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You are here: Home / Recipes / Easy microwave lemon curd with gin

Easy microwave lemon curd with gin

Published on April 14, 2017 by Helen Best-Shaw 50 Comments
Last Updated on August 17, 2020

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A jar of yellow lemon curd with a pop top lid

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.

Homemade microwave lemon curd with gin is so easy to make, and fresh and zesty

Microwave Lemon Curd

Hot buttered toast shining with zesty yellow lemon curd is a real treat, especially at tea time. 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. It’s so much better than an over-sweet, over-set commercial version.

Lemon curd became popular during the Victorian age. Perhaps this was something to do with plentiful supplies of sugar and the country house orangery where citrus fruit could at last be grown locally. Unlike jam, curd doesn’t keep indefinitely, so you do need to make it in smaller quantities and keep it in the fridge. It can be frozen, of course. It’s so easy to make with a microwave, however, that it’s probably easier to just whip up a small batch whenever you want homemade lemon curd.

If you don’t want the gin then just leave it out. Add a little more lemon juice instead, or maybe for an extra lemony treat, try a little limoncello in its place!

Homemade microwave lemon curd with gin is so easy to make, and fresh and zesty

Fruit curds are one of those things that can sound intimidating, but they are easy to make. Using the microwave makes the process far easier. No bain-marie, no need to watch and stir constantly, and this recipe uses whole eggs so there is no messing about separating them. Simply bung the ingredients into a bowl and zap it for a few minutes. Then take it out, stir, and if needed zap it again. If the cooled curd does not set to your satisfaction, pop it back for another go.
Tart lemons and a juicer ready to make micowave lemon curd

As with a traditional egg custard, the curd thickens slowly during cooking and will only achieve its final consistency when cool. You can test during the cooking process by checking how it coats the back of a spoon or spatula. Clear a stripe down the back of the spoon with your finger. If the curd is ready, the strip 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 you can freeze it.

When the lemon curd coats the back of a spoon or spatula it is ready for the jar

Reader Endorsement 

I featured this recipe in a newsletter in August 2020 and had this lovely email a few days later!

“I’ve just made your lemon curd with gin which has turned out brilliantly! I would never have thought of adding gin but it mellows the lemon so nicely and it’s really delicious!” – Hazel B

Tried this recipe?If you try this recipe please tag #FussFreeFlavours on Instagram or Twitter. It is amazing for me when for me when you make one of my recipes and I really do love to see them. You can also share it on my Facebook page. Please pin this recipe to Pinterest too! Thanks for reading Fuss Free Flavours!
Homemade lemon curd is fresh, zesty and easier to make than you might think, especially if using a microwave. This grown up recipe adds a twist with a dash of gin for an extra layer of flavour.
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4.86 from 14 votes

Microwave Lemon Curd with Gin

Homemade lemon curd is fresh, zesty and easier to make than you might think, especially if using a microwave. This grown-up recipe adds a twist with a dash of gin for an extra layer of flavour.
Servings: 25 heaped spoons (about 2 cups)
Author: Helen Best-Shaw
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
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Ingredients

  • 115 g unsalted butter
  • zest of 3 lemons (finely grated)
  • 240 ml lemon juice
  • 260 g caster sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tbs gin
Metric - USA Cups

Instructions

  • Zest the lemons before you cut them in half to juice them.
  • Place all the ingredients, apart from the gin, into a microwave safe bowl and cook on full power for 6 minutes.  
  • Cooking timings will vary - see the notes below.
  • Whisk thoroughly after every minute of cooking time until the curd has thickened - and will thickly coat the back of a spoon. 
  • Stir in the gin and cook for a further minute or two until thick. 
  • Strain through a sieve into small sterilized jars. Seal.

Notes

  • 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.
Nutritional Information
  • This recipe is 4 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.
Nutrition Facts
Microwave Lemon Curd with Gin
Amount Per Serving
Calories 85 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 29mg10%
Sodium 8mg0%
Potassium 17mg0%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Sugar 10g11%
Vitamin A 145IU3%
Vitamin C 3.7mg4%
Calcium 5mg1%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Jams and Preserves
Cuisine: Traditional British
Keyword: curd, microwave lemon curd
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Homemade lemon curd is fresh, zesty and easier to make than you might think, especially if using a microwave. This grown up recipe adds a twist with a dash of gin for an extra layer of flavour.

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.

Filled Lemon Fork biscuits

 

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.

 

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Filed Under: British, Easy Jam, Jelly & Preserve Recipes, Fruit, Recipes, Recipes by Cuisine Ingredients: Dairy, Eggs, Gin, Lemon, Sugar

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Claire

    5 stars
    Helen this sounds amazing. A cheeky little gin zing for breakfast? Yes Please! May have to buy a microwave xx

    Reply
    • Helen

      it is ideal for a cheeky breakfast – of course you can make it on the stove top too!

      Reply
  2. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Helen

      It makes a great gift too.

      Reply
  3. Helen

    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!

    Reply
    • Helen

      It is so easy to make, and as it freezes so well why buy shop made?

      Reply
  4. five little doves

    I’m not a fan of lemon curd but I am a fan of gin!! I might have to give this a try!

    Reply
    • Helen

      The gin gives a nice edge to the lemony taste, may be worth trying out.

      Reply
  5. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

    5 stars
    That lemon curd gin would be perfect for those yummy lemon fork biscuits of yours

    Reply
    • Helen

      A delicious combination.

      Reply
  6. Shashi at Savory Spin

    Helen, now this is lemon curd I could get down with! Loving the gin in there!

    Reply
    • Helen

      The gin is strictly optional, but does make it special!

      Reply
  7. Corina

    I never realised lemon curd could be this easy to make! Definitely something to put on my list of things to make now.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So very very easy to make.

      Reply
  8. Brandi Crawford

    5 stars
    These photos are awesome and I love the addition of gin. Looks incredible!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Thank you Brandi, the gin is an added option, but worth trying for the extra flavour.

      Reply
  9. Talya

    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!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Using the microwave was a really quick and easy method.

      Reply
  10. Suzy McCullough

    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.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Must be a big lemon fan if he eats it as a fruit. I’m more than sure he will enjoy this lemon curd.

      Reply
  11. Ana De- Jesus

    Ooh yes! Lemon curd gin sounds delicious and a great alternative to cheese or peanut butter! Yum x

    Reply
    • Helen

      Certainly a good choice if you would like something sweet and lemony, the gin adds an optional extra taste.

      Reply
  12. Fi Ni Neachtain

    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.

    Reply
    • Helen

      You could leave the gin out if you prefer, but nice to give it a try.

      Reply
  13. Sophie's Nursery

    Omg it has gin in it! Amazing – so going to make this :D xx

    Reply
    • Helen

      The adults choice of lemon curd, does make for a nice alternative.

      Reply
  14. Joanna

    5 stars
    Yum I’ve not had lemon curd in awhile I love u have made a cheeky twist on it.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Homemade curd is such a treat!

      Reply
  15. Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...

    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 :)

    Reply
    • Helen

      This is a really easy version and would be worth giving a go yourself if you find the time.

      Reply
  16. Natalia

    so yummy! specially for this season. I think lemon gives a really fresh feeling to desserts xx

    Reply
    • Helen

      Lemon is a wonderful flavour for desserts.

      Reply
  17. Kerry norris

    You had me sold at gin. Also the word microwave. I do love an easy to make recipe x

    Reply
    • Helen

      The recipe is so easy and quick, which I find is often a bonus.

      Reply
  18. Fernando

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • Helen

      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.

      Reply
      • Fernando

        How long does it take on a stove? Thanks again!

        Reply
        • Helen

          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.

          Reply
  19. Zena's Suitcase

    You had me at lemon curd, let alone when you popped some gin in it. This sounds like a sweet treat I could make

    Reply
    • Helen

      The optional gin does give that added extra flavour, making for a delicious adult treat.

      Reply
  20. Alison

    5 stars
    Hi, can the lemon curd be frozen?

    Reply
    • Helen

      I am not sure – I think that it would really change the texture.

      Reply
  21. Bev

    4 stars
    Made this today – took a lot longer than expected to coat the back of a spoon. I hope it sets! Tastes amazing though!

    Reply
    • Helen

      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.

      Reply
  22. Mary

    5 stars
    I love lemon curd, but would never have thought of making it. Always thought it too complicated. You’ve proved me wrong, Helen. May have to give it a go after all.

    Reply
  23. Barbara

    5 stars
    Love the idea of gin flavour in lemon curd. Served on fresh scones, with cream and a cup of good English tea. Sounds like heaven.

    Reply
  24. beverley

    5 stars
    Gin in lemon curd, now that sounds amazing. would it be bad to eat it from the jar with a spoon?

    Reply
  25. Jasmine T

    5 stars
    Making lemon curd in the microwave is a great idea, and sounds so easy. Love the addition of gin for the adult version.

    Reply
  26. Steven

    4 stars
    My only attempt at making lemon curd ended with something rather awful. Maybe using your method would be a safer option.

    Reply
  27. Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy.com

    5 stars
    That microwave lemon curd with gin looks absolutely fantastic. Beautiful photos, too. I look forward to trying this.

    Reply

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