Orange Curd Recipe
Introduction
Orange curd is a luscious, tangy spread bursting with fresh citrus flavor. It’s silky smooth and perfect for topping toast, muffins, or even dolloping on desserts. This quick recipe will have you enjoying homemade orange curd in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Zest and juice your oranges. Strain the juice to remove pulp and seeds.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, whole egg, and salt.
- Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Step 4: Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in the cubed butter gradually until the curd is smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to remove zest and any cooked egg bits.
- Step 7: Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd and let it cool to room temperature.
- Step 8: Store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smooth curd, strain it twice.
- Use Meyer lemons or blood oranges for a unique citrus twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet curd, reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons.
- Make sure to stir constantly to avoid scrambled eggs in your curd.
Storage
Keep your orange curd refrigerated in airtight, sterilized jars. It will stay fresh for up to 10 days. When ready to use, simply bring it to room temperature or gently warm for easier spreading.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze orange curd?
Yes, orange curd freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using and stir well.
What can I use orange curd for?
Orange curd is versatile—spread it on toast, fill cakes or tarts, swirl into yogurt, or enjoy it as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
Print
Orange Curd Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (approximately 1 serving) 1x
Description
This luscious Orange Curd recipe offers a tangy and creamy spread made from fresh orange zest and juice, combined with egg yolks, sugar, and butter. Perfect for topping toast, scones, or desserts, it is a vibrant and versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the citrus: Zest and juice your oranges, then strain the juice to remove any pulp and seeds for a smooth curd.
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the orange zest, orange and lemon juices, sugar, egg yolks, whole egg, and salt until fully combined.
- Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling and to ensure even cooking.
- Thicken the curd: Continue cooking and stirring for 8 to 10 minutes until the curd coats the back of a spoon, indicating it’s thickened properly.
- Add butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in the cubed unsalted butter until the curd is smooth and glossy.
- Strain the curd: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to eliminate any lumps for a silky texture.
- Cool the curd: Cover the surface of the curd with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool to room temperature.
- Store: Transfer the curd to sterilized jars and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 10 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Constant stirring is key to prevent the eggs from curdling and to achieve a smooth texture.
- Using fresh orange zest and juice enhances the flavor significantly.
- Straining the curd ensures a creamy final product without lumps.
- Keep plastic wrap touching the surface to avoid a skin forming during cooling.
- Store in sterilized jars and refrigerate for safety and longevity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments and Spreads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: orange curd, citrus curd, orange zest, homemade spread, tangy curd, buttery orange spread

