will vary, depending on the power of your microwave, type of bowl and the starting temperature of your ingredients, and how much gin you add. Keep going. Zap and stir. The lemon curd will eventually set.
- The curd will keep in the fridge for up to one month or freeze well.
- It is much easier to zest the lemons before you juice them.
- To get more juice from the lemons roll them on the worktop before squeezing, under the heel of your hand with a medium pressure.
- Freeze the lemon rinds to use in your morning hot lemon water.
As well as being delicious on toast or scones (as well as straight from the pot by the spoonful) this microwave lemon curd is also excellent used to fill a cake, mixed into yogurt, swirled into no churn lemon curd ice cream or as a filling for my lemon fork biscuits.
Claire says
Helen this sounds amazing. A cheeky little gin zing for breakfast? Yes Please! May have to buy a microwave xx
Helen says
it is ideal for a cheeky breakfast – of course you can make it on the stove top too!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
Yum! I have always wanted to try a lemon curd at home. This sounds so delicious – my lemon-loving husband will love it, and his gin-loving dad will, too.
Helen says
It makes a great gift too.
Helen says
Oo this sounds delicious – I haven’t made lemon curd in such a long time, but I love how simple it is. The addition of gin sounds like something some of my family would LOVE!
Helen says
It is so easy to make, and as it freezes so well why buy shop made?
five little doves says
I’m not a fan of lemon curd but I am a fan of gin!! I might have to give this a try!
Helen says
The gin gives a nice edge to the lemony taste, may be worth trying out.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
That lemon curd gin would be perfect for those yummy lemon fork biscuits of yours
Helen says
A delicious combination.
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Helen, now this is lemon curd I could get down with! Loving the gin in there!
Helen says
The gin is strictly optional, but does make it special!
Corina says
I never realised lemon curd could be this easy to make! Definitely something to put on my list of things to make now.
Helen says
So very very easy to make.
Brandi Crawford says
These photos are awesome and I love the addition of gin. Looks incredible!
Helen says
Thank you Brandi, the gin is an added option, but worth trying for the extra flavour.
Talya says
Wow I never would have thought you could make lemon curd of any sort in a microwave and the inclusion of gin here makes it an absolute revelation!
Helen says
Using the microwave was a really quick and easy method.
Suzy McCullough says
Oh my word! I can practically taste this right now. The colour is just stunning. We are massive fans of lemon anything in this house….my boy eats slices of them without wincing. He’d be over the moon if I made this for him thank you.
Helen says
Must be a big lemon fan if he eats it as a fruit. I’m more than sure he will enjoy this lemon curd.
Ana De- Jesus says
Ooh yes! Lemon curd gin sounds delicious and a great alternative to cheese or peanut butter! Yum x
Helen says
Certainly a good choice if you would like something sweet and lemony, the gin adds an optional extra taste.
Fi Ni Neachtain says
I absolutely love lemon curd, I’ve never tried gin though (for shame) but I’d love to give this a go. I bet it’s as delicious as it looks.
Helen says
You could leave the gin out if you prefer, but nice to give it a try.
Sophie's Nursery says
Omg it has gin in it! Amazing – so going to make this :D xx
Helen says
The adults choice of lemon curd, does make for a nice alternative.
Joanna says
Yum I’ve not had lemon curd in awhile I love u have made a cheeky twist on it.
Helen says
Homemade curd is such a treat!
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz... says
Love the look of those biscuits! I haven’t made curd before but my mother in laws likes making jams and preserves so I’ll pass the recipe to her :)
Helen says
This is a really easy version and would be worth giving a go yourself if you find the time.
Natalia says
so yummy! specially for this season. I think lemon gives a really fresh feeling to desserts xx
Helen says
Lemon is a wonderful flavour for desserts.
Kerry norris says
You had me sold at gin. Also the word microwave. I do love an easy to make recipe x
Helen says
The recipe is so easy and quick, which I find is often a bonus.
Fernando says
Hi. Greetings from Brazil. Is it possible to make it in a pan because I don’t like to prepare things on microwave. Thanks and sorry for asking that. Love your recipes.
Helen says
Yes, you can make in a pan use a very very gentle heat and stir all the time scraping the bottom and sides of the pan really carefully.
Fernando says
How long does it take on a stove? Thanks again!
Helen says
I’ve not made it on a stove for ages, but I think it should start to thicken at about 10 mins. You will need to watch it closely and stop when it starts to coat the back of a spoon.
Zena's Suitcase says
You had me at lemon curd, let alone when you popped some gin in it. This sounds like a sweet treat I could make
Helen says
The optional gin does give that added extra flavour, making for a delicious adult treat.
Alison says
Hi, can the lemon curd be frozen?
Helen says
I am not sure – I think that it would really change the texture.
Bev says
Made this today – took a lot longer than expected to coat the back of a spoon. I hope it sets! Tastes amazing though!
Helen says
Hi Bev, Sorry it took longer, there are so many variables which will make a difference. I’ve added a few more recipe notes to cover this.