Need a Lemon Curd Substitute? Try One of These Six Options
Lemon curd has a long history dating back to the 19th century. It was originally made as a way to use up excess lemons that were grown on estates in England. The popularity of lemon curd soon spread and it became a staple in many British households.
Today, lemon curd is enjoyed all over the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. There are many different recipes for lemon curd, but the key ingredient is always fresh lemons. This gives the curd its characteristic tangy flavor that’s loved by so many people.
Despite its popularity, lemon curd can be difficult to find in stores. And when you do find it, it can be expensive. Luckily, there are a few lemon curd substitutes that can be used in place of lemon curd.
Lemon Curd Substitutes
1. Lime Curd
While lemon curd is the most popular flavor, lime curd is a wonderful alternative that is just as versatile and tasty.
Lime curd has a brighter, fresher flavor than lemon curd and pairs well with summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. It is also delicious in tarts, pies, cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. Lime curd can be made using fresh limes or bottled lime juice.
If you can’t find lime curd at your local grocery store, it’s easy to make lime curd at home. This recipe for lime curd below is easy to make with ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
To make lime curd, start by whisking together lime juice, sugar, eggs, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stirring frequently, cook the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in lime zest.
2. Lemon Custard
Curd and custard are typically created with the same ingredients, but custard has a much softer flavor since it includes less juice and zest.
Lemon curd is a delicious and versatile spread, but it can be tricky to make. Here are three common mistakes that can result in a foamy, rather than smooth and creamy, lemon curd.
- Overbeating the egg yolks is the first mistake. When you whisk the yolks too much, they start to foam up and the lemon curd will be grainy and frothy.
- Another mistake is not cooking the curd long enough. It needs to simmer until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s not cooked long enough, it will be runny and won’t set properly.
- Finally, adding too much liquid can also cause problems. If you add too much lemon juice or water, the curd will be thin and runny.
3. Lemon Creme/ Cream
Lemon Creme is the perfect substitute for lemon curd. It is just as tart and tangy, but has a smoother, creamier texture.
While it is not difficult to make lemon curd from scratch, there are times when a substitute is needed. Lemon creme is a great alternative to lemon curd and can be made in minutes.
Lemon creme is made by combining sweetened condensed milk with lemon juice. The mixture is then heated gently while being cooked until thickened. This process takes about 10 minutes and results in a smooth, creamy spread that tastes similar to lemon curd.
Lemon creme can be used in the same way as lemon curd and makes an excellent topping for scones, muffins, or pancakes. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or pastries.
4. Lemon Jam
Lemon jam can be used as a substitute for lemon curd in many recipes. You can use store bought lemon jam or make a homemade one.
If you’re in a pinch and need a lemon curd substitute, try using store bought lemon jam. It’s easy to find and usually comes in a convenient jar. Plus, it’s a delicious way to add a lemony flavor to your favorite recipes.
It is easy to make homemade lemon jam at home. Lemon jam is made by cooking lemon juice, sugar, and water over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens. The lemon zest is added at the end and cooked for a few more minutes.
Lemon jam can be used to top scones or muffins, spread on toast or bagels, spread on cookies, or mixed with yogurt or cream cheese. It can also be used in pies, tarts, or other desserts.
Lemon jam is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. It is a great way to add a burst of flavor to any recipe.
5. Lemon Pie Filling
Lemon pie filling is a delicious and easy to make pie filling that can be used as a substitute for lemon curd. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to the classic lemon pie filling. The best part about this recipe is that it only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in under an hour.
To make this lemon pie filling, simply combine condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust and bake until set. This easy lemon pie filling comes together in just minutes and is the perfect shortcut for those times when you want the flavor of lemon curd without all the work.
6. Lemon Marmalade
What do you do when you can’t find lemon curd at the store? Luckily, lemon marmalade makes a great substitute!
Lemon marmalade is a sweet and tangy preserve that is made from lemons, sugar, and water. It has a thick texture and an intense flavor that is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a filling in cakes or tarts.
While it may not be an exact replacement for lemon curd, lemon marmalade is a delicious alternative that will still satisfy your craving for something tart and sweet.
The process of making lemon marmalade involves boiling up sizable slices of lemon, which is the first thing to notice. From the zest to the pulp, every component of the lemon is used.
Due to the utilization of entire lemons, marmalade is a very lemony replacement. Since marmalade already errs on the side of being overpowering, you won’t have to worry about adding your own lemon flavoring.
Can Vegans Eat Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is typically made with eggs, butter, and sugar. However, there are vegan-friendly options available that use plant-based ingredients instead.
These substitutes are not as high in fat, so you can use fewer of them and still have a creamy texture. The best way to substitute one ingredient for another is to find an alternative that has the same texture and consistency as the original ingredient.
There are many recipes for vegan lemon curd available online. Most recipes use vegan margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, and some also use soy milk or almond milk in place of cow’s milk.
To make vegan lemon curd, you’ll need lemon juice, vegan butter, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
Whether you’re vegan or not, this delicious lemon curd recipe is sure to please everyone!
How Easy and Simple to Make Homemade Lemon Curd
Key Points on Need a Lemon Curd Substitute
If you’re in a pinch and need a lemon curd substitute, never fear! There are several options available that can be used as a replacement for this tart and tangy classic. While some substitutes may not be exact matches, they can still provide the desired flavor and consistency for your recipe.
In terms of flavors and taste similarity to lemon curd: lemon custard and lemon jam would be the obvious choices. Lemon Pie filling and lemon marmalade would be good replacements without much stretch from the original curd.
