key lime curd recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best key lime curd recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite key lime curd recipe. This tangy and sweet spread is a staple in my household, and I make it often for special occasions and everyday snacking.

The best part about key lime curd is its simplicity – just a few ingredients, no fuss, and it’s ready in no time. I first discovered key lime curd at a family gathering where my aunt served it on toast points.

I was hooked from the first bite, and now I make it for my kids and husband all the time. They love it on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for pancakes.

My kids also love helping me make it in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and learning about measurements and mixing.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. It’s also super easy to store in the fridge or freezer for later use, which makes it perfect for meal prep or busy days when you need something quick and easy.

My family loves key lime curd so much that we’ve even started making our own key lime trees in our backyard so we can have fresh limes year-round.

Key Lime Curd

4.9 from 650 votes

This tangy and creamy key lime curd is perfect for filling tarts, spreading on scones, or layering in parfaits. Made with fresh key lime juice and zest, it offers a bright citrus flavor with a smooth, silky texture.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Curd

3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (from about 20 key limes)
1 tablespoon key lime zest
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Pinch of salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until smooth and pale, about 1 minute.
2Whisk in the key lime juice, zest, and salt until fully combined.
3Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4Do not let it boil, or the eggs will scramble.
5Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the butter pieces until melted and smooth.
6The curd should be glossy and thick enough to hold a ribbon on the surface when lifted with the whisk.
7Pour the curd through a fine-mesh strainer set over a glass bowl to remove any lumps and the zest.
8Press gently with a spatula to extract all the curd, then discard the solids.
9Let the curd cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
10Refrigerate until fully chilled and set, at least 2 hours, before using.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Fine-mesh strainer
Glass bowl or jar for storage
Microplane or zester
Citrus juicer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 195mg🧂Sodium: 45mg🌾Total Carbs: 21g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For best flavor, use fresh key limes rather than bottled juice. The curd will thicken further as it chills. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Watch Video Of How Key Lime Curd Works

Key lime curd is always a good idea for any occasion because it is versatile and easy to make ahead. I keep a jar in my fridge for last minute desserts or to brighten up breakfast.

It works wonderfully for family gatherings when you need something that feels homemade and special without a lot of fuss. For serving, I like to spoon it over pound cake, use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies, or swirl it into cheesecake batter.

It also pairs well with fresh berries and whipped cream. Leftover curd can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, and it reheats gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you want it pourable.

Just remember to give it a good stir before using.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Curd

Q: What is key lime curd?

Key lime curd is a tangy and sweet spread made with key limes, sugar, eggs, and butter. It’s similar to lemon curd but with a more subtle flavor.

Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

No, you should use key limes for this recipe as they have a unique flavor and acidity level that makes them perfect for curds.

Q: How do I store leftover key lime curd?

You can store leftover key lime curd in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour of your choice.

Q: What’s the best way to serve key lime curd?

Serve it on toast points, biscuits, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

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