Microwave lemon curd- small batch recipe that uses just 1 egg.
I've confessed this to you before, but I'll say it again: I'll take a lemon dessert over a chocolate dessert any day. I know it's weird; I know something is probably wrong with me. But, it's just the way I am.
The fun thing about loving lemon so much and being a recipe developer/ cookbook author/ baker is that when I make a chocolate dessert for two to share with you, it's gonna be GOOD. Mind-blowing, even. I promise.
My small-batch brownies for two are killer, my chocolate gooey butter cookies will make you weak in the knees, and my mini chocolate cake for two will be on semi-weekly rotation at your house after just one bite.
What I'm trying to say is, when I make something with chocolate, it's freaking fantastic, because honestly, I'd rather be eating this microwave lemon curd. If a chocolate dessert can tempt me away from the lemon curd, it's a winner.
This lemon curd is everything I've been searching for in a lemon curd for years. It's silky, sweet and tangy all at once. And best of all, it only takes 5 minutes to make!
I'm very picky about lemon curd, because most of it is overly egg-y tasting, do you know what I mean by that? Any kind of canned/ packaged/ pre-made lemon curd always tastes like eggs to me. If I wanted lemony scrambled eggs, I'd make that. But I don't, and you probably don't either.
We want a smooth, creamy luscious sauce that is sweet with a lemon pucker at the end. It should be bright and tangy yet silky and creamy.
So, if you want really good lemon curd, you have to make it yourself. You know this. But, most lemon curd recipes make a few cups, which is fine if you're feeding a crowd, but what if you're just feeding a Tuesday night craving?
Enter my microwave lemon curd that's made in just 5 minutes with just 1 egg. It uses the entire egg, so no leftovers!
The key to an amazing lemon curd is fresh lemon zest. Lots of lemon zest!
Here's the exact the microplane grater that I used in the video, because freshly grated lemon zest is the key to great lemon curd. I don't think that any store-bought/ canned/ packaged lemon curd has fresh lemon zest in it (which is exactly what's wrong with all of those products).
Grate the zest of your lemon, juice it, add an egg and some sugar, and then microwave it. It's almost like a miracle. A miracle in the microwave.
I have a newer model microwave that took 2 ½ minutes on HIGH to make this lemon curd, but I also shared in the video the best way to know when your lemon curd is done--your microwave might take more or less time to set. Check the comments below from others who have made the recipe to see how long it took in their microwave!
Yes, it will thicken as it cools.
Best ways to eat microwave lemon curd:
- Spread on homemade graham crackers.
- Drizzled over my mini angel food cake in a loaf pan
- Poured over small-batch cheesecake in a loaf pan
I love this microwave lemon curd over my lemon cheesecake bars (pictured above) the most! Have you made those yet?
There's hardly a Spring dessert that isn't made better with this easy, fast microwave lemon curd. Enjoy this recipe!
Microwave Lemon Curd
Microwave lemon curd made in just 5 minutes with 1 egg.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- zest of 1 lemon (~1 teaspoon)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients very well.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Stop, stir, and then microwave another minute.
- Stir the lemon curd after 2 minutes, and then place it back in the microwave for a final 30 seconds.
- After 2 minutes and 30 seconds, begin testing the lemon curd by quickly dipping a spoon into it, and running your finger through it. If the line holds, the lemon curd is done. If the curd runs and fills the line you just made, try another 30 seconds in the microwave and test again. The curd will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Strain the curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar with a lid or small bowl (cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd if you're using this method).
- Place in the fridge, and use within 7 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 57mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
JC says
I used this method in an 800W microwave to make lime curd as I had some fresh limes. Followed the tip to combine the sugar and egg first before juice, zest, salt and melted butter. Worked beautifully! Straining it was necessary to remove bits of egg white, zest and stray seeds. I’ll never cook curd over the stove again!
Ashley says
I have a 700 watt microwave. Did you need to adjust the times at all for your 800 watt?
Rosie says
I have a Meyer lemon tree and am looking for ways to use them. I found you on Pinterest and tried your Microwave Lemon Curd recipe this evening and LOVED it! The recipe is very simple, easy and quick to make. I stirred it in 30 second intervals. I loved it, my daughter loved it, I even woke my husband up to try it! LOL, I really did wake him up and he loved it too! This recipe is a keeper. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sheila says
I get the bit about drawing a line thru with a spoon, etc, but with my finger? In a boiling sugar mixture? No, thanks.
Christina Lane says
Swipe your finger on the spoon, not directly in the boiling mixture.
Sandra Friesen says
Instead of lemon, might I use 1/3 cup of passion fruit pulp?
Sandra Friesen says
Okay, answered my own question by substituting 1/3 strained passionfruit pulp for the lemon juice. It turned out brilliant and is all ready for my lemon cake with white chocolate frosting. Let you know how that turns out.
Elizabeth Anne Weber-Falk says
This is the best. Thank you so much. I will never buy jarred from the store again. Wow.
Ashley says
I will be baking an 8x4 loaf cake. I plan on slicing it horizontally and filling it with lemon curd. Do you think this 1 cup recipe will be enough (or maybe too much)? I've never tried making my own lemon curd and want to judge before attempting. Thanks.