Easy Orange Curd Recipe

Introduction

Easy Orange Curd is a bright, tangy spread perfect for toast, desserts, or as a filling. Made with fresh citrus juice and zest, it’s rich, creamy, and simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 3 oranges
• 1 lemon (or lime)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs + 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest all three oranges and the lemon using a zester, avoiding the white pith. Collect at least 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut 1 to 2 oranges and squeeze to yield ½ cup of fresh orange juice. Squeeze the lemon and measure 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, all the zest, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, butter, and salt.
4. Step 4: Whisk the mixture continuously as the butter melts, ensuring the ingredients blend well and no clumps remain.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat if necessary and simmer, stirring frequently for 5 to 6 minutes until the curd thickens. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom and prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier twist, substitute lemon for the orange or add a splash of lime juice.
• Use a fine mesh strainer after cooking for an extra smooth curd.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for different textures and flavors.

Storage

Store orange curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, bring to room temperature or gently warm to soften. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make orange curd without eggs?

Eggs are essential for the curd’s thick, creamy texture. Without them, the curd won’t set properly. For an egg-free alternative, consider a fruit jelly or jam recipe.

How do I know when the curd is done?

The curd is ready when it thickly coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape when stirred. It usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes of simmering after boiling to reach this consistency.

Easy Orange Curd Recipe

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4.9 from 74 reviews

This Easy Orange Curd recipe offers a luscious, tangy, and creamy citrus spread that is perfect for topping toast, dolloping on desserts, or incorporating into baked goods. Made with fresh oranges and lemon, sugar, eggs, butter, and a pinch of salt, it is a simple stovetop curd that can be whipped up quickly, boasting a smooth texture and vibrant flavor.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 ½ cups of orange curd 1x
• Category: Sauce/Spread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fruit and Zest

• 3 oranges (zested and juiced)
• 1 lemon (or lime, zested and juiced)

Sugar

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

Eggs

• 2 large eggs
• 4 egg yolks

Dairy and Seasoning

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Zesting: Use a zester to carefully zest the outer colored skin of all three oranges and the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Collect all zest, ensuring you have approximately 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
2. Juicing: Cut 1-2 oranges and juice them to extract ½ cup of fresh orange juice. Squeeze the lemon to obtain 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Combine Ingredients in Saucepot: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, all the orange and lemon zest, granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 4 egg yolks, butter, and salt into the pot.
4. Mix and Melt: Whisk the mixture continuously as the butter melts, ensuring that the ingredients combine thoroughly and that no lumps remain once the butter has fully melted.
5. Cook the Curd: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to stir and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the curd thickens. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot regularly to prevent burning.

Notes

• Be careful to zest only the colorful outer skin to avoid bitterness.
• Constant stirring is essential to prevent the curd from splitting or burning.
• If curd turns out lumpy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smooth texture.
• Store leftover curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Allow the curd to cool before serving or refrigerating to ensure proper thickening.

Keywords: orange curd, citrus curd, homemade curd, easy orange curd, citrus spread, orange dessert spread